My Best Secrets to Avoid or Overcome Artistic Block

5/8/2019

Do you frequently go through periods of feeling too unmotivated or uninspired to work on your art? Do other artists' posts on social media make you feel behind, inadequate, and/or like you'll never be able to reach their skill level? Do you often struggle with finding new ideas to create original and meaningful artwork, and wonder how other artists seem to be able to constantly pump out new work?

In the video included in this post, I'll be sharing ten specific things I do on a daily/weekly/monthly basis that help me avoid art block, as well as practical tips to overcome it. It's important to understand that burnout happens to all kinds of creators from time to time. Every-single-one of us goes through periods in which we're unable to produce the same amount of work (or the level of work) that we know we could be producing.

There's nothing wrong with you and this says nothing about your abilities. If it happens frequently, though, it's essential to set systems in place that will help you move past them and continue progressing towards your goals as quickly as possible.

Being an artist is tough!

If we really want to improve our skills and make a living (or side income) from our art one day, it's essential to stay determined and disciplined. We have to consistently create new work and have the courage to share it, as well as our inner thoughts, with the world. Even when no one seems to be paying attention.

We're also often very hard on ourselves and expect the outcome of our work to be perfect, even when we're exhausted after having been at work (or school) all day. Even when it's our first time using a specific medium, technique or we're drawing/painting a subject we've never tried before.

Many times, creative burnout happens because we're not taking care of our physical and mental well-being, and/or aren't setting goals wisely. Read about the top five things I do every-single-week to stay happy, healthy and productive as an artist in my blog post: 5 Essential Self-Care Tips for Artists and Creatives.

And if your art is what you're actually doing for a living (or plan to be doing for a living), you also need to make time for countless other activities, aside from creating your art. Activities that not only aren't fun, but that will also require you to step out of your comfort zone constantly. *It's worth it though!

Not to mention, if we didn't have the immense fortune of being born into a family of successful artists that can share their path(s) with us, or didn't have the luck to be financially well-off to the point that we had the time to discover ourselves artistically from a young age, we're probably going to have to work "normal" jobs for at least a few years while staying consistent with our art routines.

In my blog post How to Make Time for Your Art I share the specific things I did while I was still working at my last, highly-demanding, full time position in order to ensure I was advancing my art skills. These are all specific actions I took that eventually allowed me to leave that job and start my own art business.

Let's get into the video!

If you enjoyed this video, make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel. I publish a new one every-single-Friday sharing art tips, drawing/painting tutorials and encouragement for aspiring artists!

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)

Thanks so much for popping by today!

Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!

*Click below to learn more!

Why Sketchbooks are Essential Tools for Artists

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Decorating with Original Art: Incredible Finds #1

4/22/2019

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If you're a visual/creative person like I am, you're probably well aware of how your surroundings can affect your mood and even your productivity levels. At the same time, it's likely important to you that your home (being the extension of yourself that it is) is able to transmit your personality and uniqueness.

I've always been drawn to interior decorating and consider this practice an art in and of itself. Being able to "collect" objects that will look great together and being able to place them in a way that is harmonious for people visiting that space, is no easy feat.

Interior decorators have an amazing eye and taste. They're artists, because they are basically creating a live-in composition that has to stay practical. They can tell, instantly, when textures, colors, shapes and styles work together or not. They know the power that a great piece of wall art can have and how the addition of a painting (or a lack thereof) can make or break a room.

In her article titled The Importance of Art in the Interior Industry, Anya Cooklin-Lofting explains how art is becoming a fundamental part of modern home decorating. She also shares how most interior designers currently rave about the importance of art as an essential decorative component. Art is able to bring interest, conversation and originality to a space.

It might seem that the acquisition of an original art piece is something that only the most affluent can do. However, thanks to Etsy and other online platforms, anyone looking to decorate their home can find very accessible, one-of-a-kind artworks created by artists of all fields.

Hope you enjoy this little collection of objects I've put together to complement this small grayscale painting that is currently for sale at my Etsy shop! Stay tuned for many more original paintings to come that will be available for international purchase!

Links to all products are included below.

Cheers!

