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189 Comments

  1. Brigitte Brocato
    19th July, 2020

    Hello Ainslley, thank you for your reply. Yes, this is an unusual and very difficult time globally, mostly here in the US at this time. This horrible virus is so devastating for so many people everywhere.
    Perhaps we can learn from this challenging time, spending more time with family at this time. Finding joy in every day life, flowers, birds singing, and keeping a sense of humor about things we cannot do much about. Enjoy each day and keep working.
    Brigitte Brocato

    Reply
  2. AINSLEY KNOTT ILLUSTRATION 7 Steps to Becoming an Illustrator • AINSLEY KNOTT ILLUSTRATION
    23rd May, 2020

    […] terrible at describing my work to people so now I say “It’ll be easier if I show you” – have images on your phone […]

    Reply
  3. Bill
    15th April, 2020

    I like 2 best but 3 is good. 1 and 4 look accidental and not I’m just casually playing because I’m that good. 2 is my vote.

    Reply
    • Ains
      16th April, 2020

      Thanks a lot Bill, I see what you’re saying.
      Really appreciate your input!

      Reply
  4. Brigitte Brocato
    13th April, 2020

    I enjoy your illustrations. I am a writer and illustrator of educational children’s picture books in several languages and a member of the Society of children’s Book Writers and Illustrators SCBWI, an international organization. My favorite the little boy reading a newspaper while toilet training.
    Things are terrible here in the US, the virus has killed more people here, specifically the elderly who are totally isolated from family, the homeless, drug addicts and alcoholics with no one to care for them.
    Many people out of work and devastated.
    I hope our lives will go back to normal soon. I miss our family and friends, theater, lectures, Museum visits, concerts etc. My husband observe the strict rules implemented by our Governor, staying busy working from home.

    Reply
    • Ains
      13th April, 2020

      Hi Brigitte, thank you for the kind words. Yes it’s tough times, I hope we learn to appreciate the little things more once we can go back outside. I think from a positive point of view, it’s allowed to take stock and realise the simple things we take for granted. Take care of yourself and hope you pass the time as easily as possible.

      Reply
      • Brigitte Brocato
        20th December, 2020

        Hello Ainsley, we survived this horrible virus and hopefully we will get a vaccine sometimes. We took the advice of science. It was not difficult for me, I love to stat and work from home, write and paint, staying busy and mostly turning off the news, just all negative and so depressing. We cannot do much about these difficult issues. Playing music, Yoga, enjoying outdoors, no matter the weather, staying positive and hopefully for a much better 2021. Stay well and safe.
        Brigitte Brocato

        Reply
  5. Chris & Lizzie
    11th April, 2020

    We say number 2 meets the brief although like 1 as shows his ‘passion for his brand and image” persona.

    Nice stuff – made us lol!

    Reply
    • Ains
      13th April, 2020

      Thank you for your feedback guys! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  6. Lisa Carmen
    8th June, 2019

    I really like Coffee and Faces in Medellin, Legs For Days and Man Waiting For Flight. Can’t wait for your next newsletter… ❤️

    Reply
    • Ains
      3rd July, 2019

      Thanks Lis! Well that’s inspired me to do more frequent newsletters!

      Reply
  7. Michelle
    6th June, 2019

    My goodness Ainsley, your work really inspires me. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed the entire post and the video was a real treat to watch! I just love your drawing style – so edgy and even your sketchbook drawings are personalized with quirky additions and unique observations. Well done on drawing so much in between traveling and spending time with family.

    Reply
    • Ains
      3rd July, 2019

      Thanks Michelle! It’s always great to hear what people like about your work. Sometimes I think, “Am I the only person that enjoys this kind of stuff?!” So I really appreciate you taking the time to share that!

      Reply
  8. Michelle
    15th November, 2018

    Love this video, also that the shading is done with such nice colours as apposed to greys…really makes the illustration pop!
    Yeah it’s a bit shaky and when you drew on the legs part some of it was cut off, but like you say, you’re still figuring this out.
    Love the different paper textures in the illustration too, adds real interest.
    Would love to see more videos from you doing your thing. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Ains
      19th November, 2018

      Thanks Mich! Yeah I prefer shading generally in purple or red hues because I find it more gives the image warmth. I have sorted out my camera stand now, glad you’re enjoying them. I’m still working out what kind of videos to make. Anything you’d like to see in particular?

