Illustration Ah-Ha Moments
Art by Analise Black
In this episode, Jake Parker, Samantha Cotterill, and Will Terry share lightbulb moments that have impacted their careers in illustration. Tune in and see what lights come on for you!
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SHOW LINKS
Sam Cotterill: samanthacotterill.com
Wicked Christmas game by Will Terry
Brooke Smart
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Watching another artist at work can unlock new ideas for you.
Critical feedback doesn’t mean you’re a terrible artist; it means someone sees your potential to become even better.
Never assume you’ve arrived. There’s always room for improvement, and that’s what keeps art exciting!
Quality is a byproduct of quantity.
Investing five minutes into a daily drawing practice will keep you warmed up for the days you’re able to work in longer stretches.
Turn your weaknesses into your strengths. Don’t claim to be ungifted when time and training could give you the skills you lack.
If your work looks the same as five years ago, it’s time to set new goals and grow.
SUMMARY
In this episode, Jake, Sam, and Will discuss their “ah-hah” moments as illustrators: lightbulb moments that helped them grow artistically, as storytellers, and as business owners.
Jake shares how watching another artist at work opened his eyes to new ways of inking, helping him realize how much you can learn from observing others. Jake also shares his discovery that drawing in large quantities leads to drawing with greater quality as muscle memory is formed and you develop a shorthand for communicating ideas.
Will takes us through his journey to learning facial proportions. Today many of us are familiar with Will’s drawings of adorable children, but creating young characters didn’t come naturally to him. Through much trial and error, he learned how to structure the faces of his characters to embody the cute factor we’re used to seeing in his work. He also shares how value grouping took his illustrations to the next level of readability.
Sam shares her insight about critiques: they’re not discouraging, but rather proof that another artist sees your potential and what your art could be with a little direction. This healthy mindset allows you to receive feedback and improve, rather than take it personally and stagnate. Sam also highlights the value of learning from artists who work in media different from your own as they can offer perspective to make your art multidimensional and well-informed.
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com
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