Home decorating finds by Erika Lancaster

1. Petrie 2-Piece Right Arm Chaise Midcentury Sectional Sofa at Crate&Barrel
2. Pebble Double Bulb Floor Vase at DwellStudio
3. Arguto Rug (Designed by Hanne Kortegaard for Linie Design) at Design Within Reach
4. BONGO floor lamp at Structube
5. Small Grayscale Oil Painting by Erika Lancaster at Etsy

Original oil painting by Erika Lancaster

Sources:
Cooklin-Lofting, Anya. "The Importance of Art in the Interior Industry". The Independent. 22 March 2018
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/design/importance-of-art-interior-design-industry-a8266981.html

Don't Be Afraid of Oil Paint + My Alla Prima Process

How I Left My Job and Became and Artistpreneur

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Acrylics vs. Oils: Key Differences and Similarities

4/17/2019

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Similarities Between Acrylics and Oil Paint

*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)

Wondering what the difference between acrylic and oil paint is? How do they compare in regards to required supplies, painting process and overall finish? Which one of these two painting mediums is best for you, your artistic goals and your current life situation?

In today's blog post (and the YouTube video included), I'll be explaining the key similarities and differences between acrylic and oil paint. I'll also be clearing up common misconceptions so that you can make an informed decision about which supplies to invest in and, most importantly, start moving forward in your artistic journey right away!

When I was first starting to look into painting, I was very confused about the similarities and differences between these two mediums. Not only did the examples of artwork I found created with each vary immensely, but there were also tons of contradictions between one article/book to the next in terms of the required supplies, the preparation phase, and the painting process itself.

It was honestly overwhelming and I didn't have time to make sense of it all. Quite often, I held myself back from buying any supplies and moving forward due to this.

Eventually, there came a point at which I could no longer ignore my desire to improve artistically, highly-demanding full-time job and all. I had already wasted too much time and knew that the best way to learn and to make sense of it all would be through actually doing. I visited my local art supply store, and with the information I had learned from my research (as well as with the help graciously provided by the lady at the store), bought a few items to explore.

I share more about how I finally prepared to leave years and years of "normal" full-time positions to pursue creative entrepreneurship in this blog post/YouTube video.

Suffice to say, a lot of supplies were wasted or left completely unused. And not only were a lot of bad paintings created, but several of them literally fell apart after a couple of months (don't ask).

I don't regret it though, because I learned so much through this first-hand exploration, both about different painting mediums, as well as about myself as an artist. What I like, don't like, what techniques suit the style I'm going for best, etc.

After years of practice and exploration I've been able to learn a lot about acrylics, oils and even watercolors. I love them all, use them all on a month-to-month basis, and have come to know the pros and cons of each throughout this time.

If you're just as confused and overwhelmed as I was all those years ago, but still feel that nagging inside telling you to get painting (it never goes away by the way), the following information will definitely help you make faster progress. However, as with all artistic mediums and supplies, it's going to be up to you to commit to this journey and the exploration it entails, in order to get to know yourself artistically and the specific supplies you personally enjoy.

Let's get into today's topic!

Introduction

Oil paint is an incredibly old medium and has been used by artists since the fourteenth century. Before oils existed, most paintings were created with egg tempera, which was basically created by the mixture of ground pigment and egg. Though some artists continued using tempera (and this medium is still used by some in present day), oil paint became the preferred medium once it was invented due to its greater versatility and longer-working time which allowed for effects that hadn't been seen before.

On the other hand, acrylics are a modern invention. They were created in the middle of the twentieth century as a practical substitute for oil paint. Acrylic paintings can be finalized a lot quicker due to their fast drying time, and offer both versatility and durability. This medium allows the artist a wide range of approaches and seems to go more in hand with today's fast-paced world.

In time, a lot of artists who used to work with oils made the switch to acrylics due to their overall practicality. However, there are others who's hearts will forever remain with oils due to the richness, vibrancy and depth they're able to provide.

It's important to recognize that both painting mediums allow for a variety of art styles, techniques, methodologies and overall finishes. Whether you enjoy creating abstract art, stylized figures, Impressionistic-style brush strokes or hyperrealism, all of these can be achieved with either. It's just a matter of learning specific skills and techniques.

As with anything else, there are pros and cons to both mediums. Understanding them will enable us to come to a better decision about which could be best for us depending on our personal situation and goals.

Similarities and Differences Between Acrylics and Oils

1. Drying Time

Acrylics dry fast, which means we have to work fast if we're looking to create gradients or wet-on-wet blending effects. Paint literally dries in minutes, depending on the humidity and the temperature of the room you're working in.

