02-03-2014, 07:57 AM
Yep at the risk of SB hijacking, I agree with Lyraina on pretty much all she said. I just remembered another great book to definitely check out is Richard Schmid's 'Alla Prima'. It is definitely more about a painter's philosophy, but so inspiring and useful. I learned a lot about simplification, edge control, stroke efficiency etc. Brilliant book, and beautiful paintings.
Will also mention a thing that can get overshadowed by the raft of study one can do. Every so often do a finished illustration. Take it to the extreme limit of what your skills can achieve and then do another 2 hours on top. These "postcard" pieces (to steal a reference from Bungie's art director), are where you bring all your current knowledge about image making into play. Once a month...once every two, whatever you want, but you will benefit a lot from them, including figuring out a good workflow from start to end which is very important when it comes to freelance work especially.
Will also mention a thing that can get overshadowed by the raft of study one can do. Every so often do a finished illustration. Take it to the extreme limit of what your skills can achieve and then do another 2 hours on top. These "postcard" pieces (to steal a reference from Bungie's art director), are where you bring all your current knowledge about image making into play. Once a month...once every two, whatever you want, but you will benefit a lot from them, including figuring out a good workflow from start to end which is very important when it comes to freelance work especially.