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#arttips

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Here's a question for all you digital artists out there…

How do you organize your "digital sketchbook", if you have one? Or, how do you deal with doodling and possibly having dozens of files of random things lying around?

Personally, I make a Comic file in :clip_studio_paint: and use it like a sketchbook. I add "pages" as needed, but the comic file format keeps it all organized. When a sketch gets more serious, I can then copy it into its own document/file to finish without worrying about the other sketches cluttering up the page. (The only annoying thing with this is you have to have the expensive version of CSP to use their comic files…)

So for those of you still trying to learn fundamentals, or just want to brush up on your illustration/cartooning skills, definitely check out the Famous Artist Cartoon Course textbook, available to download for free here:

randomnerds.com/learn-to-draw-

SO much good stuff! The clothing folds chapter is particularly useful, but there's a lot more besides that. Do check it out! ✍️

(I should also warn that because this is an older resource it does contain problematic and racist imagery and caricatures. Take care of yourselves!)

#Art#ArtTips#Tutorial

My tips for how I add line weight to an artwork: where lines cross by each other, intersect, & where they start/stop. Areas closer to the viewer, that overlap with other elements, also tend to have thicker lines in my style. I also add variation in the face, to help facial features pop more.

✨ I go in depth in what is line weight and how to do it in my tutorial bundle here: ko-fi.com/s/b6e3b7fcc0

Reminder that tracing is an extremely valuable tool to utilize for art! It can help you vastly improve your skills and give you a good jump start into understanding difficult subjects. 💪

I traced less than 30 images (1-4 times each) in between this before/after, using a variety of different methods of tracing. (Loose, contour, detailed, blocking, etc.)

I talk more about the process of this experiment in this video: youtube.com/watch?v=yUDPvgHFZ0

Def give it a try! :)

Simple product photo tips for arts & crafts.

1. Use a plain/neutral background.
Avoid detracting from your artwork with backdrops that may be hard to edit out.

2. Use soft, even lighting.
Soft light, from either side & above, is often the best compromise. Harsh light (incl bright sunlight) highlights details but also flaws.

3. Take a series of photos, including installation shots. Keep all your pictures filed, so you can find them easily.

@KarinWanderer

If I was organizing my loose small pieces, I'd probably put them into envelopes, as I can label each up by writing on them.

If you want to organise your work further, then I recommend punching holes in the envelopes, so you can put them in ring binders or a lever arch file.

Small boxes also sound like a good storage option, but label them up before you forget what the contents are.

Pro tip: if you have any art tools or utensils that you hate or are dying and just want to get rid of them, or sketchbooks you struggle to get through--just draw quick nothing studies!

They don't have to be pretty, just get the job done ;) Plus it's good practice! 💪

Share this post to help encourage artists to use up those art supplies ;D

Urban sketching is all about sketching on location. The location is up to you.

Pre-pandemic, I sketched in cafes a lot. Some people sketch on public transport, from inside their car, or at home. Anywhere is fine, so long as you're drawing from life.

If it's too hot to sketch outside, try and find a shady spot early or late in the day. Remember sunscreen, a hat, and always stay hydrated.

See my Instagram (link in bio) for more examples.