Introduction and feedback

ContinuousLines

Hi everyone! I’m new to this forum. Been listening to the 3PP podcast and have been loving all the practical advice given.

I’m an artist with a BFA, but have been working as a graphic designer for the past 12 years. I’ve recently found myself in a situation where I don’t have to work full-time, and have setup a studio and really want to introduce my painting background into my design and start working with more illustration based design.

I’m really struggling stylistically to break away from my fine-art painting style and loosen up my work.

I would love some feedback on this piece I’m grappling with.

Thanks and I look forward to participating in the community!

carlianne

@ContinuousLines Hello! Welcome!! Can you explain what about this piece you're struggling with/want help with?

ContinuousLines

@carlianne hi thanks for the response. I guess it doesn’t really feel complete to me and I’m not sure what it needs to look complete while trying to keep it simple and not add to many of the details that I would when painting representationally.

carlianne

@ContinuousLines ah, well you do Have a large empty space in the foreground here, so it feels like something should go there. That could be text or characters or some kind of additional story telling.

To me the thing that separates “illustration” from other art mediums is that it generally has a focus of story telling, something as simple as a character interacting with another character or a prop is a good start. It’s painted pretty nicely, I really like the blue and greens and specks of yellow, but I agree it feels empty in the foreground so a bit of story telling there could really transform it

If it’s too late since you are painting traditionally you could collage it on top, or just keep it in mind for your next piece. I’m excited to see more of your work!

ContinuousLines

@carlianne You're absolutely right. I guess I need to think about what I actually want to accomplish with my work, and what kind of stories I need to tell.

Thanks!