Kali Ciesemier

I’m a Taurus! Introvert, creative, comfort-lover (have you seen my food blog?), possessive, good natured/slow to anger, dislikes change, strives for stability. I know these things are written to apply to everyone, but I’d say that describes me pretty well nonetheless :)

Hi Amy! Thank you! Yes, you got it—I work in photoshop and erase and redraw, or make a new layers over my sketch to draw the final on. Unfortunately it’s just kind of tedious in-between work that takes a while. Maybe I will make a video sometime (and speed it up a lot!) ;) I actually don’t use vectors at all, I never got very comfortable with the tool.

Hello, and thank you! Usually when I post sketches (on my blog) I post all of ‘em. And not only are sketches ‘good with the industry people’, but they’re required! You always have to send sketches to a client so they can pick the image they’d like to go with. Sending sketches also allows the client to let you know if they want any revisions, before you proceed to the final illustration.

Generally the number of sketches I make correlates to the amount of time I have for a project, but sometimes certain jobs call for more sketches, or if the client has a verrry specific idea for the illustration, only 1 sketch may be needed. Generally I turn in 2 or 3 sketches, and sometimes it can get up to 5 or 6!

Sketching can be difficult—especially at first— but it’s an important part of the illustration process, and worthwhile for improving your work, to boot!

Hey! Thank you, anon!
First off, I think that anyone can be an artist if it’s something that they’re interested in. The act of doing art, whether it’s ‘great’ or not, makes you an artist.

However, earning a living as an artist is another story. Talent can help, but determination and perseverance REALLY help. If you’re determined, you’re more likely to keep improving your work, practicing, and promoting yourself, regardless of setbacks or starting skill level. Having that drive helps you become a better artist and, in the end, get jobs.

So my best recommendation, if you love art and want be a better artist, is to keep your hands busy! Give yourself projects to do— there’s a list called “101 Projects for Artists and Illustrators” that Dani Jones compiled some years back and it’s a great place to start. Check it out! Or, you can always focus on the basics— do some lifedrawings, study composition, challenge yourself with color studies. There are plenty of books and blogs that focus on these subjects. (James Gurney’s blog is a good place to start, especially if you are a painter—browse the tags on the left side of the page!)

I hope that helps! And don’t forget to enjoy what you do :)

I am a lady! My parents nicknamed me Kali, short for Kathryn Alison. Although I did give myself a pretty short haircut today so ironically I am looking a little boyish at the moment.

Hello anon! Hello followers!