“No Going Back” by Philip Dunne
© Philip Dunne 2009 - 2013
Pencil, ink and Photoshop CS3
Drawing Tip 4:
Don’t do it cheap - but experiment:
If you are a digital illustrator, then you would spend the most amount of money you had on a super fast mac or pc. This is the same for traditional illustration or drawing. Spend as much as you can afford on good quality art tools and paper. A few years back I went to a chain supermarket and bought a set of drawing pencils because money was tight and I felt they were a ‘good deal’. Worst decision ever! Because the pencils were poor quality and my drawings were hard to produce with poor materials. I was starting out as an illustrator and I learned my lesson - now I go to quality art shops and buy the best pencils or pens I can get.
Also buy a good quality notebook, don’t scribble stuff on a cheap notebook with the pages lined, get a nice moleskin. However don’t treat your notebook like a finished piece…this is your jotter so it’s good to even stick photos in. Don’t be too fussy in having perfectly finished pieces in a notebook. Also try to experiment when drawing. Don’t stick to pencils, drawing is essentially about image making and no matter what you use, it’s the outcome that is important. You might get beautiful results by drawing with a larger brush or pen you’ve made yourself…whatever works feel free to take yourself out of the familiar. I recently illustrated a piece called “My Garden Is Ripe” I hadn’t worked with colored charcoals for a few years so I decided to use in this piece. It took me a while to draw things out because charcoal is much more delicate than pencil but I really enjoyed doing something different!
Drawing Tip 3:
*Every* idea counts:
A question I get asked frequently is “Where do your ideas/concepts come from?” It might sound unbelievable but I would get roughly 20 ideas for a finished illustration a day. Some that I just don’t have the time to explore, others that are definitely finished pieces. That’s why I carry a small A5 notebook and a pencil with me everywhere.
So I can quickly scribble down creative thoughts that run into my head. It is something that I don’t force. It occurs organically, specifically when I’m doing mundane things like traveling on the bus or going to bed. I do my best to draw what I see in my mind, getting the color and tones down too. Then if I feel that the idea is good enough to pursue, I will sketch up a more detailed rough and decide on what techniques to use and what colors would best work. Never ever discard an idea, no matter how wacky or absurd it might seem. It’s these off the radar concepts that you should always pay attention to and try to develop.
Quirky ideas go hand in hand with your own personal style of drawing…they will make you be constantly original and keep you working onto the next concept and developing the next illustration.
So no matter how strange an idea is - pursue it!
E.T. Series 1 - 7
“The Earth had been destroyed and plundered of it’s natural resources and beauty. In a far away galaxy, an advanced race of Extraterrestrials see the pain that mankind is experiencing…the decide to set course for Earth on a mission to repair, regenerate and perfect the dying human race.”
&Reach new illo: This Is My City
I am now represented by &Reach http://reach.tv/ in the USA. Here is an exclusive new illustration I created for them. Please follow them on Twitter, Facebook and sign up for their mailing list!
Drawing Tip 2
YOUR *own* STYLE, YOUR *own* VOICE:
This is something which I cannot stress enough - developing your own style of drawing. Every time somebody asks me about my art or how to pursue a career in illustration, I always tell them first to find their own voice and develop their own style. Don’t ever try to be somebody else - this is the ultimate failure of any artist or illustrator. We are all unique and we each have special qualities…remind yourself of these when you are creating.
Remember what people like your friends, your family tell you about yourself and build on that. Somebody might tell you, ‘you are eccentric or you are moody’…then go and express this in your style of illustration and drawing. By discovering your own style, you are not only developing a signature that will make you instantly recognizable, you are also staying true and honest to yourself. But with that said, you can also have fun by referencing and creating an homage to your favourite artist. I’ve done this a few times in my own work, whether it was Dali, Warhol or Lichtenstein.
I think it’s good to give people an idea of what excites you as an artist and by doing this, you are attracting the right type of person you want to follow your work.
I also adore the work of James Jean, but I will never be him or draw like him so why would I waste my time trying to be something I’m not? It might take time (it took me around 2-3 years) but find your voice, find your style and develop, experiment and practice. It would be a pretty boring art scene if every single artist worked in the same style, wouldn’t it?
A visual notebook is an excellent way to start. You can buy a small A5 notebook and a biro and just start scribbling down things that drop into your head, visuals that excite you or even stick in things like cuttings from magazines or a url from a website. My illustrations usually start with a thumbnail roughed into a notebook. And again, as I said above - experiment! The most groundbreaking things in the creative world are mostly discovering by accident and by experimenting.
I’d love to see any sketches or techniques you use to draw with - please feel free to email me or post a link!
Thanks,
Philip ;-)
Say hello!
Feel free to email or message me if you’d like to chat about any techniques or concepts related to my art or you’d just like advice or tips! Thanks ;-)
Retroactive: “Epic: Scribble”
by Philip Dunne circa 2010
Tweet me: @philiptheartist
“Woofer”
#FACET - 47/365 - JMM
Drawing Tip 1
Drawing Tip 1:
Don’t be intimidated/Get comfortable
The first thing that I find with people who want to learn to draw is the feeling of apprehension and confidence. Remember that when you set out to draw something, it is impossible to aim for a completely lifelike, perfectly rendered illustration straight off. There are illustrators and artists whose art looks are technically superb but they still have errors and imperfections in their work and they have spent years developing their style (which I’ll get into later) They have honed their skills by practicing everyday.
Don’t run before you can walk, I myself have scrapped (Yes! Torn up and thrown in my trashcan) a few pages before I get my idea the way I want down on the page. Also, set up a space where you can feel relaxed and comfortable to draw in.
Remember to watch your back and take breaks if plan to draw for a few hours in the day. I do my drawing in blocks; for example, I’d spend five hours on day drawing, two the hours the next or half hour etc. I also like to give myself a full whole day drawing, like switching off my computer and Social Media sites and sitting down to practice or develop something new. If you like to work with noise, then work in a busy space…I myself work in a very quite room but I do put on my iPod the odd time as I’m drawing. I also like to have a pot of tea or water ready to drink so I can take my break.
I’d like to hear from you, please leave a comment or any tips you have yourself ;-) Philip.
Follow me on Twitter for the latest updates, links and previews! ;-)
