How to Cite Illustrations

Learn how to properly cite illustrations, drawings, diagrams, and other artistic works in APA format.

Basic Format

Illustrator, I. I. (Year). Title of illustration [Illustration]. In Book title. Publisher.

Artist, A. A. (Year). Title of artwork [Type of illustration]. Museum/Collection. URL

Examples

Book Illustration

Sendak, M. (1963). Max in his wolf suit [Illustration]. In Where the Wild Things Are. Harper & Row.

Digital Illustration

Johnson, K. (2023). Future city concept [Digital illustration]. ArtStation. https://www.artstation.com/artwork/future-city

Technical Diagram

Technical Institute. (2023). Cross-section of jet engine [Technical illustration]. Engineering Handbook Online. https://www.handbook.org/diagrams

Key Elements

Creator Information

  • Illustrator's name
  • Artist's name
  • Studio/Agency
  • Publisher

Illustration Details

  • Title of work
  • Type of illustration
  • Medium used
  • Series information

Source Information

  • Publication details
  • Book/Journal title
  • Page number
  • Access information

Illustration Types

Traditional Illustrations

  • Pencil drawings
  • Ink illustrations
  • Watercolor paintings
  • Mixed media

Digital Illustrations

  • Vector graphics
  • Digital paintings
  • 3D renderings
  • Concept art

Special Cases

Additional Guidelines

  • Book covers
  • Editorial illustrations
  • Scientific diagrams
  • Commissioned works

In-Text Citations

First Citation

Use the illustrator's name and year:

In Sendak's (1963) illustration...

Subsequent Citations

Use parenthetical citation:

The illustration (Sendak, 1963) shows...

Copyright and Usage

  • Copyright status
  • Usage rights
  • Reproduction permissions
  • Licensing terms
  • Attribution requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't omit illustrator credit
  • Don't forget medium specification
  • Don't ignore source publication
  • Don't mix citation styles
  • Don't neglect copyright information