What is Dynamic Positioning? Skilled creatives understand how to structure and compose their images and layouts to optimize engagement with the viewer.…
Marks and shapes can be created accidentally or spontaneously as the result of a process. An event or action results in shapes…
With many now questioning the value of earning a degree versus working in the trades, the broad discussion of formal training for…
Line is the most expressive of the formal (form-based) elements of design.Drawing, of course, revolves around using lines and tonal areas to…
In storytelling, a narrative remains mundane and uninteresting unless conflict — opposition — is introduced. In design and art terms opposition is…
Designers and artists are always communicating through color, and our choices set the tone for how a work will be received, understood,…
Drawing is not only a right brain pursuit. It's a complex process involving observation, paying attention to detail, and critical thinking —…
notan is a way to balance, or harmonize, light and dark elements in a composition. It’s the underlying value structure, or value map, of your design in which light shapes are massed together, and dark shapes are massed together, reducing the composition to two, or possibly three, colors.
Color palette selection is a conundrum for many emerging illustrators and designers. Color theory courses are a must for understanding color perception,…
If you work from photographic reference to draw or illustrate realistically, you can create a tight rendering or a stylized, abstracted image.…
Design education should focus on developing critical thinking skills rather than solely relying on grades. Alvalyn Lundgren's Socratic teaching approach encourages students…
Marks and shapes can be created accidentally or spontaneously as the result of process. An event or action results in shapes being…
Proven tips not only so you can get the most from your student experience (whether you're in a design program or learning on your own) but also to enter the creative professions prepared to compete.
Make your drawings life-like by focusing on what adds life. Learning to draw... it isn't easy, is it? I've been drawing all my…
It's easy to approach art and design studies with an emphasis on technique, tools, and methods, and the elements and principles. But…
Freelancing as we know it is being threatened by changes to labor law. If you’re in California, you’re already aware of AB5.…
Many businesses are going through a reset right now, and creative freelance business owners are no different.As we emerge from a state…
Form is the visual appearance of something. Everything we see has form. We understand what a form is by how it’s shaped.…
Freelancers are a company of one, but we need feedback, input, and help. You're more likely to hit your goals and enjoy success when you work with a mentor. Here's what to look for and how to work with someone.
As with any discipline there are fundamentals that are often overlooked but which are absolutely necessary to draw and paint with accuracy. If…
I respond to a reader's and viewers' questions about how to avoid making drawing mistakes, and explain two ways to shift your…
Did you know that most freelancers struggle with time management, project management, and getting things done — on time? With margin? We…
While, as a freelancer, you absolutely must focus on your business and develop killer business skills, you also need to guard and…
As a designer or artist, if you understand some basic psychology and human visual perception, you can create compelling work that attracts…
Line is the most basic and expressive element of all the design elements. We can't develop a drawing without using them. Using…
The Rule of Thirds is a popular method for composing designs, illustrations and photographs. You can significantly improve your compositions by following…
It’s affirming when clients refer new business to you. Their recommendations are a testament to your expertise and experience. For a long…
A beginning to end video demonstration of a portrait sketch using a photograph as reference.I start by setting up the drawing, identifying…
As with cars, your freelance business needs regular tune-ups to ensure smooth performance and prevent breakdowns. If you’re the owner of an…
How to you get into the groove of drawing every day, especially when you have a full schedule? You know that improving…
As the owner of an independent creative business, you are responsible for absolutely everything creatively and managerially. The whole thing's sitting on…
You've landed a highly-desired big name client and they've sent you a purchase order. What is a purchase order, and how do…
Historically, orange had limited use in Western culture. You don’t see it used often in illuminated manuscripts and Renaissance art.The last time…
One thing that’s great about flying solo as a freelancer is all the freedom you have in who you work with, where,…
The difference between discounting your services for Client A and charging Client B full price is one of positioning and communication. Both of these are value propositions.
Shading is the process of adding tonal areas to your drawings and paintings to make them look more life-like. How to shade…
I recently began plein air painting, which is painting outdoors on location. I quickly realized my need for a lightweight, portable field…
How do you measure success? How long will it take to succeed as a freelancer? This is a common question among freelancers,…
Has something like this ever happened to you? You have a solid contract with your client that includes payment terms and penalties…
When I first learned about the power of change orders it changed everything in my workflow. When I implemented the practice, I…
A mark up, also known as percentage over cost, is one way you can increase your freelance revenue. Marking up is a…
Shading involves two concerns: actual technique and values. Contour line is where most people begin a drawing. Since line is all about…
One thing I struggled with in the past as an independent creative is money. I have a lot of experience with the…
The European Union's (EU) General Data Protection Regulation goes into full effect on May 25, 2018. The internet and blogdom are all…
If you're a designer or artist trying to wrap your head around what balance is all about, you're not alone. Balance is…
Graphite transfer is a simple, traditional method used by illustrators, designers and artists to transfer same-sized drawings from a preliminary surface to…
Did you know that your creative business thrives because of how you do business and not because of the quality of your…
Do you draw mainly from photographs? People often do, and unless you've had the experience of drawing from life in a figure…
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