Fashion Illustration Friday Talk : 10 Ways To Improve Your (Fashion) Drawing Skills!

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR (FASHION) DRAWING SKILLS?

I'm not a fashion illustrator, but I am a person who has managed to improve one's fashion drawing skills, so I feel I can contribute something to this subject. Today I want to share with you how I did it. Learning more about fashion drawing is something I did for my own personal satisfaction, but I can't deny there were some other benefits. For example, I gifted a lot of my drawings and made some people happy in the process. I didn't know so many people like fashion illustration so much. A handmade fashion drawing is actually a great gift idea.I even sold one or two of my fashion drawings, and getting better at fashion illustrations also provided me for additional content for my fashion blog, so that's been fabulous. It's been a rewarding experience on many levels. If you want to find out more, scroll down and read tips for improving one's fashion drawing skills!
My illustration of VW design

1. PRACTICE REGULARLY

Drawing is a skill, and just like with every skill, it can be developed with time and practice. Practice makes perfect! The more we practice drawing, the better we will get. It's as simple as that. Regular practice makes it easier for your muscles and brain to remember what they are supposed to do. In addition, regular practice connects the neurological pathways, allowing you to work more quickly. Every time we learn a new skill or a new way to do something, we rewire our brain and allow it to work better. So, learning new techniques and practicing regularly is extremely important when it comes to getting better at just about anything. I found that regular practice does make a difference. You don't have to consistent all the time, but try to be consistent at least for a period of time. Once you get better, it will be possible to make pauses without using your drawing skills, but warming up might still take some time.


2. PRACTICE AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN


Seizing every opportunity you get to draw is the way to go. You don't have to set aside a few hours every day, sometimes even a few minutes can be enough to get some idea down on paper. You may even want to set some fixed time, like two hours every Friday. The important thing is to keep trying to find time for your art. With time it will become a habit and finding the time for drawing should become less of a mission impossible and more of a simple challenge. Time is hard to come by, but it's not impossible. Keep that in mind and practice drawing as often as you can. 



3. CARRY A NOTEBOOK OR A SKETCHBOOK WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES

This is such a great tip, I can't recommend it enough. Having a sketchbook at hand is extremely useful in developing one's skill because it serves both as a reminder for you to draw and an easy way to get down to it. If you can't (forever reason) carry a sketchbook and art tools on you, even a simple pen (or pencil) and a small notebook can do the trick. You may also want to doodle in your planner. Even simple doodles can be enough to keep drawing a part of your life. Sketching is essential because it's the perfect way to brainstorm and get ideas on paper.





4. FIND NEW WAYS TO INSPIRE YOURSELF 

Finding new ways to inspire yourself is always great. This year I started doing fashion collages. I often pair my drawings with my photography. I find it really inspirational (not to mention fun) to mix the two mediums. Bellow you can see two such collages. The location is Bijelo polje in vicinity of Mostar city. In addition, fashion drawing is not an isolated area. Everything you learn can probably be applied to it. If you improve your basic drawing skills, that will reflect on you (fashion) drawing.  If you learn some fun new tricks, don't be afraid to use them. If you get better at drawing faces, that's something you can apply to your fashion illustrations. Besides, finding time to inspire yourself is a great way to keep you creative energy high. Sometimes it will pay off big time to follow some creative urge, to listen your heart and try something new. Playing with different textures is also fun. I sometimes use rose pedals to decorate my fashion drawings. 




5. DRAW WITH A REFERENCE

Drawing with a reference will surely help you improve your perception and technique. Moreover, working with a reference is extremely useful in developing one's art skills. You need to learn how to see things to be able to draw them. An eye for detail is something we can develop. Using a reference, you'll practice how to work out proportions and distance, and other things that you'd need to take your drawing skills to a new level. You don't have to make your drawings in hyper-realistic style if that's not your thing. You can work in any kind of style you want. Even if your style of drawing is very arty or stylized, you can still benefit from working with a reference. I reckon that I draw with a reference as often as I drew without one. I obviously always draw with a reference when I'm doing my Inspired by illustrations, so that's another idea. You may choose something you like, such as creations from your favourite designer or outfits from your favourite fashion blogger and draw it often. That's a great way to practice drawing with a reference. Another thing I want to stress is that you shouldn't really on photography or art all the time. Try to sketch from videos or real life. You can even try drawing yourself  and work on a series of self portraits. If you can't find a volunteer or pay a model to pose for you,  drawing your own reflection in the mirror is really the only option to practice real life drawing, isn't it?








6. DRAW WITHOUT A REFERENCE

Drawing without a reference helps you improve your imagination. When it comes to developing your skills, this kind of drawing is just as useful as drawing with a reference. Drawing from your head makes you more independent and can be a great boost to your confidence. "Did this really came out of my head?" You'd ask yourself. Impress yourself with your ideas, because really you're the one you should look to impress. Besides, if you really want to do fashion drawing, sooner or later you'd want to come up with your own creations, right? Maybe you're even hoping for a career in fashion design? Either way, drawing without a reference is a good way to develop your skills. It might seem counteractive that I'm recommending two opposites: drawing with and without a reference, but that is because both are important for different reasons. 









7. EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT MEDIA

Experimenting with different media can give you fresh ideas and lookout on things. I, for example, sometimes draw fashion illustrations with old make up. Why not try to use your expired eye pencils or lip liners this way? You're be  surprised at how it can make you see your drawings in a new light.



8. CONSIDER USING FASHION TEMPLATES OR FIND OTHER DRAWING TOOLS & LEARNING MATERIALS

I don't really use fashion temples, because by the time I figured out how useful they potentially were, I already made my own. However, if you are a beginner, there is no reason why you shouldn't use them. You can buy them or even find them for free (some artists  and fashion illustration teacher offer and share them for free on their sites and/ or other social media. Do make sure you know the source from where the templates are coming from.  Yes, there are artists and teachers who share them for free but make sure you double check or risk being sued for intellectual/art theft. The Internet is filled with fashion temples. Have a look around and see what might work for you. If you are really into developing your fashion drawing skills, maybe it is a good idea to order some books from professional art illustrators. Professional materials always help.


9. DON'T RELY TOO MUCH ON THE ART SUPPLIES

If you're just starting to work on your (fashion) drawing skills there is no need to stress yourself financially by buying the most expensive art brands. You can start with what you have. You don't need that much to get started. Old markers would do just fine for sketches. I already mentioned old make up as a potentially free art tool, didn't I? Before you buy something, think whether you really need that art supply. With time, you might want to invest more in art supplies. However, don't become too dependent on a certain brand. Remember that it's always you, not the art tool that is doing the job. You're the only one who can take credit for what you do, your drawings are your creations and there is no need to be overly grateful to the tool that allowed you to make something. If you make a good drawing, it's not because of some fancy art supply brand, it's all you. Good art supplies will help, and sometimes you'll need to invest into something, but don't forget that art tools are just that- tools.




10. TRY TO FIND A TEACHER AND/ OR OTHER ARTISTS TO LEARN FROM, GET INVOLVED IN ART COMMUNITIES 

If there is no fashion illustrating/drawing course where you live, you can always try to find teacher or courses online. You can browse the YouTube and look for fashion illustration teachers, artists or enthusiast. That's what I did. It's amazing how many people out there will teach you fabulous drawing techniques for free. Don't forget to thank them, because that's really the least you can do.








Comments

  1. If you want be good in this you need to practise every day! I do the same ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Me encantan tus post , divertidos y diferentes !! tus fotos y dibujos son lo mas
    https://www.corbatasygemelos.es

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  3. This is such good advice - not that I do fashion illustration, but I think that some of the points about practicing and looking for inspiration to keep motivated can apply to many different kinds of creative things :)

    Hope that you are having a good week :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  4. You explain this so well, Ivana!!
    And I think practicing is the key to almost everything....the more you do, the easier it becomes!!
    I love the idea of using different mediums too....
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so true, with time and effort everything becomes easier.

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  5. Thanks for these helpful tips which are all so practical and doable. I really believe that regular practice can help us improve our skills with just about anything and I would agree that it applies to drawing as well. And you are much too humble. You are a fashion illustrator in your own right :)

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  6. Arrasou como sempre, todos esta show, obrigado pela visita e bom final de semana.
    Blog:https://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmO8csZDARM

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great Post! I really admire you for your for your drawing skills. Unfortunately I have to left hands and would be unable to make a nice drawing ;-)
    By the way, you look fantastic in that red dress! Love it!

    xoxo Nadine

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  8. Some lovely fashion illustrations here, Fashion Illustration was a part of my degree and something I should really think about starting up again as I really enjoyed it.

    Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful drawings with us and tips!

    Laura xo
    #SheHearts
    www.shehearts.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear. It's great that fashion illustration was a part of your degree.

      Delete
  9. Great tips.
    Love your pics
    and illustrations.

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  10. Io non so nemmeno tirare una riga dritta Ivana, mi poacerebbe avere il tuo talento. E ti devo dire che nel corso degli anni ti sei davvero migliorata tantissimo!
    Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
    Facebook
    Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
  11. THIS SUPER AS ALWAYS
    new post
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2018/10/affordable-jeans-under-100-to-purchase.html

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  12. Diventi sempre più brava Ivana e mi piacciono molto tutte le sperimentazioni che fai, sei davvero creativa!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

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  13. Un post davvero interessante e pieno di spunti utili per chi vuole provare ad imparare a disegnare!
    Sicuramente tu negli anni sei milgiorata moltissimo, mi piace soprattutto questa tuo nuovo modo di "comporre" le immagini sovrapponendo le illustrazioni alle foto vere! :)
    Baci!
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really love this! <3
    Beautiful women illustrations.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for sharing these tips! I used to draw all the time and I agree that practice helps loads!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  16. Practice, practice, practice - that's so true! This is a great blog post for any aspiring artists out there and also, congratulations on selling a couple of your fashion illustrations - how exciting!!