      Reply
  9. Sarah Tallon
    7th November, 2018

    Heya, neat video bar the wobble, although my main issue is the soundtrack, it’s too loud and drowns you out.
    Other than that, cool video.

    Reply
    • Ains
      10th November, 2018

      Hey Sarah, thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it! Yes, that’s what I thought also. I’m still learning the editing software so every vid is a new lesson. Another thing that I’ll figure out for the next vid!

      Reply
  10. Brigitte Brocato
    6th November, 2018

    The shading added so much to the happy mood of the illustration. Well done!

    Reply
    • Ains
      6th November, 2018

      Thanks Brigitte! I’m glad you think so. I always think shading just gives an image that little bit extra.

      Reply
  11. Matt D
    6th November, 2018

    Have you ever used Prismacolor markers? How do they compare to the Copics you use? I have Prismas, but I’m shopping around. Also, what kind of paper is that? I use Beinfang Marker Paper but I’m also considering switching to a bristol board so I can use a combination of dip pens and markers.

    Reply
    • Ains
      6th November, 2018

      Hey Matt, I haven’t actually used Prismacolors before but I found this which seems a pretty good comparison: https://www.deviantart.com/hydestock/art/Prismacolor-vs-Copic-19491173

      From what I can tell Prismas are cheaper, but not as good quality. Apparently you can get refills for Copics which actually works out cheaper.

      The papers where a mish mash of all sorts – actually they were mostly the inside patterns of paper envelopes, from mail I received.

      To be honest I haven’t yet gone down the route of testing many papers. I say yet because I want to, so I know what pens and what pencils go best with each paper.

      Reply
  12. Delphine
    11th October, 2018

    Inspirational, Ains, great to re-read this. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ains
      13th October, 2018

      Thanks Delph! I’m glad it helps! Just went on your site. Your botanical ills are uhmazing!

      Reply
  13. Supporter of Ains
    11th October, 2018

    Ainsley looks like your comment form is back online! Way to go lad!

    Reply
    • Ains
      13th October, 2018

      Haha! THANK YOU! Thank you so much! I did it!

      Reply
  14. Ains
    11th October, 2018

    Testing.

    Reply
  15. ALGO DEL 7o ARTE: “FILTH” – Mercuria
    18th August, 2018

    […] Fuente de la imagen principal. […]

    Reply
  16. Analysa
    17th August, 2018

    Is it just me, or is this art hot as Hell?! xoxo, Analysa

    Reply
  17. Chris Hemsworth
    17th August, 2018

    This is amazing, all of Asgard trembles before your art Ainsley of Earth!

    Reply
  18. Tatyana Lovalova
    17th August, 2018

    You can sharpen me like one of your French pencils any day, Sir Knott.

    Reply
    • Ains
      17th August, 2018

      Okay!

      Reply
  19. Big Dick Nelson
    17th August, 2018

    This is pretentious bollocks, you need to revisit your career, try selling your body for science or sexual pleasure. Peace out brosky!

    Reply
    • Ains
      17th August, 2018

      I understand. I will try harder to impress you.

      Reply
  20. Art Vandalay
    17th August, 2018

    This is utter rubbish, kill yourself you loser. Peace out!

    Reply
    • Ains
      17th August, 2018

      Thank you for the strong words of encouragement.

      Reply
  21. Mr Delicious
    15th August, 2018

    This is delicious. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Ains
      17th August, 2018

      Thank you Mr Delicious. I’m glad you appreciate it.

      Reply
      • Ains
        18th August, 2018

        Bahaha. Good one

        Reply
        • Clem
          16th September, 2018

          I like your artwork. It not just images but a story behind each concept that has been designed. Nice.

          Reply
          • Ains
            25th September, 2018

            Thanks Clem! It was a fun project to work on.

  22. Stanker
    14th August, 2018

    This is a work of art! And in just 45 minutes?

    Reply
    • Ains
      15th August, 2018

      Thank you thought the initial inking took 45 mins, then there was the pedantic perfecting which took longer. 😐

      Reply
  23. Chris
    9th August, 2018

    new email. who dis?

