The art of illustration

Questions from David, Drawing Academy student

I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. My goal is to become an illustrator who writes and draws out my vision from my thoughts and imagination. I’m also enrolled in the Anatomy Master Class too, which has helped me greatly. I thank you for such in-depth information that my art teachers could never convey to me.

I’m currently drawing random shapes from my head, taking the time to execute the techniques of refining my pencil strokes and working on perspective. Drawing smaller-scale drawings and full-body anatomy are my weakest areas. That is the only thing hindering me from making creative art that I imagine.

My routine is very methodical. I draw for six hours a day, no matter how confident I feel that my drawings will come out that day (and most of them come out like rubbish at times, lol.) But I draw anyway; my set pattern is working for two hours, drawing random shapes from life or from my imagination. The next two hours I’m working on learning anatomy and drawing from life. And then just studying drawings from other artists.

Now, my question are:

How to draw smaller-scale drawings?

And how to measure by eye efficiently and accurately?

Hi David,

Thank you very much for your story and questions.

I’m certain that you will achieve your creative goals as you work hard and practice drawing every day. This counts much more that any inborn talent or some genius genes, if there are such things : )

The skill of measuring by eye only comes with practice. Here’s what you can do to train it:

Draw whatever proportions you do, first judging measurements by eye and then double-checking them with a pencil. How to measure with a pencil is described here »

When it comes to making small drawings, it is easier to use a “writing” pencil grip rather than a “candle” one.

Let me know if you have any questions; I will be happy to help.

Best regards,
Vladimir

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