Debbie your posts are wonderful, I just came across them and am up after midnight rather than going to bed.
A question I had as someone who enjoys art but doesn't have formal training - are there any illustration or art courses you or your community can recommend for amateur artists who want to make the switch to drawing and illustrating for a younger audience? I'm having a hard time finding classes specifically designed to improve skills in kidlit illustration
As a regular reader of Letters from an American a substack by a US historian commenting on important developments in that sphere and how they relate to US history and politics I stumbled on this Substack randomly looking for some relief from its often depressing atmosphere. I rarely post but am delighted with its contents so far. I am
Not an artist but am actively involved in photography as an enthusiastic amateur and want to say what you advise in this post seems completely appropriate for photographers too.
I have one question. Assuming I'm capable of regularity when drawing daily and I have it somewhere in my schedule? What would you suggest as a minimum daily practice? When is/is not enough drawing?
"Try drawing memories from your head" .. I do sometimes quickly picture out a scene from my dream i had last night. Also brief note underneath. Some day later I get surprised when it replicates in reality.
This is great! I always struggle with colour - not just choosing them per image, but also how they work together/progress over the course of the full story. I feel like there's lots to consider and I always get intimidated
Thank you for this advice! When I started out, I remember feeling like every drawing I made needed to be good enough to share. Somehow I made a mindset shift and started just drawing for fun and sharing bits I find interesting. It’s much less stressful!
Thanks for the shout, Debbie! You knocked it out of the park. I’ll be giving this post some love in part 3 😉
Debbie your posts are wonderful, I just came across them and am up after midnight rather than going to bed.
A question I had as someone who enjoys art but doesn't have formal training - are there any illustration or art courses you or your community can recommend for amateur artists who want to make the switch to drawing and illustrating for a younger audience? I'm having a hard time finding classes specifically designed to improve skills in kidlit illustration
Wonderful tips, Debbie! Love your work! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
As a regular reader of Letters from an American a substack by a US historian commenting on important developments in that sphere and how they relate to US history and politics I stumbled on this Substack randomly looking for some relief from its often depressing atmosphere. I rarely post but am delighted with its contents so far. I am
Not an artist but am actively involved in photography as an enthusiastic amateur and want to say what you advise in this post seems completely appropriate for photographers too.
I have one question. Assuming I'm capable of regularity when drawing daily and I have it somewhere in my schedule? What would you suggest as a minimum daily practice? When is/is not enough drawing?
Your post is encouraging !
Thank you. I’m 60. I love to draw and paint. Feel unprofessional but your posy is enc
"Try drawing memories from your head" .. I do sometimes quickly picture out a scene from my dream i had last night. Also brief note underneath. Some day later I get surprised when it replicates in reality.
Your talent is so inspiring!! 💖
Great post, Debbie! It's incredibly helpful for me, a somewhat newbie illustrator, still finding my feet when it comes to illustration.
Thank you for answering my question! I will take your suggestions. I love this article.
I LOVE this, Debbie!
This is great! I always struggle with colour - not just choosing them per image, but also how they work together/progress over the course of the full story. I feel like there's lots to consider and I always get intimidated
Thank you for this advice! When I started out, I remember feeling like every drawing I made needed to be good enough to share. Somehow I made a mindset shift and started just drawing for fun and sharing bits I find interesting. It’s much less stressful!