Hi there!

My name is Alex and I'm looking into a career as a Freelance Illustrator. Where I've been so far...

I started out getting into Anime forums - a kid still - and after I joined this one in particular I became hugely fascinated with the signature "banners." Had an awesome friend who got me a copy of Paintshop Pro and started learning how to make my own. Paintshop wasn't anywhere near as powerful as Photoshop as I saw in "Show off" threads. It did teach me to think about how I could achieve effects with my limited cababilities though. Later on I made the move onto Photoshop, my knowledge from the previous blended nicely into it, with the help of a couple tutorials my work jumped a few notches that made me one of those excited kids over something that seems quite silly to any adult.

From there I got into making Web graphics, photo-manipulation, desktop wallpapers, and a little "painting" - with a mouse.

I've been wandering and thinking to myself, where do I want to go. It came down to something in art. I'm far to unconventional and detest the idea of a routine desk job. So after looking over several avenues in the Arts I have settled on Illustration, because its so versitile. Do I think its going to be easy? Not at all, I'm being as realistic about this as possible and would love any suggestions and directions from any of you fellow artists.

I'm a beginner in drawing and want to work on this greatly. I would love to hear suggestions in regards to a good foundation for someone getting into Illustration. I wish to work as a concept, character designer, illustrator in the anime/manga/fantasy, the person who draws up ideas for projects etc.

Please no posts saying "Just draw." That I'm already doing. Anyhow, I appreciate any advice anyone has to give.

TTFN - Ta ta for now!

chaox:

I'm far to unconventional and detest the idea of a routine desk job.

Well, you need to get out of that way of thinking for a start. Every job is frequently routine, even if it's doing something you like at a high level.

I'm not sure what kind of advice you want other than "just draw" except "just draw really, really well" - at the end of the day, getting and keeping a job at any level of art or illustration isn't going to be based on how much you want it, but how good you are at drawing/painting/ideas and (importantly) how reliable you are at producing them on demand and to deadlines.

Of course, nobody can make any judgement on how good you are until you post some of your work. So do that, and hopefully some of us can give you helpful critiques which will help you get better.

Are you thinking of formal training? Art school? We don't know your age. To be honest, a "beginner in drawing" needs to spend many years studying, practicing and building up a body of quality work to eventually attract clients.

Start here by posting some work.