The first time I attended college 14 years ago, I was a Studio Art major. I
very specifically remember one of my foundations professors made it a
requirement of his course to subscribe to an industry magazine. At the time, I  had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, all I knew is that I wanted to
create art.  I didn't know what niche magazine to choose, and I recall being
outraged that we were expected to spend money on something not technically an  art supply. 

I mean, have you seen the price tag on some of those? Some are over $100/yr  to subscribe, and here I  was a first semester art student still trying to  process the sticker shock of the dreaded Required Supplies list. (I still can't  wrap my head around ColorAid Swatches... just...WHY?) I thought, why do I have  to spend MORE money to learn something, when my professor, a supposed expert in  the field is here in front of me and already paid to educate me on the subject? 
 
I scoffed and chose to subscribe to the least expensive arts related  publication I could find. I didn't understand my professor's reasoning then, but  I certainly get it now. Now that I've changed paths (and colleges) a few times,
and then finally stepped off the trail to begin a journey in self-education it's  become so clear to me.  Books and lessons in the classroom are great to give you  a jumping off point but never never stop learning from your peers and
contemporaries.  I feel old saying this, but I've just warmed up to Twitter, podcasts, and Youtube for this exact reason. And Livestream? Where has this been all my life!  So many wonderful artists generously sharing their talents.

 Now that I understand the importance of keeping a pulse to the arts community, I make sure to remember the lessons of my old prof  and read an industry article every day.  In fact, it comes second only to "Draw Something"
on my daily to do list.  I find that inspiration comes from strange places sometimes, and the more I read and open my mind to, the more I gather fuel for my imagination.  I love children's books, but I also read articles on game creation, animation, visual development and environment design.  I may never draw a futuristic robot but that doesn't mean I can't learn something from those who do so masterfully.

Although, definitely not the whole list, here are a few of my go-to bookmarked favorites:

Magazines
Imagine FX Magazine Fantasy & SciFi Digital Art 
American Artist Magazine, particularly the Drawing issue 
Blue Canvas Magazine, features up-and-coming artists from the online community

Twitter
#kidlitart - a weekly topical chat with children's book enthusiasts, authors, and illustrators
#arttips - get great art tricks and tips from working artists as well as Art Directors

Podcasts
Chris Oatley's Art Cast, former artist for Disney
Katie Davis , children's book author/illustrator 

Livestreams
Noah Bradley - environment & concept artist known for Magic cards
Anthony Jones - concept artist for film & video games
Will Terry - children's book illustrator
Nathan Fowkes - visual development artist
James Gurney - children's book author/illustrator, plein-air artist
Concept Cookie - digital tutorials for concept artists

What are some of your favorite industry or peer resources?