S E R A P H I E M

Sorry if this is a dumb question but was wondering if you had any advice for improving as an artist? I really love your style of work but I’m not sure where to start.

Hi!

I should probably say upfront that I don’t feel super confident giving advice, since I’m self-taught myself (the only close thing to formal learning I’ve had is mentorship from my favorite artist).

One of the first things I’d mention—and something I actively rely on—is studying and analyzing artists you like, especially those whose style or direction you’d like to follow. Pay attention to the techniques they use, how they communicate ideas visually, how they stylize things (if they do), and try to find process videos or speedpaints if they have YouTube channels.

My humble self-taught opinion: skill starts in your mind—when you understand what you want and where you want to go through analysis. For example, I’m a big fan of textured brushes and often add a bit of visual “mess” to my canvas when I’m not using linework. When I do use linework, I enjoy hatching, and sometimes I like combining different types of it (curved strokes, straight lines, crosshatching, even mosaic-like patterns).

As for skills, those come down to technique and practice: composition, anatomy, perspective, lighting and shading. I like watching Proko’s videos on these topics. (Though I’m not sure it’s worth going deep into each one here, since they’re all huge subjects with lots of subtopics.)

Also, I’ve often heard from more experienced artists that while you’re learning and searching for your style, it’s okay to copy certain elements from artists you like—like doing studies or sketches just for yourself that no one will see. Some of those elements might stick with you over time, but you’ll naturally adapt them and make them your own, maybe even turn them into something bigger.

Important disclaimer: I’m not encouraging copying or stealing someone’s style—I just want to make sure I’m not misunderstood.

Wishing you the best on your art journey!

The first two illustrations I made for my own Monstober. I want to continue even though October is over. So it's going to be Monstrvember lol

Zygote, (Zygote 2017)

Hollow Crow & Lucy

Nito, First of the Dead