How a 28 y/o Beginner became Award Winning Painter/Illustrator within 10 years
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- You can do Jared's workshop about drawing figures for illustration, plus our fundamental figure courses and more in the Life Drawing Study Group: www.lovelifedr...
To learn the essentials of figure drawing, try our free mini course Fresh Eyes: www.lovelifedr...
Jared’s CZcams: @JaredCullum
Jared's website: jaredcullum.com/
Jared's Instagram: / jaredcullum
Jared's beautiful graphic novel (intended for kids around 6-12 years old but I loved it and I'm 41) is called Kodi. Illustrated in watercolour, which is very rare. Check it out!
Jared Cullum is my favourite illustrator. His watercolour illustrations are so beautiful. He's also a brilliant teacher, plein air painter and gouache painter.
In this video, you'll see that he was not born with those skills. In fact, he only started drawing aged 28! Within 10 years he had created a graphic novel illustrated fully in watercolour and was nominated for 2 Eisner Awards (like the Oscars for comics) for it, including Best Painter. He also won 2 Reuben Awards.
So how did he do that? He details his training methods in the video, plus provides his best tips so you can make similar progress.
This video will make you want to draw! Hope you like it. Jared is teaching again in our Study Group on Thursday 29th Aug. I'm working hard on a portrait course for September too! Become a member here: www.lovelifedrawing.com/study-group/
im 24 rn finally putting down my fears and learning art properly, its never too late. i know im young, but life goes by fast, faster than young people are aware and i was those young people too.
Keep that same attitude, always. I'm 52 and wishing I could do it all over. The years really do fly by.
You're an inspiration, friend. :)
Hey man! I'm 33 and just starting to learn it properly as well. If you haven't I urge you to read the book Mastery by George Leonard. There's so much to learn about ourselves in this journey. This book really makes you aware and gives you the tools and mindset to succeed and achieve mastery. See you at the top ;)
I turned 27 in June. Also decided to start learning art digitally as a complete beginner simply cuz I wanna leave my mundane corporate life and i wanna be able to draw cool fantasy and super hero style characters from my own imagination cuz i think that's just awesome and hopefully can turn it into a career.
I'm 31 and I started to learn in Feb this year and I've been consistent. It's going slow but I'm enjoying it and I'm seeing gradual improvements. Very glad I finally just started. One of my favourite things to remember is "the better you are, the more mistakes you notice", so don't dwell too much on the frustrations, it actually means you're learning
Totally true. There's a gap where you get the ideas, see the mistakes, but the damn drawings just haven't caught up yet. That gap is annoying! But the drawings do catch up eventually
That's true. Everyone hits a wall where your ambitions get ahead of you. I find that awareness is usually coupled with a rocket forward if you stick with it. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you both for putting this video together. I’m 29 years old and have been feeling disappointed that I haven’t accomplished much yet in my life. I used to draw as a child but lost touch with it over the years. Recently, I’ve been searching for my purpose and rediscovered my love for art. I’m still a beginner with a lot to learn and often struggle with self-doubt, thinking I’m too old to start from the beginning. This video gave me so much happiness and willpower. Thank you.
Glad to see that. Thank you for sharing your story. : )
If it helps i started properly around 33 or so, and we have another video on our channel about Kolja who started in his 40s!
If I may...
...you said that you would "draw as a child" ? ...or would "draw as a child"... ? 🙂
I was simply kidding; in any case, it can be a style... 🙂
@@Cinetiste Sorry about the confusion! I was referring to when I used to draw during my childhood, around ages 6-12 😁
Im 41, turning 42 this month. I have a sketchbook that ive had for almost 20 (yikes) that im only now filling up. And that's my goal right now: fill up as many sketchbooks as i can. His suggestion to copy the greats and visit museums is awesome.
That's a great goal. :) Exciting to read about your adventure.
Such an inspiring interview! I started at 24 but was forced to stop after a year due to nightmare financial circumstances beyond my control and had to work my hair off building back my life. At 28 I'm feeling confident to start investing in this career again, Jared is truly motivating.
What an inspiring journey. Those difficulties are part of what makes you who you are and the art that you will make. Thanks for sharing it.
I'm 60 and after a lifetime of teaching school, retired to begin a lifelong dream of being an artist. I struggle with perfectionism and thinking that every painting or drawing I create has to be worthy of being shown to others. My daughter who is a professional graphic novel illustrator, gives the same advice Jared gives: quantity over quality. She, like him, draws continuously. This video was the BEST video I could have watched at this stage in my "New Life"! I will be watching this video over and over again (between sketching sessions... hahaha!) Jared's positive light, his work ethic, his practical ideas for improvement, and his love of the art he sees definitely lit a fire under me. I am so grateful to both of you for sharing your time and lessons with us all here.
