Becoming an illustrator is a smart way to become popular on social media. You can create works of art for hundreds if not thousands of people. You will be highly appreciated if not admired by your followers.
There is a long way to get there, I’m not going to lie. First, you need to start learning illustration design, then practice this art, and finally, post your work on social media for others to enjoy. There are three things to keep in mind when you start learning illustration design.
- Be confident in your style – don’t let others tell you what defines you.
- Be aware of the existing market.
- Promote yourself as much as you can.
If you respect these three golden rules, you’ll be successful in no time. Here’s how to get started.
- Start drawing freely
The first thing you wanna do is draw freely. Don’t go digital just yet. Get a sketchbook and start drawing whatever catches your eye in real life. Do not aim too high – if your sketches look reasonable enough, don’t strive for perfection. Embrace your style as your own, do not try to change who you are at the very core. Your drawings will show that, and that’s how they’ll differentiate from others. Keep in mind that your drawings don’t have to be realistic in any way. Actually, the less realistic they are, the more interesting they might become.
- Doodle
This is a good way to gain some confidence in holding the pen. You can literally draw anything. Pick something you like and start. One of my good friends used to draw comic books as a kid and became an illustrator expert by the time she was 20. It really depends on what you like doing, what you find interesting, and how you can express that. Be as open as you can to lay your art on the screen, don’t shy away from anything. Your story is ultimately conveyed through your style. Just make sure you’ve got enough time to explore.
Many young people start to study design at the university. For this reason, they have trouble finding time to illustrate and study, at the same time. If you’ve got an essay due, you cannot afford to study digital illustration. This is why the writing platform Writix.co.uk was created. The writers at this professional website help students with their homework to make sure they have enough time for their hobbies.
- Find inspiration
You can copy other illustrators’ work to develop a new style – but make sure you’re not stealing from them to create your own. Be fair and square. Here’s a guide on how to find inspiration.
- Start studying what you’re passionate about. Read more if you must. Then write down what you imagine when you’re reading.
- Watch new movies, and also start listening to new types of music. Checking out new artists is a great way to get new ideas flowing.
- Take a Graphic Design class at your university. It will give you access to a wide database of information.
- Be more aware of your surroundings. Start noticing more. Listen to people’s stories and create something intriguing out of them; you can later include these mental notes in your illustration.
- Sign up for Pinterest and get inspired from there.
Feed your mind with new information. Be more patient and observant. These qualities will help you a lot!
- Keep going
You’re just a beginner, after all. So, exploring new things, getting stuck sometimes – this is all normal. Discovering yourself and your style might take you some time, and that’s okay- don’t freak out. Take your time and stay motivated. Do not let anyone distract you from your work. Keep going until you feel confident enough, even if the road might be paved with challenges. The road to success is never easy!
- Include your personality
As I said, your work must be a reflection of your personality. Your work must reflect your past and your interests, as well as your passions. It should be the sum of who you are as a person. Whatever shaped your character will shape your art, so let your imagination dance freely. Then choose a theme and stick to it for a while, see how it feels.
- Master digital software
After learning the drawing basics, it’s time to start using the right tools. Some of the best ones are:
- Adobe Photoshop CC
- Corel Painter for Windows
- Affinity Designer for Mac
- Autodesk Sketchbook
- Krita
- Rebelle-3 for watercolor art
- Clip Studio Paint Ex
- Procreate
- ArtRage
And of course, there are more to look at. The list can go on forever.
Wrapping Up
To start as a digital illustrator, all you have to do is be confident, work hard, and use the right techniques. Let your mind flow freely and trust yourself. Find a style that truly defines you. Don’t let others define who you are. Good luck!
Author Bio:
James Collins is a freelancer and digital expert. He is working for a digital art company as a part-time collaborator while finishing his book for art lovers. James loves to paint and play the piano in his free time.
