Hey there, art lovers! Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m Sara, your local cat artist, who loves to express herself through various forms of art, including illustrations.
Now, let me share with you my artistic journey. While most artists started drawing as soon as they could hold a pencil, my creative spark didn’t ignite until my early teens when I stumbled upon the wonders of Photoshop. Sure, I doodled and drew as a child, but it wasn’t until Photoshop that I truly found my passion for the arts.
And how did I discover this amazing program, you ask? Well, it’s all thanks to my love for fairy wings (yes, you read that right!). I stumbled upon a photo with fairy wings, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to learn how to create them myself, and that’s precisely what I did.
Fast forward 16 years, and I’m still using Photoshop – but now I’m using it for drawing, not just tinkering with photos. It’s been quite a journey of exploration and discovery, and I’m excited to keep sharing it with you all. So, let’s create some magic together!
I pursued graphic design in college, I was barely passing my exams in my first 2 years in college, I didn’t really care, I went out to parties a lot and had no real passion, I did photography and ocasionally I drew. It wasn’t until my last two semesters that I became passionate about photography. I even landed a job at a local photo studio, but it turned out to be a distressing experience. Despite the struggles, I persisted and continued to hone my T-shirt design skills alongside my photography. I was more and more sure that I want to distance my self from photography, I did not like this specific job and I could say with confidance that it was the worst job I ever had. So I left photography for good and i focused more and more on my illustration.
Back in the year 2016, I decided to take part in the Inktober challenge. Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I spent countless hours creating art pieces that I am still proud of to this very day. Little did I realize at the time that I was starting a remarkable illustration series that I would continue for years to come. The series is called “Wordplays, puns and rhymes” – a collection of witty and playful illustrations that really put my creativity and quirky sense of humor to the test.
During my Inktober journey, I mostly used pen and paper to create my artwork. This meant my illustrations were primarily black and white, or grayscale. Yet, I found this to be a unique, and even advantageous, aspect of my style. These illustrations were perfect for textile printing (which I also happen to dabble in) and made for some eye-catching, bold graphics!
As my passion for illustration grew, so did my desire to capture every creative idea and inspiration that popped into my head. That’s when I committed to carrying around a simple A5 format sketchbook, which I have got completely for FREE at an event. It quickly became my trusty sidekick, accompanying me wherever I went. I filled its pages with countless sketches, musings, and even some unfinished masterpieces that I still hope to complete one day.
One of the key aspects in my transition to illustration was the fact that I always had my sketchbook with me. Sketching allowed me to capture ideas whenever they popped into my head. It allowed me to explore art at my own pace without worrying about costly equipment or running out of battery.
As an artist, having a sketchbook is essential to your creative process. Not only does it allow you to practice your skills and experiment with different techniques, but it also serves as a personal library of your ideas and inspiration. A sketchbook is a place where you can document your thoughts and translate them into visual art.Starting with a simple A5 format sketchbook is a great way to dive into the art of sketching. You do not need to invest in costly materials to get started. A plain sketchbook and a pen is all you need to begin exploring your creativity. Additionally, you can carry it with you wherever you go, allowing you to capture moments of inspiration on the go. It is an accessible and efficient way to keep track of your artistic journey.
For me, my first sketchbook was incredibly helpful in developing my skills and honing my craft. I used it to practice my techniques, improve my line work, and experiment with new mediums. Even today, I still refer back to it as a source of inspiration.
In conclusion, a sketchbook is an essential tool for every artist’s creative process. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, it is a perfect way to document your ideas and track your improvement as an artist. Start with something simple and accessible, like an A5 format sketchbook, and watch as your art flourishes.
So after practicing on my skechbook I have also started to illustrate more seriously, I added colors and was really careful with the details. Illustrating picture books is a blast! Not only do you get to bring stories to life, but it’s also an opportunity to draw all sorts of cool plants and animals. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love drawing fluffy cats and majestic horses?
Using digital illustration tools like Procreate and an iPad, you have a whole world of colors and textures at your fingertips. It’s like having a magical paintbrush that never runs out of paint! Plus, the digital format gives you the ability to make changes and adjustments on the fly without having to start all over again.
But the best part about illustrating picture books is seeing your work in print. Seeing people’s faces light up when they flip through the pages and discover your illustrations is the ultimate reward. It’s a great feeling to know that your artwork has the power to bring joy and spark imaginations.So if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding creative outlet, give illustrating picture books a try! Your inner child (and all the animals and plants you’ll draw) will thank you.
All in all, I’m grateful for my journey, and I’m grateful that it led me to where I am now. It was a challenging path, but it allowed me to find my artistic voice and passion. Photography will always hold a special place in my heart, but illustration is my calling.
