Remember when you first time read the comic strip called “Peanuts” which has amazing characters such as Snoopy and Charlie Brown made you feel closer to them and their character illustrations were so unique and original that made you re-read the comic about those indelible young kids. From strokes of pen or pencil with creativity and imagination, an illustration is created.
While creating an illustration one evokes the strong emotional response through which it reaches the audience. Getting a good drawing is should not be the only thing about illustration but capturing a creative message is also necessary. Those days were long gone when illustrations were just meant for the kid’s book, today adults are more fascinated by them and love a book that has illustrations.
The illustration is often compared with graphic design as nowadays both depend on the technology and software, but they are different as graphic design involves digital storytelling and illustration is an epicentre of creative representation of concept or text. There are many amazing illustrators that we do not know, but we came across their astonishing work such as Hayao Miyazaki, E.H Shepard, Beatrix Potter and many others.
Before getting ahead, let us understand what illustration is:-
Definition of Illustration
An illustration is an interpretation, visual, explanation of text, concept or process, designed for integration in print and digital media such as magazines, newspapers, books, films, animations, videos, flyers, posters, comics etc. There are different types of illustrations to create from such as block, charcoal, pencil, digital acyclic, ink etc. With different styles such as vintage, fantasy, fashion, line art and many others.
Now here are some illustration tips that can help you to go from beginner level to pro:-
Tips that will help you grow as an illustrator
-
Practice makes everyone perfect
The best way to hone your skill is to practice daily. Which is the best way to work on your basics and style of making illustrations. If it is hard to stick to a certain routine then join a challenging program. Many illustrators take up the challenge where they can interpret the topic by adding their unique style. On Instagram, you can join or find many challenges just by using certain hashtags such as #inktober or #illustrationchallenge.
-
Inspiration is the key
Inspiration is an important source for illustrators, not only because of the subject but also when it comes to colour, approaches, styles and materials. It can strike from anything and anywhere it is best to keep your mind open and stay curious. Here are some ways you can find inspiration:-
- Look up to the top illustrators from your chosen line of work such as block or portrait illustration.
- Check other illustrators work on different platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook etc.
- Go to bustle places such as cafes, restaurants and others, try to draw what you see there as people, food, spaces. They can act as a great muse for your illustration.
- Sometimes the best illustration is drawn out from the daily life that can work up your imagination.
-
Start keeping a sketchbook
Keeping a sketchbook is an integral part of creative practice, as nothing goes wrong with a simple pen and paper. It helps to clear out your thinking, figure out the composition and shorten the process of starting an illustration. With a sketchbook, you can even look back at a certain sketch derive an idea from it or use it as a reference later.
-
Determine the area of interest
Whether you want to pursue fashion illustration or love working on a commercial illustration or whatever you like to draw, it is better to understand the skills of yours and hone them which can get you to focus. Sometimes being able to pull off every illustration kind of approach can mislead your clients and steer them away from the work that you wanted to do.
-
Create a portfolio
It is best to use your projects, ideas, self-imposed briefs which gained good applause and reviews from others should be added to the portfolio. When a potential client looks over your portfolio, you do not want them to lose interest in your work. So it is good to include your best seven to ten illustrations in the portfolio.
-
Show your work to the world
One must not afraid to put their work out on their social media platform and show it to everyone. Platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest etc can help you get seen by the client who probably wants to hire an illustrator for his/her/they projects. Whether you get a work or not by showcasing your illustrations you can get your audience.
-
Grow your style in time
Style always changes and evolves. The style develops from the practice, as you will start noticing a certain pattern in your illustrations. Remember that style is never constant and it always changes. The style that you were using in the past would be must different from the present style.
Wrapping Up
While creating illustrations it is better to experiment by mastering them you will be able to break the rules and create amazing art. In a few contexts, you can create beautiful art with a creative message. Colours can make or break the illustrations, so one must follow the colour hierarchy and keep a minimal colour palette as you do not want it to make the art more overfilled. Being an illustrator means curiosity and imagination should be taken sincerely. While illustrating the art, keep your mind open and your heart full of creativity and enthusiasm.
