Cookie Cutter Shapes : Micro Lesson and Sketchbook Project!

Discovering the fundamentals of your visual language in shapes.

Helllooo! I’m Adam Ming, recently (at 40), I jumped into my dream job of being a picture book illustrator, and it is a DREAM of a job.

Once a week I send you a FREE letter that has a Micro-lesson and a Sketchbook project that you can work on for the whole week (10 minutes a day). This is said letter!

If you have leanings towards a creative dream job - This is the place to start!

If you are also living you dream job - This is the place to play and fill your creative well!

It’s 100% Free. (And there’s an upgrade to get ALL the THINGS)

MICRO LESSON

Shapes in Illustration: A Fundamental Skill for All Artists

As an illustrator, mastering the art of seeing and thinking in shapes is vital.

Shapes are the foundation of visual language, a sort of alphabet that forms the basis of every image you create.

Let’s explore why this is crucial.

1. Simplification and Clarity: At its core, illustration is about communication. Shapes simplify complex scenes or ideas into clear, readable forms. By breaking down a subject into basic shapes, you create illustrations that are easily understood at a glance. This is evident in the works of artists like Rebecca Green and Andy J Pizza, where shapes convey emotions and narratives effectively.

2. Building Blocks of Composition: Every illustration starts as an arrangement of shapes. How these shapes interact on the page determines the composition, guiding the viewer’s eye through the artwork. Understanding shape dynamics — like how a circle contrasts with a square — allows you to create compelling, balanced compositions.

3. Expressiveness and Style: Shapes are a key ingredient in developing your unique style. The choice of shapes — whether geometric, organic, or abstract — can infuse personality into your work. For instance, rounded shapes often convey softness and comfort, while angular shapes can suggest tension or action.

4. Versatility across Mediums: Whether you’re working in digital, paint, or mixed media, thinking in shapes allows for versatility. It’s a skill that translates across tools and techniques, making it easier to adapt and experiment.

5. Encouraging Creativity: Finally, thinking in shapes encourages creativity. It opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to reinterpret the world in your unique visual language. It’s about seeing the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

Remember, shapes are more than just lines or paint on paper; they’re the building blocks of visual storytelling.

🍪 Project: Design Your Cookie Cutters (Shapes)

Cookies are a staple of holiday joy, and their shapes can tell a thousand stories.

Our project is to design cookie-cutter shapes that are easy to recognize and recreate. Remember, simplicity is key!

7-Day Challenge:

Each day for a week, design a unique cookie-cutter shape.

The goal is to make designs that are simple yet instantly recognizable. Here’s a list to spark your imagination:

1. Tiger

2. Dragon

3. Aeroplane

4. Star

5. Flower

6. Charlie Brown

7. Batman

Feel free to use this list or come up with your own ideas!

Step-by-Step:

1. Imagine: What shapes would you love to see in a cookie shop? Write them down.

2. Research: Find 2-3 reference images for each shape. It’s tempting to skip but this step is crucial for accuracy and inspiration.

3. Sketch: Spend 10 minutes sketching your design. Aim for a design that’s simple yet convincing. Remember the goal is to convey what your design is by only using the shape! You can sketch freely and then circle your final choice, or divide your page and dedicate one side to drafts and the other to the final design.

🌟 Sharing Your Art:

Art is more fun when shared!

Post your sketches with the hashtag #TenMinuteArtist.

👍 Peer Support:

Don’t forget to check out other artists’ work and drop a kind word!

📅 Upcoming:

Next up We’ll be drawing 21 Faces!