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