Hey everyone!
Here I am, beginning this new series with this one and big question--- Where to start/ How to start designing?
Now, before we get into all the details, I would first request you to ask yourself (loud and clear) --- Am I ready to start a new thing in my life? - Am I ready to change my profession completely? - Is this change just a hobby or a full time job? - Am I ready to devote my 24/7 thinking and practicing drawing and designing without feeling bored? - Will I be okay if someone gives me my first assignment (client brief)?
If most of the answers are in 'okay, yes!' / 'of course yes!', then you are ready...
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You would have noticed that one of my questions was- 'Is this change just a hobby or a full time job?' This is because I started this blog just to share my love for sewing and drawing. That's all. I never thought of this as a job until I got my first client email asking for creating a scarf design... And the rest is history.
How and where to start---
1) Drawing- Whether it is traditional, with pencil on a paper or digital, on your computer or iPad, you should have a love for drawing.
At this point I would not suggest you to invest in any kind of fancy drawing tools or software or online/offline courses. I would rather request you to let yourself give some time to explore with your drawing skills and techniques. And to notice how much you are enjoying doing this.
Start with some simple dots and then try filling the entire page (or a small area) with small circles, ovals, dashes, stars, any shape. Doodle. Play with all types of mark makings. Use different pens, pencils, markers, felt tip pens/sketch pens, water colour, crayons--- anything that you have.
Enjoy the process of making something that you had not done in years... It is truly therapeutic and meditational.
When you are a bit familiar with your drawing tools you can go a little further and take a look around your home to see what else you can draw. Believe it or not but our, even tiniest, home has so much inspirations to offer. You can start with your own room- doors, windows, the curtains- hanging loosely or tied up neatly at one side, table lamp, pen holders, doormats, whatever object you can notice worth drawing. Don't bother about the shapes of your initial sketches and drawings. We can practice and improve it later on...
Draw anything and everything that you can find in your home! This will help you decide your own drawing style too--- realistic/artistic.
Find some more objects around your house-- seasonal flowers and fruits, leaves and grass in your potted plants, motifs on your table runner or bed sheets, winter caps and socks, footwear, kitchenware... Make notes in between. I have a habit of writing notes while I do my rough sketches-- about the colours and details that I would later on add in it.
It's a good practice to write down the ideas that are flowing while you are sketching/doodling. You may forget it later on...
When you are comfortable enough to draw simple objects you may like to try some intricate ones too by adding some details into your motifs. Try drawing from your own imagination or the things you have seen somewhere, while going for a walk or shopping.
Imagination fuels creativity.
Don't rush at drawing all the things all at once. You need to make out time to practice on your drawing, everyday for at least 15-30 minutes.
All these drawings and rough sketches are my own old and new works from 2011-2020! So, be patient. Things take time to develop. Give yourself time to grow at your own pace...
Take your own time. Develop your own style and see what YOU want to draw. What things or motifs you are attracted to.
As, for example, I am drawn towards intricate designs-- Persian motifs and paisleys, the detailed carvings of old Indian temples, palaces and Mughal Monuments.
Play with all types of art materials that you have. As a child we were happy to experiment with art and craft, to express ourselves. Now, as grown ups, we feel a bit scared of spoiling the paper, fabric or any surface. Let go of your fear and explore as much as possible.
Surface designing is not about drawings alone. It is about the feelings that you have while creating an artwork (abstract or realistic). Your feelings and emotions matter. Express as much as possible with the art materials you love.
Keep practicing. The more you practice drawing and doodling, the more you will find a consistency in your work.
All you need is a consistency in your work. To grow as an artist/doodler/designer/anything, you need to be completely committed to what you are doing.
In my next post I will share the materials and tools that I use while designing-- traditional and digital.
Take good care.
