Free Post! My Best Art Tips Summary from February & March 2024

This article encapsulates the essence of everything I've wrote here on Patreon from February to March this year, so if anything piques your interest, consider subscribing to boost your creativity, improve your skills or simply deal with that problem you have not been able to solve.

Also, for patrons looking to maximize their time and stay informed about the essential insights, this post share the very best based on your feedback.

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February - Here are The Best 7 articles out of 14!

1. Feb 7 (3 Min Read)
How the F*** I Managed to Turn an Egg into a Knight - 'Shell' Process + File

I often explored everyday objects like eggs, translating them into unique art pieces. The process melded conceptual ideation with technical execution, from fancy cutlery inspirations to a knight in eggshell armor. My journey involved color selection, shape dynamics, and crafting a narrative that intertwines the familiar with the fantastical. All this is explained with pictures and detailed descriptions, plus PSD and video processes for you to understand my execution.

2. Feb 9 (3 Min Read)
I Challenge You to Draw One of My Favorite Eye Styles: Step-by-Step Guide 

I explained how to draw eyes reflecting various emotions, using oval shapes to convey high or low energy, seriousness, and seduction. Each style involves specific eyelid and pupil placements to express surprise, fatigue, focus, or flirtation. This guide, complete with illustrations and step-by-step instructions, invites patrons to try sketching these expressions and share their work.

3. Feb 13 (2 Min Read)
How to Practice Color As Self-Taught Artist 

Based on patrons requests, I discussed how to practice color theory by choosing objects and studying their color in different lightings, like an apple under various conditions. This method helps understand color interaction with materials, aiming to predict color application in painting. I advised using references, painting exercises, and provided process videos for learning and improvement.

4. Feb 16 (1 Min Read)
New Challenge for Shapes! - Tutorial to Draw Female Heads With My Style

Following the shape tutorial series, I detailed a method breaking it down into seven steps for top and bottom perspectives. This streamlined approach builds on a basic bean shape, refined through adjustments to chin and head position. The tutorial is complemented with images, inviting participation and further exploration in facial feature drawing.

5. Feb 21 (8:06 Min Video)
'Clean Up' Video Process with My Voiceover! - Inspiration Development 

This was the first article with my voiceover here on Patreon, I've been doing surveys lately and many of you have requested this particular feature in articles, so why not give it a try. In this article, you will find not only the PSD file and full-length process video but also a short, sped-up version of the process (8 min) with my voice explaining the inspiration behind this piece and the execution. Go and take a look at the preview for free.

6. Feb 23 (4 Min Read)
Dealing with Burnout: The Perspective of a Burned-Out Artist (Me)

I discussed techniques like simplifying work, addressing repetitive tasks creatively, prioritizing rest, using references for direction, and setting clear short and long-term goals help mitigate burnout. Self-awareness and professional advice are also crucial. My approach includes personal experiences and practical tips for any kind of artists, pro and beginners.

7. Feb 24 (11:14 Min Video)
'Boss' SpeedUp Process with My Voiceover! - Concept Development 

This piece aimed to convey a dark tone/vibe with sea animals, focusing on simplicity in technique. The narrative revolved around a 'bad aunt' and a dumbo octopus, blending Gothic and contemporary styles. I used minimal colors and flat shadows, aligning with 2D animation aesthetics. The process, detailed in an attached PSD file, emphasized concept over execution.

March - Here are The Best 7 articles out of 15!

1. March 5 (3 Min Read)
Render Tutorial? Hellyeah! How to Shadow/Light/Values/Volume/3D/Paint 

I addressed the challenge of rendering, particularly light's effect on values, sharing my method with a statue reference to practice defining shadows and light. The process includes silhouette drawing, volumetric shading, edge adjustment, ambient occlusion, highlighting, and reflected light techniques. Patrons can try this exercise, showcased with step-by-step guidance and additional resources, for a chance to earn Skill Points in our Discord community!.

2. March 6 (9:15 Min Video)
'Alpha' Video Process & File - Creating Characters from Simple Banana Boots

I made "Alpha", inspired by banana boots, leading to a banana character and a smart-looking gorilla, Shabani. I mixed punk fashion with science, showing the banana tattooing the gorilla in a casual setting. The design focused on clear traits and themes, using bright colors and simple clothing. The creation process is in a video and PSD, showing how I developed their story and style.

3. March 7 (2 Min Read)
How To Make A Great Sketch in 30 Minutes! LET'S GO! 

This article explores the artist's "30min challenge", addressing its creative benefits and community feedback. Tips include focusing on key elements, using references for inspiration, and defining personal success standards. The journey emphasizes personal growth and simplicity. Discord offers a platform for support and sharing.

4. March 13 (8: 22 Min Video)
Most Destroyed Voiceover Ever - Multiple Sketch Failures + No Sleep ('Bones' Process)

Initially, I aimed for milk and another element, settling on cookies after much debate. The process evolved throughout the day, leading to late night changes :/. The final piece, a construction-themed illustration, parallels milk's role in strengthening bones. Despite doubts, the positive feedback surprised me. In the article you will find full lenght process video and PSD for insights

5. March 15 (3 Min Read)
How to Expand a Portfolio While Increasing a Social Media Following 

I emphasized simplicity and consistency, detailing techniques for sharing content, whether focusing on technique or narrative. I recommended some platforms over others and explained why, with tips for maintaining a long-term presence and community building.

6. March 19 (1 Min Read)
How to Draw Mouth In My Style - Anatomy Shape Exercise 

In this anatomy series, I shared four common types of mouths I draw, each with varying complexities. Starting with simple closed and smiling mouths, I progress to depicting angry and shocked expressions. Techniques involve contour lines and shape dynamics. The article also includes exercises for patrons to practice and win skill points in our Discord community.

7. March 20 (9:05 Min Video)
Cute vs. Dark - 'Apocalypse' Concept (Process + Voiceover) 

In my latest artwork, "Apocalypse," I delved into a chaotic journey, searching for inspiration from animal references and stumbling upon adorable bunnies. Seeking contrast, I imagined angry bunnies, evolving into cheerleading zombie survivors in an apocalyptic setting. The technical process involved facial expressions, gestures, and cinematic effects, showcased in a full-length video.

If you might have a particular problem any of these articles can solve, consider subscribing for $3 monthly to access content twice per week. For $5 monthly, you can access my carefully selected references for inspiration and brush set! With a $10 monthly subscription, unlock process videos and files in which you will dive into the subjects I've just discussed in this post. Also, regardless of the tier you choose, you will have access to our Discord group, where I personally give feedback and share daily topics you can try out along with our other artist community members.

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