Oil paint, on the other hand, dries very slowly (some pigments even more than others). This means you can take your time moving paint around and blending out colors. It can take an oil painting months upon months to dry completely, depending on the thickness of your layers! This means that, if you're intending to varnish your paintings, it'll be a while before you're able to do that.

There are mediums that can be added to both acrylics and oils to either slow down or quicken their drying time, depending on your needs. You're always going to be able to manipulate both painting mediums in terms of their workability during the painting process, as well as their overall outcome, but it is going to entail buying medium to mix in.

Mandarins- Still life acrylic painting on stretched canvas by Erika Lancaster

Acrylic painting close-up

2. Cost

Generally speaking, painting with acrylics is going to be cheaper than painting with oils. Not only because the paint in and of itself tends to cost less, but also because (for basic paintings) less supplies are required than when we're painting with oils.

All we really need to paint with acrylics is:

Paint
Brushes
Water
Color mixing palette
Substrate (which can even be thick paper)

What we need when painting with oils:

Paint
Brushes
Solvent/paint thinner
Color mixing palette
Primed substrate that's been prepared to take oil paint (which often entails buying gesso)
Painting medium (its not 100% necessary, but it helps make the thick paint more manageable to work with)

*This said, there are oil painters out there that have found alternatives to potentially harmful solvents and mediums, so if you're interested in trying them out but you're afraid of harming your health and/or the environment, be aware there are work-arounds!

3. Toxicity and Health Risks

A lot of aspiring artists avoid painting with oils because the process involves using solvents and mediums which can be harmful to both our health if we're not careful, as well as to the environment, if we don't know how to properly dispose of these substances.

To avoid potential health risks:

Work in a well-ventilated room (consider also wearing a nose mask)
Wear gloves (I love these I buy through Amazon)
Never dump used solvent down the drain! *Learn how to dispose of used hazardous substances in your city.

All this said, something you should definitely know is that oil paint in and of itself isn't any more toxic than acrylic paint. The solvents and the mediums that we add to them while painting are.

Oil paint is composed of pigment that is suspended in an oil-based binder such as linseed oil, safflower oil, poppy oil or walnut oil. Even though these oils are heavily refined, they are all plant-based and non-toxic.

On the other hand, acrylic paint consists of pigment and a synthetic resin binder. The components within this resin binder vary from brand to brand. Acrylic paints are basically plastic, and when they are used, chemicals like ammonia are released into the air.

Even though using acrylics isn't as smelly as working with oils, don't think that you're not breathing harmful fumes in!

There are specific pigments that are highly toxic, whether we're using acrylics, oils or even watercolors. Some of them are: Cadmium Red/Orange/Yellow, Prussian Blue and Naples Yellow. *Please do further research if you're interested in learning the level of toxicity for a specific pigment.

There are excellent brands of art supplies like Gamblin that are coming out with more and more products, including solvents and mediums, that aren't toxic.

Whichever painting medium you decide to go for, make sure you're exercising precaution and safety measures, at all times.

Lemons and Flowers- Still life oil painting on stretched canvas by Erika Lancaster

Oil painting close-up

4. Painting Process

There are many different ways of going about using acrylic and oil paint, and it's really going to depend on the overall style that you wish to achieve.

I really enjoy the more Impressionistic/expressive style that the alla prima (wet-on-wet) technique allows and use it with both of these mediums. *This is the technique I'm using in the video included here. I simply go about it a slightly different way, depending on the medium on hand.

For example, because oil paint dries so slowly, I have to be much more careful not to over-blend and/or create mud when placing fresh paint on paint that's still wet. Because acrylics dry so quickly, the paint strokes I lay down will dry and not move minutes later, when I place fresh paint on top. They also allow for quicker corrections that have to be made.

However, high levels of realism through a development of a variety of layers and washes can also be achieved with both mediums!

Because acrylics dry so fast, a lot of layers and effects can be developed in a matter of hours. On the other hand, when working with oils, we have to wait for the previous layer to dry completely before applying the next or we risk the top layer cracking. It can take several days and even weeks for one layer of oil paint to dry completely.

One very important thing when working with oils, is that we need to follow the fat over lean rule, which is even more important if you're working in layers. This basically means that the earlier layers of a painting have to be thinner and have to contain less oil, and as you move forward, the layers are thicker and contain more oil. This can be done by shifting the ratios of solvent/paint/medium in color mixtures and ensures that layers will dry effectively. This is vital so that the paint doesn't start cracking.