So glad you enjoyed it. How cool to have a pro illustrator for a daughter as you embark on your own art journey!
You're an inspiration, friend. You'll bring a lot of wisdom and life to the lines that you put down. Thanks for sharing your story.
@@lovelifedrawing Yes, and it's my daughter who led me to your site. During the pandemic, when she couldn't get out to her life drawing sessions, she went to your website and raved about it. Bravo! You are doing important work and are appreciated.
I'm tired of hearing stories of people working their ass out. I cannot do it ! I've tried, it gets me exhausted and depressed in 3 days ! i've started art school at 37, last year, with a thin past in drawing and that crushing consciousness that I need to work my ass out but it's like energy is escaping me everytime I try hard. I'm sorry to spill it here. I'm afraid of my next year of studies.
But hey, I'm going to keep drawing and painting, because after being exhausted, I rest, and I feel better, and I still want to do it. Right now I just feel desperate that I'll never be able to work as much as the job require it. Therapy helps, I would never have dared to start art school without my path in therapy.
I'm 30 and I started April this year learning figure and portrait and I'm in a constant state of amazement anytime I draw something because initially I truly thought that art, drawing and painting were innate creative skills that people were born with. So, for me, as someone that's always wished they could draw and create art to actually realize that most of it is a logical process...it's been game & life changing. While other people may see my art and not think much of it, I'm in awe because every single day I pick up my pencil to draw I'm just a little bit better than the day before and since it's now been roughly 4 months, I'm actually drawing things that would blow the mind of the March version of myself.
Lovely. Keep that passion up. You're an inspiration.
What a cool comment! If you keep going you’ll see it’s nuts what you can do!
I draw because vivid dreams, nightmares, an imagination that is constantly in overdrive. More of a curse really. Lately i've been writing along with drawing. Seems to help more and i sleep better without having too many thoughts. Great channel
Good on you for figuring out how to sleep. haha If you teach a class, I'd love some insight. ;) I have an overactive imagination but don't often dream, weirdly, or dont' remember them I suppose.
This is one of the best artist interviews I've ever seen. Not only was the information and story great but you put in a slide-show on the left so I had amazing art that fit exactly into the story he was telling. That was awesome I usually get bored watching interviews because just watching someone talk gets boring but I literally didn't want this video to end. Thank you.
really appreciate that! we put in a chunk of work on these interview vids :)
That's very kind of you. I'm very self-conscious about my voice since I constantly say "uh" and studder and feel like I'm aware of it every time and I feel like I tend to be boring and not bring a lot of intelligence to conversations haha It means a lot to read this comment. Thank you
So easy to get stuck in quality over quantity ! Loved that reminder and also how to do a master copy with intent. Wonderful interview
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for watching, Sarah. :)
I love that the first thing is about being a machine. Volume is a major component.
When I did my foundation in art, we had good teaching. But the biggest commodity the head teacher gave us was inspiration. He really inspired students. So if you are mentally stimulated you are on your way. With the love of your subject and inspiration you are truly on your way, just do not let it go.
Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
I've been practicing for a long time trying to fill as many sketch books as I can. I've seen improvements over time(as gradual as they seem!). Looking back helped me realise the journey I'm on. I think that I'd like to improve my story telling more in my drawings and and do more with water colour. I want to connect with others with my art.
Very inspiring to read. Thanks for watching and sharing.
Really experienced his passion in his first teaching lesson in Study Group. You just fall in love with his passion and his journey. So inspiring! Thanks Kenzo!
thanks Jennifer :)
Thank you, Jennifer. That means a lot
Great interview and very encouraging to hear Jared's story. He has put a lot of time and energy into it but is an inspiration to keep going and not give up.
We're all in this together, Chris. Your words mean alot. thank you.
Great interview with Jared who I have followed in my own journey. He is an inspiration. “Abandoning attachment” is a strong recommendation and one I struggled with. “Lower the threshold so you can produce a lot of work.” And get comfortable with that. Great, great advice. He’s got a great way of thinking about getting better and some great points here. “Clean fuel.” Thank you Jared and thanks for bringing this interview to the world.
Yeah I like the clean fuel too! It works cos his love of art seems to get stronger and stronger
Thanks, Doug. :)
Jared is amazing! A couple of months ago I was trying to find every interview with him and there just wasn’t enough content. Thank you for doing this interview! He's so open and directive about his learning process and influences. This helps a lot.
yeah he's so awesome!
