Are you as Obsessed as I am? 7 additional Alcohol Marker tips.

7 More Marker tips. Because I'm obsessed with Alcohol markers I'm giving you 7 more tips to help conquer the obstacles.

• Swatch your colours before you start and plan your pallet. Creating a swatch by testing your colours on paper will help you have a clear idea of which colours suit the drawing best and how you might use your markers as you work through your illustration. A swatch also creates a list of colours to reference as you work through the drawing, drawings can often take time and involve a range of colors so a checklist of colours can eliminate confusion and mistakes.

• Transitional colours can be used to blend colours and create a cleaner colour change without large steps in colour. Think about using a green to assist in blending a yellow to a blue or try a purple to help with a seemless blend from pink to blue.

• Use cross hatching or multidirectional approach when colour blocking large areas. Lay the first layer down working in one direction and then lay the second layer down working in the opposite direction, this will give you a more even coverage of colour and a professional finish.

• Colourless blenders can be used to soften edges, correct minor mistakes and to add texture/pattern to a block of colour. I very rarely use it to actually blend, my colourless blender is also great for creating liter patches/ taking away small spots of colour to create highlights.

• Don’t be afraid to use other mediums with alcohol markers. Pencils/ water colour pencils and gouache work really well when layered over alcohol marker. Layering markers with other mediums requires an understanding of how each medium works in order to get the best out of your layering and mixing but can produce unique results.

• Try a grey pencil or super fine black pen to clean up your lines and add extra definition. A grey line can offer a softer outline than a thick black pen allowing you to create a more realistic illustration while still creating definition.

While markers can be tricky to get used to these tips should help to increase marker confidence and also help to eliminate marker mistakes. Enjoy!

Finding your design/ illustration style

Finding your style can be hard and confusing. It often happens over a long period of time through extensive experimenting but there were a few things I found really helpful when I was defining and reinforcing my style.

I often get asked for the best tips and tricks to quickly finding jewellery design or illustration style. You can find my brief simplified list below.

Set a challenge.

The biggest tip I can offer is to complete a design/drawing challenge. Setting a particular time or outlining a larger project creates a structure or framework that you can work within. Placing less emphasis on each drawing and more on the project as a whole you can use a drawing challenge to find your style. A challenge that runs for 31 days or more is also said to encourage a change in habits and attitude. A challenge helped me to create momentum and provided time to practice. Practice is the key! I decided on a "go big or go home" attitude when it came to undertaking my challenge and I found so many benefits in the larger time frame so I would recommend trying a 100 day challenge to give you a large amount of time to explore your style.

New mediums.

Trying new mediums helped me find my niche. Explore how new mediums/materials work on their own as well as how they mix with those you currently use. The only way to find the medium or use of mediums that suits you best is to experiment.

New techniques.

Investigate and research different methods and add some new techniques to your "design” toolbox. Make time to experiment with new techniques without expectations. Approaching these experiments without expectations creates an environment of freedom. I found an opportunity to learn something new in every experiment I did and each small lesson adds up in the end.

Find artists you like.

Identify other artists that resonate with you and investigate why you like their work. Understanding and finding out about how other artists work, their inspiration sources, methods and tools may help you outline and define your style.

Revisit your old work.

Look at your previous work and check for reoccurring patterns and explore why these patterns have been happening. I found that understanding my past work, personal preferences and general design aesthetics helped me to narrow down my natural style or a direction I could explore.

Using one or a few of the techniques mentioned above to outline the elements that resonate with you should help provide some direction and highlight a style that you love working in. Experimentation and practice are the key but when you are enjoy what you are doing and find a state of calm or effortless flow, you are probably onto something that is worth pursuing.

Alcohol makers and why I love using them.

Intimidating, unforgiving and bold is the best way to describe alcohol markers. This is exactly why I love them.

I was initially introduced to alcohol markers while studying at University. I was required to use them for an assignment in an interior design unit and I absolutely hated them. I avoided them until the very last minute and didn't end up with a very good result.

I kept the markers and revisited them many years later with slightly more determination. I set myself a drawing challenge, 100 drawings in 100 days, in the hope to use this challenge to master my alcohol markers. It didn't take long before my hesitance turned to appreciation and then into a total obsession.

Here's why :

Alcohol markers are translucent, bold and come in an extensive range of vibrant colours which makes them perfect for drawing jewellery and gemstones!

With a quick dry time they can be layered and blended to create depth and form.

A variation of nib sizes are available and the super brush tip found on the Copic sketch and ciao markers allows for tiny details, smooth blend and fine lines. (The super brush tip is by far my favourite because of its ease of use)

My collection predominantly includes Copic and Promarkers, and while they can initially be expensive, I can refill my Copic markers as well as replace nibs so the longevity and reduced impact on the environment are a benefit.

Alcohol markers are not a traditional jewellery rendering medium but they are perfect for my realistic style and perfect for reinforcing a fresh approach to a traditional skill.

Tools of the trade - Jewellery Illustration

What do you actually need when you are starting out in manual Jewellery Illustration?

I'm a big believer in using and making the most of what you have. Not blaming the tools but learning to master the tools you have access to. Don't get me wrong, I currently have an extensive selection of art supplies but I have mindfully added to my collection over the past 19 years. When I started I purchased a a small selection of drawing tools and learnt to use that small selection.

There is is a quote by Arthur Ashe that sums this up perfectly.

"Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can."

You don't need a massive budget to spend on supplies at the beginning. If all you have is a lead pencil then sharpen it and start drawing. Learn to use that lead pencil in everyway physically possible and master that lead pencil. My illustration tutoring with Jewellers often centres around learning to use the basics ( a packet of coloured pencils, ruler and a mechanical pen) A jeweller or designer doesn't always require a high end illustration to communicate design details to their clients.

But, If you are looking to move on from your lead pencil and purchase some additional drawing tools then here is what I recommend purchasing/using if you are just starting out with Jewellery illustration.

• A mechanical pencil with 0.30mm size lead or a mechanical pencil with 2mm lead and a relevant sharpener to keep it nice and sharp.

• Erasers, a 2mm mechanical eraser is great for small details but a larger option is also recommended.

• A ruler and or set squares (45 and 90 degree).

• Paper or card to draw on. (Depending on referred drawing mediums)

• A pack of coloured pencils.

• Templates. Round and oval templates as well as gemstone shaped templates can help when drawing designs. (I love using Timely Templates - Diamonds and gemstones)

• White gouache and a small tipped brush size 00 or 000 is recommended (and something to put the paint on like a plate or recycled lid - I use a white perspex off cut)

While there is a lot more you can use, add as you go and as you grow in confidence. Start with the basics, you don't need everything at once. Master what you do have before you add too much because having a full stationary / art supply draw can sometimes be overwhelming and unnecessary.