    Reply
    • Ains
      13th August, 2018

      It’s your girl Ainsley. 😉

      Reply
  24. EricJuicy
    3rd July, 2018

    I often visit your blog and have noticed that you don’t
    update it often. More frequent updates will give your website higher authority & rank in google.
    I know that writing content takes a lot of time, but you can always help yourself with
    miftolo’s tools which will shorten the time of creating an article to a couple of seconds.

    Reply
  25. Chris H
    20th November, 2017

    Really lovely pencils. Are they the ones that don’t pick up on scanners?

    PS Well restrained on the tentacle front.

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st November, 2017

      Haha thanks!
      Yeah they are the traditional animator’s pencils. They have a unique kind of pencil lead that doesn’t erode easily.

      Reply
  26. Jenell
    15th November, 2017

    I love col-erase pencils. I’ve drawn with them almost exclusively since college. Definitely can be tricky to find if your city is without any legit art shops. The big brand craft shops don’t carry them. It’s a bit annoying.

    Bit envious you can draw during your hour commute! (not possible in LA traffic!)

    Reply
    • Ains
      15th November, 2017

      Indeed. I bought about 20 because I found only ONE shop which was out in the sticks.
      It’s tricky trying to draw on a shaky train I tell ya!

      Reply
  27. Befan
    7th November, 2017

    Great stuff as usual Bainsley

    Reply
    • Ains
      15th November, 2017

      Thanks Bef! What is your favourite bit?

      Reply
      • Stefan
        15th November, 2017

        I think it’s the bit where you maximise your limited free time by drawing on your commute.

        Reply
  28. Stefan
    28th May, 2017

    Ainsley keep going with these watercolour touches. To me, it’s your best style by far! The hoodie girl evokes E H Shepard, the illustrator of the original Winnie the Pooh books, and he was GOOD.

    Reply
    • Ains
      1st June, 2017

      Thanks Stef, glad you like it. I’ll see what becomes of it.

      Reply
  29. Michelle Fouche
    14th May, 2017

    Thanks for the share Ainsley! Love the floating mobile addicted dude…I see that all the time and even had a a few walk into me because of the intense relationship with their smartphones. Smartphone, silly human…
    “Listen babe” is the perfect captain! Made me laugh so much :). Love the variations in your line work and now I can try the same too as you shared your armor. Very cool and keep up the sketching! #powertothepencil

    Reply
    • Ains
      15th May, 2017

      Hey Michelle!

      Thanks for the kind words, glad it made you laugh!
      Working in pencil can take a little longer but it can be worth the extra effort.

      Reply
  30. Stefan
    7th May, 2017

    Well this is fab, but I don’t remember playing Gameboy on a beanbag!

    Reply
    • Ains
      7th May, 2017

      It, was actually on a futon, but I’ve got an art licence so…

      Reply
      • Chris Hallam
        10th May, 2017

        I would like to see a copy of this licence for legitimacy reasons.

        Reply
        • Tom Bond
          10th May, 2017

          Everybody knows artistic license are invisible. At least all the cool people.

          Reply
        • Ains
          12th May, 2017

          It was lost in the mail, but I was assured by The League of Okay Artists it was granted,

          Reply
  31. Mike
    28th April, 2017

    “This chief with the hair, side benching…”

    YES!

    Reply
    • Ains
      7th May, 2017

      I’m glad you agree Miguel.
      Always challenge the social conforms, whether hairly or benchly.

      Reply
  32. Stefan
    22nd April, 2017

    Great stuff. The muscle man looks like a normal height man way in the background, though.

    Reply
    • Ains
      22nd April, 2017

      Thank you Stefun Hmm, I tried to see it your way but just can’t believe his positioning if he was way in the background, but thanks for the comment.

      Reply
  33. Chris Hallam
    19th April, 2017

    Nice to see progress with the brush pen. Hands need to be bigger.

    Reply
    • Ains
      20th April, 2017

      Thanks Christoph! I needs to push the hands to the max.

      Reply
  34. Brigitte
    19th April, 2017

    You are incredible.
    All the best☺
    Brigitte Brocato

    Reply
    • Ains
      19th April, 2017

      Thank you Brigitte!

      Reply
  35. Stefan
    11th April, 2017

    Don’t be so self deprecating. The left hand is fine and the right hand is proportionate and effective within it’s localised impressionist space, if you see what I’m saying. I thought the umbrella was a kite.
    I think the afro guy is just nervous he’ll miss his bus? It might be one of those once an hour buses!