I've done some podcasts recently. I appreciate your interest and taking the time to listen to me. Means a lot, Renegade. Thanks
Thanks Kenzo and Jared for this amazing video. I hugely enjoyed Jared’s session in the study group and looking forward eagerly for the next one. I loved Jared’s CZcams video on his “secret sketch book”. I have been drawing in ink in a sketch book for the past three years and this year I have been more consistent but realise how much more work I have to put in, all the while enjoying the process too. And I love water colours though I haven’t yet started learning it. Hope you will make more of those drawing skill exercise videos, Jared. 😊
You’re making great progress and it shows! The more sketching the better really
An inspiring interview and really interesting to see the visual representation of his journey. "Quantity over Quality" is definitely the way I'm moving forward now. Not at the same output level as Jared but definitely making sure I practice a variety of quick figures everyday, with a focus on muscles and shadows at the moment but I'll change to focusing on foreshortening soon. Thanks for sharing this Kenzo.
Glad you liked it Sue!
I can only share my own footprints in the snow. It's what I do and not a "prescription." I don't know if anyone or everyone needs to put in the same output. There's a lot to be said for less time and more focused approaches. Being self-taught I think spent the majority of my time banging my head on the wall. :) Thanks for watching and sharing.
What an inspiring story! The improvement in those first few years is breathtaking. It always strikes me when an artist, like Jared does, has such a clear idea of what they're going for. And it shows what kind of a difference that makes. For me, just exploring whether to be a comic-book artist, concept artist, an animator, a 3D artist, a game developer, etc. has been taking a lot of time and energy over the years. Enjoying all of it, though :)
Yeah although in my head you are both similar. he is pulled along by what he loves and he loves a variety of things and I think you are the same way! He is pursuing a few things - comic book writing with watercolour illustration, plein air watercolour painting, gouache. he also does portraits and figures. Each sort of supports the other, and i think they come together really nicely in his illustrations. I suspect for you, it's all coming together in the game!
The art world is a fickle place there days. I'm sure people of every generation feel that way. In your practice, I'm sure one door will open clearly but it doesn't hurt to have skills in each as stability in art often comes from the ability to spin many plates at once. Your work ethic is inspiring. Thanks for watching.
I really appreciated the advice of quantity over quality, and choosing a medium that will make this easier for you. As a beginner, I've been hung up on quality and forcing myself to jump straight to digital art, when I find pencil drawing much easier for now. Will definitely take this advice going forward
Thank you for watching, Nofear :)
Well, I found motivation in going in depth in whatever topic I like. So, I am not that much passionate about the 80/20 rule that you often talk about, but that is me, nothing wrong with the rule, I believe that it actually makes sense when your goal is moving forward very fast.
yeah that makes sense. the 80/20 is more useful for people that feel it's all overwhelming. if you're happy to go the full 100, then why not!?
Thank you for watching, Demetrio
I've been following Jared ever since I saw him making his own watercolor boxes. I love his style and color choices. His videos are inspiring to listen to and I always come back to it if I want some help with motivation. Oh and his voice is nice to listen to also!
he's a great guy! and he truly loves watercolour boxes
I appreciate you taking the time, Leloreth. :) Thanks for watching and listening.
Last night I hit a wall of frustration with my art, just feeling utter despair at something that I've always been told I'm good at, but never committed or pushed past that next level of learning. Decided today to find some videos on teaching myself how to learn and get myself out of this self induced rutt; this video came up. Insightful and a great talk, I could sense the passion involved and I took some to rekindle mine, I'm inspired and I shall pick a study! Thanks!
you can do it! practice resolves most problems :)
Kenzo, this was a great interview! When I get some funds I hope to re-join the study group. Great job!
so glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for watching!
I needed this video deeply. It's insane how alike his story is to my own, since I also started my art journey as a 28yr old graphic designer haha. Seeing what is possible to achieve just reinforces everything that I set out to do in the first place. Thanks for this video, you have a subscriber.
Exciting times! Good luck with it :)
Really appreciate these videos! I stumbled into learning to draw in my mid 30´s after realising I want to do animation and the thing that helped me the most is learning how to learn, consistency (some health issues have gotten in the way of that unfortunately) and learning to let go and enjoy learning. Great seeing Jared's progress and inspiring to see people make this their careers.
Saving this video! Thank you for posting this and asking the right questions to help future fellow artists!
Truly impressive (and inspiring) stuff!
Thank you, Kiwi. I appreciate you taking the time to listen.
One of my favorites as well. Guy is fantastic and I am really looking forward to taking one of his painting classes at some point.
definitely recommend it - and do all the homework!