One final point I'd like to add in this section, is that acrylics and oils can be combined in one same piece. A lot of artists stain their canvas or develop an underpainting using acrylics and then move on to developing further details and textures using oils.

You can use oils over dry acrylics but never, ever use acrylics over oils!

5. Overall Look and Finish

Because oil paint contains more pigment than acrylic paint, colors in oil paintings usually look a lot richer, more vibrant and glossy. This said, even though oil paintings can last a very long time if they have been created using quality supplies and proper methods, they do tend to fade and/or yellow over time. It'll be years and years before this happens though!

Acrylic paintings, on the other hand, usually look a lot more matte and flat when compared to oil paintings. Colors also tend to darken during the drying phase. However, once this drying process is completed and this color change happens, they don't change after that as long as they are kept in an optimum environment (away from direct sunlight and humidity).

As far as texture goes, we can find both acrylic and oil paintings that are very smooth, as well as highly-texturedized. Oil paint lends itself to very easily be placed thickly on the canvas, leading to beautiful, palpable textures, if that's what the artist is intending to create. However, texture mediums can be added to acrylic paint and impasto-like effects can also be created by placing it heavily on the substrate using different tools like painting knives. The artist can also create a texturedized surface prior to starting to paint.

The overall finish of both acrylic and oil paintings can also be altered by using different types of varnishes, depending on whether you'd like your painting to appear more matte or glossy. There are a lot of different varnishes available in both spray and liquid form that offer a variety of finishes.

Bats- Abstract oil painting on stretched canvas by Erika Lancaster

Oil painting close-up

So, which medium is best for you?

This is going to depend on your personal circumstances, as well as your tastes and what you're looking to improve upon.

If you usually don't have much time for your art, don't have a designated space to work in, or you have kids or pets running around, acrylics are probably the best option for you (at least for now).

On the other hand, if you do have a space you can work in for hours-on-end, you aren't too sensitive to strong smells, you're interested in learning classical techniques, and/or you really care about the depth/color/richness of your paintings, then I'd definitely explore oils!

Whatever medium you choose to go for, make sure you exercise safety measures.

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)

Thanks so much for popping by today!

Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!

*Click below to learn more!

Improve your art skills - Join us on Patreon

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Affordable Watercolor Painting Supplies- The Products that Got Me Started

4/8/2019

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Affordable Watercolor Painting Supplies for Beginners

*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)

Are expensive, super-high quality supplies really necessary to progress your watercolor painting skills? What can you do as a beginner just starting out to ensure that you're spending your money wisely and not on cheap materials that are going to make the learning process more difficult than it needs to be?

In my blog post Watercolor Supplies for Beginners: Things You Must Know, I explain all about the common types of watercolor paint, paper and paintbrushes that you'll be able to find in art supply stores. I also demystify what it is you actually need as someone just starting out with this painting medium and what you really don't.

Today, I'll be sharing the exact products that I finally came across at the beginning of my watercolor painting journey that really allowed me to make substantial progress without breaking the bank. In the video included within this post, I'll be talking about these items. I'll also be sharing a time lapse of an illustration I created using a combination of these.

When I was first getting started, I didn't have money to spend on the high-end paper, paintbrushes and paint sets that I saw professional artists using and recommending on Instagram and/or YouTube. As I tried to learn what I could from the pros, I heard them saying time and time again, that the higher the quality of the supplies, the better results will be. Especially, it seemed, when painting with this very volatile medium.

Though you should definitely avoid the super-cheap watercolor paint/paper varieties because they will not really help you understand the medium's characteristics and will probably make the learning process much more frustrating, there are brands that offer excellent quality products at affordable prices that are perfect for those starting out.

Rest assured that you can progress your skills far with accessibly priced products. I also think there's a lot to say for artists who're able to create amazing looking artwork with what they have on hand and that don't rely on only the best-of-the-best supplies.

I still use several of these items, to-the-day. Not only for teaching and filming tutorials, but also whenever I'm not creating a painting or illustration I'm intending to sell!

Let's get to the video!

If you enjoyed this video, make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel. I publish a new video every-single-Friday sharing art tips, drawing/painting tutorials and encouragement for aspiring artists!

After almost four years of painting with watercolors I can honestly say that, while it's true that artists selling their work must be able to offer high-quality, durable artwork to their customers, beginners shouldn't feel the pressure to spend $40 dollars on sable brushes or $50 dollars on watercolor paper.

