Sketchbook Week 3 : Visual Vocabulary

This short excerpt from Yuko Shimizu‘s blog post considers the importance of developing a unique visual vocabulary. After reading this article, consider how you can use your sketchbook as a tool to developing your own visual vocabulary.

 

“ I believe many of you who are reading my blog are aspiring illustrators. If you are, here is something you may want to remember, or to work on, if your art school instructors haven’t taught you already: we have to be remembered by something we are good at, so when a prospective client sees a topic that needs to be illustrated, they know who to call.

 

The most obvious themes prospective clients think of in connection with my work are Japanese or Chinese themes. I am Japanese, but I had also studied Cantonese for three years, and I have strong interest in Chinese culture. And people somehow see that in my work. There are other themes, like sexy girls, action and sports, comic-book look, snow, and water and underwater themes.”

 

What kind of things are you interested in drawing?

What visuals might become important visual signatures for you?  Draw 4 pages exploring YOUR visual Vocabulary in your sketchbook.

Post your thoughts on this along with your 4 Sketchbook Pages.

*Be sure to Tag them Sketchbook!

Sketchbook Week One

This week’s sketchbook theme is… Meet the Artist!


Page 1: #meettheartist

Create a meet the artist page for yourself in your Sketchbook! Look on Instagram or fb for #meettheartist and then design one to introduce yourself.  You may use any media and style you feel is appropriate!  You may choose to include any information about yourself you wish.

Pages 2-4:  LOVES and HATES

Draw imagery based on your list of LOVES and HATES… FROM REFERENCE!

For example, LOVE CATS?  Fill a page with drawings based on photos of your furry friends.  HATE SPIDERS? … DRAW THEM TO HELP DEAL WITH YOUR LOATHING!

Post your drawings when complete along with a blurb introducing yourself and a PHOTO of your WORKSPACE.

GO TO: CLASS SITE

DASHBOARD > POSTS > ADD NEW >

Write your post. Add a Descriptive title.

Choose CATEGORY (bottom right side): Week 1 Sketches

PUBLISH