Thank you very much for this. I’ve had this feeling all my life to create and share. Lately it has been burning more than ever and I started drawing and writing everyday, but I was feeling down thinking I started « late » (23yo). But art is a journey without end, it can start whenever.
23 is definitely not late for art!
Thank you so much for making this video. I love the ideas Jared shared about keeping the passion alive. I didn’t even know I needed this until I watched it and realized how burned out I’ve been in my own art study. Thank you again for doing this video. I’m totally going to apply the ideas he shared!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Watched this 3x, thank you
glad you liked it!
I appreciate that, Christian. Thank you.
Awesome interview!! Thanks a lot!
Greetings from Argentina, love your vids!
Thanks for watching!
What a beautiful place. My brother recently spent some time in Argentina and sent me lots of lovely pictures. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Kenzo, great insight and really inspiring guy.
thanks Andy - hope you've been well :)
That means a lot, Andy. Thank you for watching.
Awesome. Insightful!
This is so inspiring! Love it!
So glad!
Thanks, Kobalt!
I've been drawing for 12 years, and I think the reality for me is that I am just not as passionate about it as someone like Jared is. I want to be better at it, but am not willing to put in that kind of time he did. Which I think is okay, so long as you can align expectations with reality.
yeah that's ok - also keep in mind though that he's pursuing a lot of different art avenues (watercolour illustrated graphic novels which are super time consuming, watercolour plein air, gouache etc etc). furthermore, he was doing it at a really high level after 6-7 years or so at 5 hours plus per day. so if you specialise a little and give it a little more time, you can get to a high level too, even if it's not as much practice per day
Thank you for watching and sharing, Brenny.
to jared's friend for that advice🍾
Jared’s awesome! 👏
I agree! And btw I love your paintings Jesse :)
@@lovelifedrawing many thanks. Subscribed!
From 2014 to 2015 YOU CAN SEE THE CHANGE
I started to learn when i was 30 , but after about 3 years I got tired, and never can draw figure from memory , I practiced for hours every day ( 10 hours some days ) but I always struggle with anatomy from memory, I can draw fine from reference, but not from memory I had quet , coz I turned 35 and still at the same stage without any improvement, that worth to continue, now I am 42 , and still hoping that I was able to be an artist , but I know I never be , After watching this video , I am sure now that I can't be an artist ever ..
drawing figures from memory isn't a requirement - many maybe most artists use reference all the time. but to do it, it's worth learning the simple forms and getting really good at them - try our fresh eyes mini course (link in description)
Thank you for replying
Should I master human figures drawing before learn how to draw any other subject , or it is normal that switching between different subjects??
nother thing , I don't know 2hat I'm really want to do , I like portraits and human figure , like animals and landscapes ( not good at them ) For a while I was hoping to became illustrator, and after trying i found my self enjoy realism more , i like and appreciate comic art and fantasy art , but I don't know how to do that , plus I fell some times it is not me
So inspiring!
The secret : draw non stop ✋👌
23:02 now that's what I'm talkin' about!
25:19 How I felt listening to his story? While it is cool that he has managed to accomplish all of this while starting a bit later than most artists do, I cannot say it has uplifted my--albeit sad--spirit. He appears to be a smart and well-cultivated, whereas I do not think I reach the same level of knowledge and understanding of art. And he mentioned anatomy, right? This probably sounds like whining at this point, but I fear I am too dumb to remember (and understand) all the muscles and bones of the human figure...
None of it is complicated - try our fresh eyes mini course or our video about ribcage form or pelvis form on this channel. it's about super easy anatomy ideas. the tricky part is practising consistently enough. in this regard, art is more sport than academic
Start with the biggest things first and then break them down. Learn a simple skeleton, then simple muscle groups, then the main muscles etc, build and build on your knowledge, but start small and start somewhere
I have said this exact comment to my wife many times through the years. I've also smacked my sketchbook and pencils to the floor, feeling the same way, and scrolling through job sites for other potential careers. I've also felt this same way PRESENT day sometimes. I've always felt like the ceiling for me, intelligence-wise, is quite low and that I'm very aware of it. It makes me super self-conscious about talking in public or online. I struggled seeing/reading letters which caused me all kinds of problems growing up and led many adults to share in my dismal outlook on potential. I share in your feeling. You're not alone and I encourage you to not look at things like "anatomy" on the whole. Don't let the mountain peak stop you from just taking one baby-step a day. Get 1 book from the library and copy 1 arm. label 1 muscle and shut it down for the day. Give it 2 minutes. Water that seed and you will grow. There are tricks too. Copy a page, go to sleep and try to do it from memory the next morning first thing. I have friends that are far more accomplished than me in figure painting and don't now a single muscle name. I've looked at totally wrong figures in paintings and have been moved to tears. This feeling is part of you and your story and part of what you bring to the art you make. You're not whining and your not alone. Like I just mentioned to Kenzo in a comment... We're all in this garden together, just growing at our own pace.
his work ethic is commendable but i personally can't imagine drawing that many hours per day as a beginner. i can manage 2 or 3 hours though. the thing that's making art exciting for me again is finding illustrations by artists that i respect and copying them. i have almost 1000 at this point which i gathered over the last month over about an hour a day. i think i will also do studies of the old masters as well since they are just too good to ignore. those two things will hopefully keep me interested until i can draw from imagination.
