16 geT OuT Of yOur way
There’s a tendency to intellectualise every decision, but that’s not where inspiration
comes from. At a certain point we need to turn our brains off and trust in what we know
and what we feel, and let the light of inspiration shine onto the paper... and get out of its
way. We can be our own worst enemy when we try to funnel things through our
conscious mind. Trust instead to sense-memory and instinct. When the studies are put
aside, these are the two factors that can bring life, feeling and funkiness to sketches.14 TrusT The imaginaTiOn
This is the “less is more” speech. There’s no need, especially in a sketch, but
also in a more finished drawing or painting, to spell out every little detail.
Sometimes it’s fun as a challenge, but there’s arguably more value in letting
the viewer’s imagination fill in the gaps. It gets them more involved whether
they realise it or not. Leaving parts to the imagination also enables us to flex
some value design muscles, and hopefully elevate the quality of our images.15 draw what you loVe/know
We all have themes that we gravitate
toward. It’s good to explore those themes
and see how creative you can get with them,
or how beautiful an image you create within
them. Hopefully, those themes are also in
line with what you know. Drawing what you
know is crucial: if we try to fake something,
chances are someone out there knows
better than we do and will see the flaws.
If you draw what you know it’ll elevate your
art immensely. This can apply to fantasy and
sci-fi as well. We just need to find those
aspects we can relate to in some way. I seem
to draw a lot of elves and girls with big cats
(my love of Frazetta shows through there).13 cOmpeTe wiTh The besT
Don’t just compare yourself to your peers, unless they happen
to be the best in the biz. Being the best in your group of friends
doesn’t mean you’re anywhere near the top of the game.
Always keep an eye on the people at the peak. Learn from
them, get frustrated and inspired by them. But never resent
their success, because they’ve earned the hell out of it.Let the viewer’s
imagination fill in
the gaps. It gets them
more involved
76 August 2017
Workshops