Beginners should be exploring, trying different techniques, learning the do's and don'ts of the medium on hand, and thinking about what subjects and styles they'd love to become better at. They shouldn't stop themselves from creating because they're afraid of wasting expensive supplies.

Watercolor classic car by Erika Lancaster

Watercolor Plymouth Fury by Erika Lancaster. Winsor & Newton 12-pan set on Fabriano watercolor paper.

Watercolor sandwich painting by Erika Lancaster

Watercolor Sandwich by Erika Lancaster. Sakura Koi Watercolors on Canson Watercolor Paper.

Watercolor Paint Sets

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor Paintbrushes

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey! :)

Thanks so much for popping by today!

Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!

*Click below to learn more!

Improve your drawing and painting skills by joining my Patreon membership site

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Artists Around the World: Interview with Haydn Symons

3/15/2019

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*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)

Welcome back fellow artists and art lovers!

I’m unbelievably excited to be sharing another segment of my Artists from Around the World interview series!

This is one of the many exciting projects I’ve been working on behind the curtain, and I hope these interviews inspire aspiring artists out there to keep pursuing their passions, as well as help get amazing artwork in front of people looking to buy from or hire amazing creatives.

One of the things I love about being active in the online world, is that it enables me to connect with other art lovers and passionate creatives around the world. In the short amount time I’ve been working on this site,my YouTube channel, and sharing my work on social media, I’ve been able to get to know amazingly talented people that I would have otherwise never met.

Haydn Symons is one of the people I've had the fortune of getting to know.

He's an incredibly talented illustrator and designer based in the U.K. that has not only developed a unique and appealing art style, but has been able to gain experience working with world-wide clients in a variety of fields. Haydn designs logos and branding work for clients, as well as editorial and book cover illustrations.

Something I admire about Haydn is that he's constantly pushing himself to explore new subjects and techniques, and that his style and personality is palpable in everything he does.

A few months ago, he wrote an incredibly helpful blog post for us titled 3 Tips to Combine Watercolor and Gouache Like a Pro, in which he shares the similarities and differences between these two painting mediums, as well as useful tips to help us combine them effectively.

Haydn was very kind to answer a few questions I sent over and will be sharing with us how his artistic journey started, how he arrived at his art style, insights into what it's like to make a living as an artist, and much more.

So grab a cup of coffee, tea or your beverage of choice, and join me for this interview! :)

Interview with Illustrator/Designer Haydn Symons

Editorial illustration by Haydn Symons. Click on image to check out more of his work!

1. What made you want to become an artist/illustrator?

I’ve been interested in art and design for a long time and have been drawing since I was around three years old. I’ve always loved to create new drawings and paintings, as well as learn about art. I studied Art and Design at Secondary School, took an Illustration course at college, and finally studied Illustration at Falmouth University, which I absolutely loved.

Illustration covers a lot of industries, from publishing, advertising to editorial, which makes it such a exciting discipline!

Throughout the years I've developed my craft and style, and have learned what it takes to become a successful freelance illustrator. I'm very passionate about the field and am 100% committed to what I do. I believe this dedication is what has allowed me to evolve my skill to what it is today.

2. You have a very distinguishable art style! Can you tell us a bit about how you arrived at it?

I started developing my illustration style during my years at Falmouth University. Throughout this time, I experimented with different mediums and materials, and pushed the boundaries of what I could produce.

My style is a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements. I consider it to be eye-catching and friendly. The artistic mediums I use most are gouache and watercolor, but I love constantly challenging myself with new techniques.

After finishing a new piece, I scan it into Adobe Photoshop in order to tidy it up a bit and do any necessary editing.

My illustration style has changed a lot from graduating back in 2013, and has evolved through a lot of practice, into what it is today.

Sketch by Haydn Symons. Click on image to check out more of his work!

3. What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect about being a working artist?

The most difficult part about being an artist is the unsteady income. It can really fluctuate from month to month and those bills need to get paid. This makes people hesitant about becoming freelance illustrators, designers or fine artists.

It can be scary and stressful when you don’t get commissions or money coming in. However, it’s an amazing feeling when you're asked to work on a new project and get paid for doing what you love. Being creative and using your artistic talent is extremely rewarding and there's nothing like being able to make a living by doing what you're most passionate about.

I've found it's incredibly important to know about marketing, sales, networking and business in general, to become successful as an artist.

