So, where should you start with an illustration if you are a beginner? It is one of the most common questions that beginners often ask when deciding to start a career in illustration. Being an illustrator can be an attractive job for those who like to draw. It is creative and profitable with the possibility of having your work seen and praised by the public, just like Megan Hess prints.
However, making money from it will require a lot of commitment, hard work, and artistic skills. The good news is becoming an illustrator is not hard; you need to be smart in what you do. If you want to become successful at illustration, you must have confidence in your style, observe market awareness, and practice self-promotion. Also, you might even require a bit of luck.
How to Find Your Visual Style
If you are absolutely a beginner, then the most important step is to find a way of expressing yourself visually. The best way that illustrators can express their ideas is through drawing. Hence, learning to draw will be your high priority. Here are some tips on how to start your drawing practice.
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Draw Regularly Using a Sketchbook
At first, a blank sheet of paper and a pencil will become your two most terrifying things. That is why it is important to focus your mindset before you start. The objective here is not to become very excellent at drawing. Although this could likely happen, the most important thing is you should be comfortable in expressing your creativity. For instance, if your drawing is naive and vague, you should try to adopt it as part of your style. It doesn’t have to be realistic.
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Draw From Your Head or Draw From Your Source
You can do anything you want to help you feel more confident holding your pencil while telling your story to the world. Perhaps when you were still a young kid, you were using stickmen for your comic books. In reality, there are many forms of expressing visual communication. Hence, you should not feel ashamed of using stickmen to tell your story.
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Imitate Other People’s Work But for Educational Purposes Only
Remember that you should not misrepresent other people’s work as your own. You might not like copying; however, think of it as your learning curve. It can be very helpful to you most, especially if you are still a beginner, especially if you lack confidence in your drawing skills. Copying will be a great start if you have absolutely no skills and experience.
As much as possible, when you are copying other people’s works, such as Megan Hess prints, try to use the same materials that they use. Also, copying can help you in discovering the art techniques that you prefer. A word of advice, while you are copying other people’s work, you should try to develop your style.
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Keep Yourself Motivated
Keep in mind that the process of discovering your style will probably take some time. Sometimes you might find it hard to keep yourself motivated on your own. Surely, there will be many times when you feel hesitant and want to abandon this project. That is why it would be a good idea to encourage your family and friends to support you.
We hope that these ideas can be helpful to you if you decide to start with an illustration.
