As the year is winding down, I often feel it’s a time for reflection and consideration of time that has passed. I am currently studying Digital Design at university and thought it would be a good opportunity to share my journey creating digital art. From my early work in 2008 to my most recent in 2016. 😆
It took me quite a while to get into the process of making my own digital creations. I did not believe I was an artist and thought it would be impossible for me to be able to create imagery that could represent a certain subject correctly. I admired a number of artists such as Simon Oxley, Kemie, Chuwy, MightyIsland, Myillo (plus many more) and would often purchase illustrations to use in my website projects. Thankfully, some time around 2008 I decided to just give it a go. My earliest illustration I can find, is so very basic. But it was a start.
After 2008 I began to experiment a lot more. I started mostly using the pencil tool and gradually felt more comfortable using shapes. In many of my early creations I did not use geometric or accurate proportions and rarely aligned elements.
It wasn’t until around 2013 that I started getting more confidence and creating artworks that were more precise. I began using shapes a lot more, and playing with ways to modify them.
During 2015 to 2016 I feel that I really changed. Not necessarily the style of the artworks, but my approach. I used shapes 90% of the time, aligned items to try and create symmetry in the designs and also began using grids.
Looking back now, I understand that it is a process of learning and developing your skills. You have to take the time to practice and refine your work. It can take months or years, however the more you create the better you become. Reading a lot of material, watching tutorials and just playing in creative apps/programs can also be a great help. There are many different ways to create digital artworks and you just have to find your right path and way of creation. I feel comfortable in Adobe Illustrator, using basic shapes and making modifications to them. Oh, and I often feel the need to include some cute/kawaii faces. ☺️
I still have many areas of digital art that I can improve and as I said previously, it’s something that takes time. It’s exciting to think that there are many designs I have yet to create, many styles I have not tried and hopefully much more to share in the future. Digital art and design means a lot to me, and I can see it playing an important part of my personal and professional life.
Questions
1. Have you ever created digital art/illustrations?
2. Do you have a digital artist you admire?
3. Is there a style of digital art you like?
18 Responses
Wow! It’s really interesting to see the progression of your art over the past few years. I also really appreciated when you said, “You have to take the time to practice and refine your work.” I think this is so true. I often have to tell myself not to be so impatient and just keep practicing, in both art and other aspects of life.
I like all the different and creative ways you manage to utilize different shapes into your artwork, to a create a style that is uniquely you.
Thank you so much! :love:
I used to make things but I lack creativity but it’s nice to see your art. You have such a cute style that I love <3
I’ve always loved your artwork! From your progress here I can see how much you have changed and how much better your illustrations have become. It’s funny how sometimes we look back and realise we thought we were good, but now do so much better. I’ve always thought that your illustrations were a lot better than what I can do – but your progress is just proof that we all start somewhere and we can all improve ?
I am super proud of your work and love how you have your own “style” now that is so uniquely yours ?
Thank you so much! 😀 I have always lacked a lot of confidence in my ability to create works and never thought many of them were that good. It’s something I still struggle with, probably because I am always looking at ways I can improve and reaching a higher level of skill. UuU
I really enjoyed reading this Kya. Thank you for sharing! It was awesome to see how much your style has evolved over the years and now it identifiable as yours! I mean I’m sure a lot of other blgogers can relate and say that they know it’s your work when they see it 😛
I’m so proud of this creative journey of yours, I can’t wait to see what else you’ll come up with <3 I definitely agree – learning is a journey!!
Thank you so much! 😀
It’s interesting to see how your digital artwork progressed over the years! I can see improvement in a lot of areas (especially with people-type of drawings). Your work became #Goals. Your skills are amazing, Kya!
I tried creating digital illustrations before. I have a succession rate of 10% at this point XD. I love sketches with coloring on the bottom layer :’). (Hey, you’re a digital artist I admire) ;).
Aww, thank you. :blush:
I love digital art! And it has been really fun watching you grow as an artist! Your style is so adorable and makes me happy! 😀
Thank you! ou3uo
Wowwww that vector drawing of the cat is stunning! It almost looks like a photograph! I love seeing how you’ve grown in the last few years and I gotta agree with your approach – I started digital art unconfident and creating only minimal little designs and now I’m pretty adept with the pen tool to create different drawing styles that I can control! I think we have somewhat similar styles 🙂 even though in recent years I have created art with more color contrast because people always complained about the low contrast before, hehe.
Thank you! That one took me a long time to do, but it was certainly an interesting process to spend that time to create a digital artwork and learn some things along the way. 😀
I’m loving your showcase over the years. It’s always neat to look back and see what has changed! I can definitely see the difference between your earlier arts and your more recent ones. You’ve improved and found a style that’s unique to you. Keep it up, Kya, for I can see that this is one of your passion! Digital art is a thing I am pants at, but I still admire what people like you come up with! <3
:love: :*3
I love seeing people’s journey through art and seeing their progress! It’s so inspiring, and it’s amazing to see how people improve and change their style. This is so neat to see your digital art through the years! I also think it’s great how you’ve kept at it, and all the practice really shows. I love your works and how you have a distinct style 😀 I look forward to seeing more from you!
Started working with vectors in early 2000s but my art skill free hand is super basic. I like photo manipulation more so I have been going back to simplistic vectors the last couple of years!
Your pieces are awesome!!