#derekbiazell

Extract:

When asked if there are any secrets to becoming a successful illustrator I often point students to the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. From his research he concluded that most people, across a wide variety of fields, become successful after 10,000 hours’ effort. That rings true to me. Hard work and tenacity are, I believe, the two key elements to a successful career as an illustrator.

Longevity in the somewhat fickle, sometimes trend-oriented world of illustration can also be a challenge. The question is always how to remain true to your own vision. Flexibility is key, especially in these times of exponential change. Most important of all is to remain a student, constantly examining human nature. To observe requires discipline, to draw requires training, to be a participatory artist requires above all an open-mindedness and curiosity. The results will always speak for themselves.