2-3 hours a day is fantastic and you'll go really far with that, especially if you have a solid plan for systematically building your fundamentals. for me, i manage 2-3 hours a day too
@@lovelifedrawing that's the main issue, planning a learning system to progress with. i've just practicing shapes, perspective & figure drawing so far which your videos have helped with so thank you for that. the main reason i started collecting references is to try & learn what works in art that i like. most of it will probably be too complicated for me at this early stage but it should at least be interesting.
That was a learned skill. Maybe it was cut but when I started I couldn't imagine completing 1 drawing a day. It was a learned skill to draw for long periods of time. I appreciate you watching, Kumichou. Thanks for sharing. I love doing master copies as well. Currently working my way through Arthur Melville's work and the Vagabond manga series. :)
Put out the full one & half hour
Pick up *a basic pen* . Get a piece of blank paper and draw anything/ any object that's near you. *Draw from real life* use a pen (cause with a pen your then committed and there's no erasing)
&
*Have fun*
Happy summer 2024 everyone:)
My country was attacked, I am 23, at 25 you can go to fight, and you will not be asked whether you are a beginner or not, you can learn everything.
5 years into drawing still sucks at it I guess I should practice more
It's all relative. There are no bad drawings. It only matters if you love. Technical skill will grow over time at it's own pace. Thanks for watching.
@@JaredCullum oh thanks for answering, I like you’re artwork . But yeah I don’t worry too much about my growth just that I should go back to my drawing books
13:00
how does being a full-time graphic designer make you a beginner in illustration? :/
It's inspiring for sure, but let's be real. He did know how to draw. That first picture of "10 years ago" is already way more than many can do. He wasn't a beginner.
Ah but that's a full year into drawing. That's 2011 and he started 2010, but his IG only goes back to 2011. People don't usually post or keep their very first drawings. i took all the pics from IG, and it's worth noting that people usually post their best stuff on IG
it's also worth mentioning that while Kodi came out in 2020, he started on it in like 2015 and a lot of the illustrations which earned him those nominations etc were done after just 6-7 years of consistent practice
For real. His art from 2011 is so much better than mine after 3-4 years of genuine hard work and 9 filled sketchbooks. Maybe my brain just isn't cut out for art.
Your brain can do it! Keep working hard for the love of it and you’ll find fulfillment. If you’re really serious about improving though, a good mentor and or program goes a long way. I don’t know any details about your experience but I guarantee you that if you practice for the sake of practice you’ll do well.
@@citrusmillie296I don’t think you realise how much work he actually put in do get this good. In the grand scheme of things 9 sketchbooks is not a lot of mileage. He mentions at one point he was looking to fill as many sketchbooks as possible, he may have filled out over 100 sketchbooks in his first 5 years as he was using ink for most things.
lol well then im a little late being 30 but i guess im somewhere on track lol
i started well into my 30s if that helps :)
He has vagabond in the background
13:30 Seven Samauri? LOL
Still a favorite of mine. :) Yojimbo too.
@@JaredCullum Haha hi Jared! I was mostly joking about the spelling mistake :D
Awards in art don't mean much nowadays.
8 hours a day?
give me a break -__- I struggle to make 30 minutes. and it's too hard.
It's a skill in itself. Don't fret. I spent a lot of my time drawing just banging my head against the wall. When I started I couldn't fathom completing even 1 drawing a day. Do what you can at the time your comfortable with. Everyone is growing and making discoveries at their own pace. Thanks for watching and sharing, XD-rd.
first
nice. :)
I think Jared spent a lot of time on bad practices.
The thumbnail sketch:
Negative space
Rule of thirds
Interesting ARCHETYPAL narrative subject matter
The Sketch:
Perspective
Anatomy
Reference
Rendering:
Reference
AND
The most important practice, take a photo erase a part of it use the surrounding information to fill in the gap.
Which is how you render stuff without a 1 to 1 exact photo of the sketch. You use the reference up until a point then use the surrounding information to fill in the gaps.