Networking is an important part of being an illustrator, whether you are a freelancer or a staff artist. Joining professional organizations and associations is a good way to find out about job opportunities, marketing methods, conferences, portfolio reviews, and technical advice while giving you an opportunity to meet other illustrators, authors, editors and publishers.
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators "The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people."
Graphic Artist's Guild The Graphic Artists Guild is a national union of illustrators, designers, web creators, production artists, surface designers and other creatives who have come together to pursue common goals, share their experience, raise industry standards, and improve the ability of visual creators to achieve satisfying and rewarding careers.
Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists ASFA was organized for artistic, literary, educational and charitable purposes concerning the visual arts of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology and related topics. We are dedicated to providing a communications link among our members, as well as providing helpful information and technical assistance.
Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers The Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP) is a group of professionals in the field of children's culture with members from all parts of Canada. For over twenty years, CANSCAIP has been instrumental in the support and promotion of children's literature through newsletters, workshops, meetings and other information programs for authors, parents, teachers, librarians, publishers, and others.
CAPIC CAPIC was founded in 1978 as a national, not-for-profit association dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the rights and interests of photographers, illustrators and recently, digital artists, working in the communications industry. Starting as a single group in Toronto, CAPIC has grown to six chapters, spanning the country from Halifax to Vancouver, with a membership of over 1030
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as an organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community.
Association of Illustrators The AOI was established in 1973 to advance and protect illustrator's rights and encourage professional standards. The AOI is a non-profit making trade association dedicated to its members' professional interests and the promotion of illustration. The Illustrators Partnership of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the business of professional illustration.
Society of Illustrators The mission of the Society is to promote the art and appreciation of illustration, as well as its history and evolving nature, and to encourage high ideals through exhibitions, lectures, education, and by fostering a sense of community and open discussion.
Association of Medical Illustrators The professional objectives of the AMI are to promote the study and advancement of medical illustration and allied fields of visual communication, and to promote understanding and cooperation with the medical profession and related health science professions.
AIGA the professional association for design, is committed to furthering excellence in design as a broadly-defined discipline, strategic tool for business and cultural force. AIGA is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research and advance education and ethical practice.
The Society of Photographers and Artists Representatives encourages high standards of conduct from professional representatives across the country. It fosters an environment of shared information that includes the compilation, collection and distribution of equitable strategies and ethical guidelines concerning the effective marketing and sale of artists' work.
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature The NCCIL provides recognition of the artistic achievements of illustrators and gallery exhibitions of their works. Additionally, the NCCIL designs educational programming that relates to illustrations in children's literature in order to stimulate creativity, promote literacy and to increase appreciation for art.
Children's Book Council is a nonprofit trade association of publishers and packagers of trade books and related materials for children and young adults.
The American Library Association's mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. ALA offers professional services and publications to members and nonmembers.
Biomedical Illustration All about medical illustration, scientific illustration and the related design industry.
American Society of Botanical Artists is dedicated to promoting public awareness of botanical art and to encouraging the development of this continuing artistic tradition.
International Association of Astronomical Artists The object of the IAAA, as a non-profit foundation, is to implement and participate in astronomical and space art projects, to promote education about astronomical art and to foster international cooperation in artistic work inspired by the exploration of the Universe.
Guild of Scientific Illustrators is a non-profit organization that sets high professional standards, provides opportunities for professional and scholarly development, encourages and assists member networking, and promotes itself to potential clients and the general public.
Institute of Medical Illustrators Professional association in the United Kingdom focusing on clinical photography, art, graphics and video in healthcare.
Medical Artists' Association of Great Britain Our trained members possess the specialist combination of technical artistic ability with a comprehensive knowledge of medicine and science, thus providing a smooth communication between artist and client. They are skilled in numerous fields ranging from traditional and digital illustration to facial reconstruction for research and forensic science.
National Cartoonists Society The National Cartoonists Society is the world's largest and most prestigious organization of professional cartoonists.Greeting Card Association is the trade organization representing greeting card and stationery publishers, and allied members of the industry.