September 24.09.2019

So we are in September, how did that happen?! This year, like every year I suppose, is speeding by way too quickly. Mid September I finished my online illustration course and to be honest I have felt at a bit of a loss since then, a bit like when you finish a really good TV series and you don’t know what to do with your life afterwards. Sit and stare into space? Never! You find another TV series to gorge yourself on!

I won’t be starting another course, not for quite a while! But I wanted to talk a bit about how it has enriched my creative mind. It has made me think about how I approach each drawing, and to consider using different techniques and mediums for my artwork. Not to be afraid to make a mess, that is what I have learnt.

I have always thought every drawing had to be perfect, perfect enough to share with the world, but I have since realised this is not the case. Not every drawing I create is going to be perfect and that’s okay.

I really enjoyed sitting down at my desk once a week for a couple of hours, sharing my work with the other students learning from each other and discussing our insecurities. It was refreshing to hear others struggling with the same things that I often find myself antagonising over. The tutor was encouraging, with positive comments. There would be a mini lecture within each lesson after we had shared our work, which I found myself getting lost in. It was a real chance to be completely absorbed into a world that I want to be a part of. It was really nice to focus my attention on what was being taught without any distractions. It was also really nice to be learning again, and about something I was actually interested in.

I didn’t much like the work I produced for some of the weeks but I think that was the point. It was experimental, a chance to try new styles or mediums without any negative judgement. It was a chance to let go and see what I could create.

My dad always mentions a quote, “Always draw with purpose” I can’t for the life of me remember where the quote comes from, but I always think of it. Whatever your purpose for drawing, whether it be relaxation, for yourself or for others. As long as you do it with some purpose you’re already winning.

Thanks for reading.

Posted in Illustrator, Life, Work