4. What are your main sources of inspiration?

My sources of inspiration change from day-to-day. I’m inspired by the things around me - everything from landscapes and portraits, to news articles and popular culture.

I’m also very inspired by fine artists like David Hockney, who has become well-known figure in the art world. I really admire his use of color. I also love more traditional artists like Caravaggio, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Edward Hopper. Alongside them, I’m also inspired by well-known illustrators like Oliver Jeffers, Mr. Bingo and Sam Webber.

Lastly, I gain a lot of inspiration from reading and writing on a daily basis. I feel these practices really impact my work positively.

Abraham Ford illustration by Haydn Symons. Click on image to check out more of his work!

5. What are your must-have art supplies?

Paint

My go-to art supplies include gouache and watercolor. As I shared here at Erika's blog, I really enjoy combining both painting mediums. The paint sets I'm currently using are both by Winsor and Newton.

I usually like painting the background/base of my illustrations using watercolors, and using gouache for elements in the middleground/foreground.

Winsor & Newton Gouache Set: Assorted Colors (10 pack) $53.99

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Color Pocket Set of 24 Half Pans $26.00

Paper

I highly recommend using thick, strong watercolor paper if you’re using water-soluble painting mediums. Having to deal with buckling during the painting process is very frustrating and so is damaging our paper! I really enjoy using Seawhite Heavy Watercolor Paper in 350gsm.

Seawhite Heavy Watercolour Paper 350gsm - 10 Sheet Pack A3 (11.7x16.5)

Paintbrushes

Lately, I've been using a set of paintbrushes by HeartyBay that I acquired through Amazon. It's affordable and perfect for use with both watercolor and gouache.

Paintbrush Set by HeartyBay (20 pcs) Nylon Hair Brushes for Acrylic Oil Watercolor Painting

Software applications that I use on a daily basis which are very common in the creative industry include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign to Adobe Illustrator. These are paramount for any creative.

6. Do you have any tips on how to stay motivated/productive as an artist?

To stay motivated you need to commit to creating the work that you love producing. Set goals for yourself based on your passions, and actually see them through.

Read Erika's blog post titled Time Management for Artists: My Secrets for Staying Consistently Productive to learn how to define life goals and set objectives to ensure you're progressing towards them every week.

As an artist, you'll discover the specific subjects and styles you like creating, whether they are portraits, landscapes, abstract paintings, etc. If you continue focusing on getting better at what you want to be producing, and sharing your work with the world, people will start knowing you for that kind of work. But you have to stay consistent!

It's normal to have to do work to pay the bills that we're not necessarily passionate about doing, especially when we're starting out, but it's essential to keep making time for self-initiated projects that light us up.

Whenever I'm struggling or feeling unmotivated, I always think back to my why.

Why am I a freelancer?
Why am I an artist?
What will I gain (professionally and personally) if I keep pushing towards my dreams, and what will I have to give up if I stop?

Taj Mahal illustration by Haydn Symons. Click on image to check out more of his work!

7. Do you have any projects you'd like to make happen in the near future?

I traveled a lot last year and am super pumped about creating a series of illustrated maps, soon! I visited some amazing places that I really want to document in my own way. My illustrations will help me remember those amazing moments, and will be awesome additions to my portfolio.

It's so important to include the kind of work you actually want to be doing in your portfolio, whether these projects are ones you're actually getting paid for, or self-initiated ones!

I’m currently working on a couple of illustrations for magazines, and would love to do more of this kind of work in the near future, along with publishing and advertising projects.

Aside from this, it's very important for me to keep developing my illustration and artistic style, and just keep producing and creating new things consistently.

8. If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?

My one piece of advice for aspiring artists is to not give up. Even if you keep receiving knock back after knock back, keep going. Learn from your mistakes, get better, and improve.

If you’re constantly creating, improving and putting yourself out there, nothing will stop you.

Keep going and never give up on your dreams!

New York Map illustration by Haydn Symons. Click on image to check out more of his work!

9. Lastly, could you share where we can find more of your work and news from you?

You can find my portfolio and personal blog over at www.haydnsymons.com.

You can also find me on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydnsymons/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/haydnsym
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haydnsymonsillustration

A huge thanks to Haydn, for taking time to answer my questions, sharing his experience with us and, most importantly, for inspiring us to pursue our passions.

Hope you enjoyed this interview and make sure to follow Haydn's work. I personally can't wait to see what he'll be producing in the future!

Cheers!