Erik Gist
San Diego
Horror illustrator and teacher at the Watts Atelier
Marvel added a new premium lesson
24d
Jeffrey Watts added a new lesson
7mo
Watts Atelier added a new course
7mo
Watts Atelier added a new premium lesson
1yr
Watts Atelier added a new premium lesson
1yr
Erwan Audefroy
added comment inErik and Meadow Gist AMA - Illustration & Fine Art
2yr
Hello and thank you both for being here. Why is that even today illustration is not taken as serious as fine arts even if it also takes a lot of hard work?
2yr
It's all about the Benjamin's. Money equates to value, as illustrations start to fetch the same prices as "fine art" that perceived gap is closing. Artist's like Norman Rockwell are finally being seen as the master's that they were, others will follow.
Asked for help
I am trying to differentiate myself from my peers, do you recommend any good books on rendering technique for drawing and painting?
Hi Erik and Meadow, I am a big fan of your art and the Watt's Atelier online lessons.
How should someone learn to draw to a professional standard when time is a limiting factor as they are full-time employed in something unrelated to art? - I spend 10-20 hours a week still on art so time management isn't the issue.
Also, If knowing that I am doing the right type of learning is the problem, would mentoring be the only way to ensure you are learning the right thing?
PS. Kristian or whoever reads this question is a bae!
Can you share your best habits from your art practice that helped you get to where you are today?
Asked for help
What types of work did Disney and Viking Children's Books ask you to complete? How could someone align there studies for success with those types of work?
Do you have tips on recreating the Atelier experience at home?
I love Erik's figurative artwork. How long did you actually study Anatomy while training and for how many hours you used to practise?
Not a question, just wanted to say - when someone commented Eriks work on instagram, that he wish to draw like him - Erik replied, that there is nothing special about him - it is just hard work. Its nothing life changing - but impact on me was huge. So anyway, thanks for your art and stay safe!
Hi. What must be included in a good current illustratoon portfolio? And what pitching advice can you give a beginer freelancer
2yr
I would recommend a minimum of 6 good pieces, no more than 12. Do samples until you have 6, then start replacing the worst ones with better ones until you have 6 you are really proud of, then top out at 12. Emphasize quality over quantity, and try to target your dream job as much as possible. Don't put anything in your portfolio that is a job you wouldn't want to do.
When pitching, briefly introduce your self hand them your portfolio "reader ready" (oriented so all they have to do is open it) if on a tablet have it already qued and active with sleep mode turned off. Then keep your mouth shut unless specifically asked a question, answer the question and only the question, then be quiet. The more you talk the more likely you are to say something wrong, you are nervous after all.
I am 15 yrs old boy and I am trying my best to understand everything I need to know about art on proko and elsewhere to achieve that dream. I am planning to be a self taught artist using proko.com and other art websites to help my grow.
Questions:
1. Could you give me the difference between a concept artist and an illustrator because I want to be them both in the gaming industry someday.
2. When being a self taught artist, would I get less money working in the gaming industry because I have not graduated from a physical art college?
3. Would I hinder myself from getting jobs or a fan base because I don’t have an art degree?
4. Could you give a summary of what it is like working in the gaming industry?
5. Why do you two are so interested in art?
6. What could I do right after I am out of school meanwhile I am learn art and eventually applying for Jobs in the industry?
7. Where would I apply for different companies worldwide?
8. What are some encouragement you two could give to me for always continuing to love art?
Thanks for your time in advance and for you lovely answers.
I WANT TO WORK AT XBOX SOMEDAY 🥇🧨🥇
2yr
1. In the simplest terms an illustrator conveys story through character, composition, and staging, often in a single self-contained image. Concept design is more often conveying narrative or functionality though design of one part of the overall project. Concept design usually needs to be more functional and interactive, where illustration just needs to look cool. However, there is a lot of grey area and crossover. The line has become very blurry.
2. Nearly nobody cares where you went to school or how you got good. Your portfolio is your degree. The industry cares about three things, are you good, can you meet deadline, and are you easy to work with.
3.NO!
4.It's fun, but intense. Deadlines and volume of work can be very fast paced, but the many different kinds of work can be very rewarding.
5.Because I like telling stories, and I don't want to work in Hollywood.
6.Anything you want. I would recommend a job that gives you some flexibility of schedule.
7.Go to their websites and look up their submission/application process. Go to conventions to network.
8.Find your specific passion and pursue it with everything you have. Try not to let the "job" aspect of it make you bitter or resentful.
Show all replies (1)
Show 2 more replies
Please give some insights into illustrating for graphic novels and their covers as well.
What should the process be for the planning out the panels and how is flow of story decided?
For the cover, how is the title designed and how are both cover art and title graphics merged together?
2yr
This is an incredibly complex question. The easy answer is 1. Rough thumbnails breaking down the flow of your panels and their contents 2. Breakdowns refining the contents 3. finishes, final rendering. For a more in depth analysis I recommend reading the many books by Will Eisner and Scott Mccloud as well as How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way.
As for covers, that's usually handled by the graphic designer. Usually there is an established template that you can ask for from the client. Every so often the cover designer will do something unique, and that can be a lot of fun. Even more rarely you can fight to incorporate the title into the artwork.
Show all replies (1)
Hi, i am currently recreating Art School at home inspired by the Draftsmen podcast and bought a couple of books to get started. Now I just wanted to ask what the most effective way to study from books is ? I am curently reading the book Drawing the head & hands by Andrew Loomis but i feel like im not studying it properly by just copying the drawings and reading the text.
2yr
It sounds as though you're doing things mostly correct. The only thing I would add to this is after you have read a section and copied the drawing, find a similar piece of photo reference (or get a friend to sit for you) and try to repeat the process on your own. Sometimes copying someone elses drawing can leave you with either a false sense of security or a feeling of emptiness (depending on your personality) because much of the problem solving was done for you by the original artist.
Show 2 more replies
How to practice effectively as a complete beginner in digital art?
Have the two of you Ever collaborated on a painting?