4 answers
Bowen
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How can I become an illustrator?
I am 16 and a 10th grader in highschool I like to draw and make creations and my career goal is to become an illustrator,how can I achieve that?
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3 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
60
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Bowen,
It’s great that you already know what you want! Being passionate about illustration at your age puts you on a fantastic path. Here’s an step-by-step guide to help you become an illustrator:
1. Decide or Explore Your Genre
Explore Different Styles: Take time to discover what type of illustration you love most whether it’s children’s books, fantasy art, character design, or editorial illustrations. This will help you focus your practice and build a unique style.
2. Collect References
Use Platforms Like Pinterest: Create boards for inspiration. Collect images, color palettes, and styles that resonate with you. This will help you develop your artistic vision and serve as a great resource for reference.
3. Keep Drawing
The best thing you can do right now is to keep drawing regularly. Experiment with different subjects and styles. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
4. Learn Digital Tools
Familiarize yourself with digital art programs like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, or Illustrator. If you’re just starting, you can explore free tools like Ibispaintx Krita and Medibang.
5. Take Art Classes
Look for art classes in school or online that focus on illustration, drawing, or design. Free courses on platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, or Udemy can be great for developing specific skills. Some recommended free resources include:
● Skillshare: Offers a variety of classes on illustration and drawing.
● Coursera: Look for courses on graphic design and illustration.
● YouTube: Channels like “Draw with Jazza” and “Proko” offer excellent tutorials.
6. Build a Portfolio
Start gathering your best work in a portfolio. This is what you’ll show to potential clients, colleges, or employers. Keep it updated as your skills grow it will showcase your capabilities and style.
7. Join Online Communities
Becoming part of an art community can be super helpful for feedback and inspiration. Try joining platforms like DeviantArt, ArtStation, or Instagram to share your work and connect with other aspiring illustrators.
8. Stay Curious and Experiment
Keep learning and exploring different types of illustration whether it’s in children’s books, animation, comics, or advertising. This way, you’ll find what kind of illustration excites you the most.
9. Seek Feedback and Critique
Share your work with friends, family, or online communities to get constructive feedback. Learning to accept critique can help you improve and grow as an artist.
10. Participate in Challenges
Join art challenges like Inktober or the 100-Day Project. These can push you to create regularly and explore new ideas.
Stay passionate, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to share your work. You’ve got plenty of time to grow, and with dedication, you’ll get there.
I hope this helps.
Best of Luck!
It’s great that you already know what you want! Being passionate about illustration at your age puts you on a fantastic path. Here’s an step-by-step guide to help you become an illustrator:
1. Decide or Explore Your Genre
Explore Different Styles: Take time to discover what type of illustration you love most whether it’s children’s books, fantasy art, character design, or editorial illustrations. This will help you focus your practice and build a unique style.
2. Collect References
Use Platforms Like Pinterest: Create boards for inspiration. Collect images, color palettes, and styles that resonate with you. This will help you develop your artistic vision and serve as a great resource for reference.
3. Keep Drawing
The best thing you can do right now is to keep drawing regularly. Experiment with different subjects and styles. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
4. Learn Digital Tools
Familiarize yourself with digital art programs like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, or Illustrator. If you’re just starting, you can explore free tools like Ibispaintx Krita and Medibang.
5. Take Art Classes
Look for art classes in school or online that focus on illustration, drawing, or design. Free courses on platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, or Udemy can be great for developing specific skills. Some recommended free resources include:
● Skillshare: Offers a variety of classes on illustration and drawing.
● Coursera: Look for courses on graphic design and illustration.
● YouTube: Channels like “Draw with Jazza” and “Proko” offer excellent tutorials.
6. Build a Portfolio
Start gathering your best work in a portfolio. This is what you’ll show to potential clients, colleges, or employers. Keep it updated as your skills grow it will showcase your capabilities and style.
7. Join Online Communities
Becoming part of an art community can be super helpful for feedback and inspiration. Try joining platforms like DeviantArt, ArtStation, or Instagram to share your work and connect with other aspiring illustrators.
