Take note of how they use composition, color, and line to bring their art to life. Determine the tone and lines of your favorite artists and try to emulate them by using the same colors or line styles. Research the materials that they used and try to replicate the process by using the same materials. Famous historical illustrators include people like Jean André Castaigne, Edwin Austin Abbey, and Rose O’Neill. [2] X Research source Some successful contemporary illustrators include Pat Perry, Dagna Majewska, and Mouni Feddag.
When you study art, pay attention to the subject, color, composition, contrast, and creativity. For example, look for what was popular in the Renaissance as well as Japanese prints culture to find the styles that inspire you. You might notice exciting details in person that you never saw in a photo, like the amount of texture in a painting.
The primary types of graphic novel include, manga, superhero stories, personal narratives, and non-fiction. Some of the most popular graphic novels include titles like Uncle Scrooge, Persepolis, and Maus. [3] X Research source Some popular contemporary art books include “Every Person in New York,” “Beastly Verse,” and “Beloved Dog. “[4] X Research source
If you always color, try stippling. Stippling is a way to shade using just a range of tones, called values. Basically, you add detail to an illustration just with tiny little dots or specks. You can also try doing other art forms like sculpture or painting if you feel like you have illustrator’s block.
Study how light and shadows fall on a subject to develop a technique that’s “photorealistic,” which helps your art look extremely life-like. Other styles include surrealism, abstraction, and manga. [6] X Research source If you always draw cartoony, try to draw something realistic. Drawing in different styles can help hone your skills.
Some artists are best known for drawing a particular subject, such as Georgia O’Keeffe who is best known for her distinct paintings of flowers. [7] X Research source
Try doing quicker concept pieces instead of obsessing over getting something perfect if you are having a hard time completing a drawing. [8] X Research source Try taking thirty or fewer seconds to draw something. Aim to get the form and idea of your subject matter, rather than drawing the minute details. Many artists stick to similar themes, colors, lines, and drawing techniques which distinguish their style from other artists. [9] X Research source If you have a block in inspiration, concentrate less on achieving a unique style and focus more on getting your emotions out on paper.
Vary your line width throughout a drawing, but try to maintain a cohesive style overall. The way you outline your drawings will influence your style heavily. [10] X Research source
Decide whether color will even play a role in your illustrations as some artists prefer to draw in black and white. You may choose to color your drawings with paint, pastels, or colored pens, or scan them and do color edits in a software program.
Even if you’ve been drawing independently for years, taking a class may teach you something new and will surround you with other illustrators that you can give you feedback and tips. Things to consider when looking for classes include the class schedule and the cost of the courses. In addition to these basic techniques that every illustrator should have, there are also more advanced techniques used by many illustrators that include etching, stipple, and crosshatching. [13] X Research source
For instance, if you are great at drawing faces but bad at anatomy, take extra time to draw the human body until you become more proficient. Make sure that you’re in an environment that you feel comfortable so that you can get the most out of your practice.
Many art classes will have critiques where other artists will comment on your work and talk about how you can improve. Don’t let a suggestion get you down. Instead of being upset, examine what’s being said and consider that it could improve your art. You can say, “My feelings won’t be hurt. I just want to know how I can make my drawings more appealing to people. Can you give me some advice?”
For example, you can use the dynamic colors of Matt Lyon and combine it with the thick lined, black and white style of Matthieu Bessudo to get a unique style that’s your own. [15] X Research source Experimentation will lead to your results that you may be able to incorporate into your style.
