Illustration is your representation in an art style of what you see/ what the subject is, of course there's so many parameters that define how the illustration is. But illustrators are unique because of their ability to have their very own narrative for the art they make. Below I share my insight to start on this fabulous journey.
- Be authentic & have a committed style of yours : Every artwork you make must scream of your essence, whether it's the kind of colours or the kind of lines, it should be what you authentically enjoy creating and enables you to keep making the same kind of art in different scenarios!
- Don't compare and copy : Comparing on what's popular or what someone else is doing will dilute your energy and vibe, and this is definitely a big red flag in your portfolio but prospective clients.
- Popular or trends should inspire you, not intimidate you : Whatever feels trending should uplift your energies to help your create more, notice when you're not making what feel 'genuine' to self and re-direct to make more authentic art!
- Save all the art you make, and revisit what you think is "not good enough": There will be artwork that will have potential to your future eyes, so save all the art you make and don't be harsh on yourself to scrap it when it doesn't feel okay. Also, biggest tip- add your signature to your artwork! Sign, letters, small icon, whatever works for you but make sure to add it in before sending/posting it anywhere.
- Your genuine persona must reflect the art you create and you most of all should believe in it : It will help you pitch when clients come knocking, and this also makes you have a narrative to your creation!
- Skills > Tools : Skillset will also help you achieve more and climb up the ladder than having the fanciest tools, so invest time in learning and upgrading self and enjoy this process. You will have all the fancy tools when you are at the right space, don't hurry and rush to empty your wallet just because you're tempted!
- Draw daily and maintain a sketchbook : Illustrators and artists have paper buddies in their bags all the time, in different sizes and shapes. So, make sure you're drawing and sketching daily to express your art and create.
This journey is going to help you uncover all the creative ideas you have and help your embrace your flaws and find your true creative self. Always seek advice from peers or mentors and most of all, trust yourself to always keep growing! It's a fun life to be an illustrator and most of all, it's a lovely feeling to be able to draw anything-everything for clients in all industries. Everything around you has art and illustration, notice the labels on your creams to your cereal to the big billboard on the highway. From working for NGO's to the World bank to children's books to branding to packaging, I have loved my journey and everyday I pinch myself to be able to draw for a living!