8. Stay Curious and Experiment
Keep learning and exploring different types of illustration whether it’s in children’s books, animation, comics, or advertising. This way, you’ll find what kind of illustration excites you the most.
9. Seek Feedback and Critique
Share your work with friends, family, or online communities to get constructive feedback. Learning to accept critique can help you improve and grow as an artist.
10. Participate in Challenges
Join art challenges like Inktober or the 100-Day Project. These can push you to create regularly and explore new ideas.
Stay passionate, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to share your work. You’ve got plenty of time to grow, and with dedication, you’ll get there.
I hope this helps.
Best of Luck!
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
17
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Bowen,
You might check out some illustration classes on Skillshare. Various art and vocational-technical schools offer illustration as a major, or you can take illustration courses as part of a broader commercial art program. But the short answer is, find a source for technical training, because illustration, as you may know, is a considerably different skill from life drawing--although the fundamental skills used in drawing from life are important too.
A typical approach is to look for volunteer opportunities to get your work published and build up a portfolio to post online and share with potential clients or employers. With time, you might find you're particularly good at--and interested in--specific types of illustration, such as fashion, medical, comics and graphic novels, advertising, and so on, which would help you focus. I'd also suggest studying the work of contemporary and historic illustrators for background, reference, and inspiration. And start building a "swipe file" of reference materials you might need for your illustrations.
I sometimes do illustration as part of my graphic design work, but it's not my first love. Hopefully there are some professional illustrators here who will give you some good advice.
Best wishes to you.
You might check out some illustration classes on Skillshare. Various art and vocational-technical schools offer illustration as a major, or you can take illustration courses as part of a broader commercial art program. But the short answer is, find a source for technical training, because illustration, as you may know, is a considerably different skill from life drawing--although the fundamental skills used in drawing from life are important too.
A typical approach is to look for volunteer opportunities to get your work published and build up a portfolio to post online and share with potential clients or employers. With time, you might find you're particularly good at--and interested in--specific types of illustration, such as fashion, medical, comics and graphic novels, advertising, and so on, which would help you focus. I'd also suggest studying the work of contemporary and historic illustrators for background, reference, and inspiration. And start building a "swipe file" of reference materials you might need for your illustrations.
I sometimes do illustration as part of my graphic design work, but it's not my first love. Hopefully there are some professional illustrators here who will give you some good advice.
Best wishes to you.
Paul Hultman
Freelance Illustrations
9
Answers
Torrington, Connecticut
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Always remember this important lesson from my early school days: Cherish every moment of your creative journey, regardless of how you view your own artwork. Passion is the key to achieving greatness, whether in art or any other field. Instead of being overly self-critical, remain open-minded and embrace feedback from others. Use their perspectives as a stepping stone for your personal growth, as you continuously refine your style and technique, and find your unique place in art.
Draw inspiration from the styles and techniques of other artists, but always maintain your own authenticity as you develop your portfolio. Your journey is about self-discovery, so take your time. Enjoy the process and remember that you're engaging in what you love.
Be receptive to opportunities as you define your artistic objectives. You'll encounter resources that reveal different paths, leading you towards a profession in art or illustration. Remember, success is about following your passion and living it out. This will fuel your pursuit of the career you dream of!
When you encounter setbacks, don't lose heart. Persistence and determination will guide you in the right direction. Keep pursuing your dreams, invest the necessary effort, and you'll find yourself gradually moving closer to your goals. Best of luck in your journey towards publication design!
Draw inspiration from the styles and techniques of other artists, but always maintain your own authenticity as you develop your portfolio. Your journey is about self-discovery, so take your time. Enjoy the process and remember that you're engaging in what you love.
Be receptive to opportunities as you define your artistic objectives. You'll encounter resources that reveal different paths, leading you towards a profession in art or illustration. Remember, success is about following your passion and living it out. This will fuel your pursuit of the career you dream of!
When you encounter setbacks, don't lose heart. Persistence and determination will guide you in the right direction. Keep pursuing your dreams, invest the necessary effort, and you'll find yourself gradually moving closer to your goals. Best of luck in your journey towards publication design!