    Reply
    • Ains
      11th April, 2017

      Appreciate it Stef. Yeah you are the second the person to say it looks like a kite. And you are CORRECT.
      The afro guy did seem nervous AND I think he needed to not miss that bus, so he could deliver the money.

      Reply
  36. Thomas Marsh
    10th April, 2017

    Hey Ainsley,
    Fun stuff! Hands can be pretty tricky especially in foreshortened positions. If the gesture and action can be aided, I’ve found that sometimes one should not feel obligated to include every single finger. Studying the anatomy and structure, and how the fingers bend in relation to everything else is good and solid. Study the work of Albert Dorne ~ Very expressive and considered one of the best ever in regards to hands.
    Cheers!
    Thomas
    Also, I like the multi-post format in one email because one can punch in to your site quicker rather than a lot of back and forth.
    Also again, on the swimmer project, I’m digging the composition happening on Page 3, upper left, and actually the black mass above that box looks like an expressive sketch (or you could have been testing pens in that area as the rough gestural approach seems very distant from your usual lined style.) But I can see great potential there too…

    Reply
    • Ains
      11th April, 2017

      Thanks for that Thomas! I checked out Albert Dorne, you’re right. What hands!
      I don’t find it too tough to draw them when they’re in front of me, but the main goal is to fill my creative bank account so I can draw them well enough with out any source in front of me.

      Thanks for your input on the posts and swimming pics. That composition was one of my favourites. And yes, that black mass was actually me trying to get the ink flowing through my brush pen. But hey happy acccidents!

      Reply
  37. Tara
    10th April, 2017

    Maybe that’s why she has such a long face.

    Reply
    • Ains
      10th April, 2017

      Yeah the worse it got, the longer I drew her face.

      Reply
  38. Stefan
    5th April, 2017

    Brilliant post! I love the whole ‘destiny of the cards’ paragraph. I am enjoying the evolution of your style

    Reply
    • Ains
      6th April, 2017

      Oh I’m glad! That’s very reassuring. Thank you kindly.

      Reply
  39. Stefan
    4th April, 2017

    As your brother, I can say that childhood pic of you is uncanny!

    Reply
    • Ains
      4th April, 2017

      Thanks bro! I’m improving!

      Reply
  40. Chris Hallam
    29th March, 2017

    Hey Ainspants,

    Really enjoyed the mini-stories behind the characters, could work well in a two panel strip like a before and after to really show your unique sense of humour. Just a thought I had.

    See you digging the brush pen still! It’s great to see the smudge marks from these on the scanned images as it conveys the rushed time you probably had between pouring in the hot water. Scanned always before photographs.

    H

    Reply
    • Ains
      30th March, 2017

      Hey Chaos,

      Thanks for your comments. That’s something to consider.

      Yeah still loving the brush pen, I’ve got two now. I’m considering filling one of them with water instead of ink and using it to add colour using a watercolour paint palette.

      Reply
  41. Cath Pascall
    29th March, 2017

    HI Ainsley,
    Thanks for these , I really like them…esp the fly guy. Maybe you could post the initial sketches and the touched up versions, I kinda always like to see the process.
    have a great day, and thanks again
    Xx

    Reply
    • Ains
      30th March, 2017

      Hey Cath,

      Thanks a lot! That’s a good idea, I always like to see the process too so I might think about a cool way to include the initial sketches.

      Have a good hour!
      Ainsley

      Reply
  42. G-man
    22nd April, 2016

    Good work, man! Inspiring even for a non-illustrator like me 🙂

    Reply
    • Ains
      22nd April, 2016

      Thanks G-man! Glad it transcends!

      Reply
  43. Chris
    21st April, 2016

    Great job buddy. Really pleased how this turned out for you!

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st April, 2016

      Thanks Chaos! Appreciate it!

      Reply
  44. Delphine
    21st April, 2016

    Great work Ains! You have such a strong recognisable style. Keep up the good work! Looks like Oz is providing a big source of inspiration.

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st April, 2016

      Thanks Delph!
      Trying to make sun while the hay shines.