    aglassofice.com x

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  17. A great Post Ivana! So much Inspiration an the Illustrations are amazing. You look beautiful in your red Dress. :)

    Happy Weekend, kisses

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hvala na odličnim savjetima! :)

    Shoot for the stars | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Facebook page | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love your drawings and collages very much - and my favourite picture of today is the "Double-Ivana" :-))) Really great!
    Hugs, my dear!
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2018/10/eine-woche-im-ausseerland-teil-2.html

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  20. Hi Ivana! Your tips are very good, I just love your fashion illustrations! The one of you with the red outfit is amazing! Kisses! xo

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  21. So awesome that you enjoy drawing lots and get better each time!
    So many beautiful illustrations!

    www.fashionradi.com

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  22. Thank you for this post, I hope you write more tips and tricks.
    I always loved drawing and doing some fashion sketches but I was never good enough.

    take a look at my BLOG and my INSTAGRAM

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  23. Your illustrations are so dreamy Ivana <3 I love your talents <3

    Serene XO

    http://www.surrealserene.com

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  24. Ohh, that's really cool. I love your idea to mix drawings with the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh very interesting post, my best wishes to you
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is just so inspiring. You really got a talent here. The illustrations are so beautiful. Thanks for the tips. Kisses!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks a lot :D

    amaaaazing work as usual :D loved it

    NEW OUTFIT POST | DOUBLE CRUSH
    InstagramFacebook Official PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

    ReplyDelete
  28. I tuoi disegni sono un incanto e resterei ad ammirare i tuoi scatti per ore 😍

    https://nettaredimiele.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Me encanta el post,muy interesante, gracias por la información guapa.

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  30. Illustration 101! This is a great post Ivana. Great pointers for us who are clueless. You're awesome!

    https://www.missymayification.co.uk

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  31. I agree that regulary practice is really important. I love drawing too, when I was studying architecture I used to drawing almost everyday and it caused that my skills went better. Now I have little break but after watching your drawings I want to start drawing again. You are really creative and talented!

    Have a wonderful day!:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you, so great to hear you might take up drawing again.

      Delete
  32. I quite like fashion illustrations, they look so artistic and inspirational. My drawing skills are not as great and I would have to practise a lot! xx

    Much Love,
    Elegant Duchess xx
    https://www.elegantduchess.com/2018/10/04/how-to-start-a-blog-elegant-duchess/

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  33. Love these! Keep up the good work
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks a lot :D

    awesome work, as usual :D

    NEW REVIEW POST | CLINIQUE: PEP-START EYE CREAM
    InstagramFacebook Official PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  35. Mi piace moltissimo questa tecnica Ivana bravissima

    ReplyDelete

  36. I agree that regulary practice is really important. You are an artist!!
    XX


    https://www.elblogdebarbaracrespo.com/2018/10/denim-everyday/

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  37. Dear Ivana, yes, you definitely improved your fashion illustration skills and I see it is more than deserved as you work hard and constant on this! Personally, I really love your fashion illustrations and I'm not surprised that you make other people happy when you gift your illustrations. Thanks a lot for sharing all your for sure fantastic tips but I have to admit that I think even when I would follow each single tip I never would come to that mastership than you!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  38. Tu hai tanto talento Ivana e i tuoi sono post originali, unici e molto speciali. Bellissimi suggerimenti! Baci

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion and beauty blog

    ReplyDelete
  39. So cool sketches!!!

    thanks for sharing!!!

    http://www.itzytrendy.com/2018/10/summer-outfit-in-fall.html

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  40. I love this post, You have explained everything in detail. You are right about the practice, I think every skill needs more and more practice. You are growing your talent day by day and it shows in all your illustrations. I used to love art in my student life but got married in very early age and couldn't complete my studies after that. How do you sketch on the pictures?
    Have a nice day dear!
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't usually trace when I'm sketching, I just look at the photograph, but tracing can be useful to develop our art skills as well.

      Delete
  41. These are some amazing tips, love. You are an amazing artist, and I can see just how much you've grown and improved over time - it is so inspiring to see, honestly! Thanks so much for sharing these tips, I think that they could be applied to so many things in life besides drawing - like writing, or just creating anything. Thanks for sharing, lovely! xoxo

    Kay
    https://www.shoesandglitter.com

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    Replies
    1. thanks Kay. I do agree that these tips can be applied to many creative things.

      Delete
  42. you are so talented I love all of your illustrations
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  43. You look gorgeous in this red dress! your illustrations are amazing!
    http://www.recklessdiary.ru

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  44. Everything is so gorgeous!
    Have a nice week-end!
    Gil Zetbase

    ReplyDelete
  45. A very insightful post on improving drawing skills. I think the point you made about not being overly reliant on a tool is really wise. After all, we can swap between many mediums and still make the art our own. It is great to love a brand for the tool that it provides but that's about it! I really love your drawings with the old makeup. So interesting to see that again :)

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