      Reply
  45. Sean
    21st April, 2016

    Great work dude! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st April, 2016

      Awesome! Thanks Sean, glad you like! 🙂

      Reply
  46. Keziah
    21st April, 2016

    I really appreciate you showing your process here! They all look really amazing! Might I just ask- how do you normally paint the trees? Drawing out individual leaves or do you use a specific brush?

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st April, 2016

      Hi Keziah! Thanks for the kind words!

      Which trees were you referring to specifically?
      The trees in the “Dobell” sculpture where outlined in pencil and coloured with grey.

      I use Photoshop for the colouring process:
      The ones in the upward angled “What Bird Is That?” mural were mostly done by using a soft round eraser brush in Photoshop (erasing the grey). Then I selected all the white area(the sky), made a new layer, which I filled with white and put above the tree layer, then added a soft blur effect, which gave it that sunlight-coming-through-the-leaves effect.

      The leaves in the “Earth v Sky” image and background of “Archibald Fountain” image, YES, I used specific paint brushes that I experimented with from Kyle’s Ultimate Megapack.

      I discovered from doing these illustrations though, that I don’t really like using the specific effects of brushes for this kind of thing. I prefer doing itmore by hand like the leaves in “What Bird is That?”

      Does that make sense?

      Reply
      • Keziah
        23rd April, 2016

        Yup, lots of sense! Thankyou so much!

        Reply
        • Ains
          24th April, 2016

          No problemo, glad to help! 🙂

          Reply
  47. Bill Murphy
    21st April, 2016

    Hi Great article.

    Thanks for posting your process.

    You mention in the beginning, your agent. Did you ever talk in your blog about using and working with agents? If not could be a good article for the future. I know I would get a lot out of that.
    Did you have a fee for the proposal. Still making something, event if you did not get the job? You did put in some time. Possible you did this in hopes of getting the gig. Similar to updating your resume for a position you want. Just wondering how you work with that part of the process.

    As always, great job. Thanks again for sharing.

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st April, 2016

      Hey Bill, thanks for the response!

      I haven’t talked specifically about be part of an agency. But that’s because I honestly don’t think I have enough material or experience with working with one to write an article – it’s probably been a year, this month, that I’ve been with The Drawing Arm.

      I by no means rely on them for work but through the handful of jobs I’ve had from them I’ve developed a certain trust of them and feel that we our on the same side working towards a mutually benefit.

      Did you have a fee for the proposal.
      Good question. In fact my agent did state in the initial email that they usual charge the client a certain fee for concept work, but as they were a government body they weren’t able to process that type of payment BUT the client seemed happy to get a proposal from me in just writen form (which is exactly what I wrote in the “HOW ABOUT THIS SECTION”) But I decided it would take me little over an hour to sketch up an example regardless, so I decided to do it.

      This is an example of where I developed a sense that my agency “have my back”, as I feel that, behind the scenes, they put it to the client that their artist wouldn’t do a concept without getting paid, and then the client may have responded with something along the lines of “Well, could he at least do a written explanation of his concept by answering these questions?”.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
  48. Laura
    21st April, 2016

    As always, I love your work and really appreciate the time you put into sharing your process!

    Reply
    • Ains
      21st April, 2016

      Thank you Laura! I appreciate you saying so.
      I’m still trying to get faster at writing and uploading all the images!

      Reply
  49. Paul Weiner
    8th March, 2016

    Picture This and Framed Ink are two books you suggested that I am currently
    reading. I really enjoyed that Marcos mentions about creating effective
    pictures. Thanks

    Reply
    • Ains
      8th March, 2016

      Awesome. Together I think they make a winning combo.
      I think there’s a bit more to take in with Framed Ink and that’s why I always come back to it.

      Reply
  50. Thomas Marsh
    4th March, 2016

    Great stuff Ainsley and welcome back! There’s a lot of good suggestions here and I appreciate the variety of areas mentioned from personal, organizational and creative inspiration.
    Looking forward to your post on your project’s process as I particularly enjoy sharing my process on my Behance site. Getting ready to launch my long-overdue official site and will look to transition much of those things there.
    Keep bringing the good stuff!

    Reply
    • Ains
      4th March, 2016

      Thanks Thomas. Glad you appreciated it!

      Look forward to seeing the new site. I know how long it can take to finally go live with a new site.
      I got caught up in making everything look perfect before I put up my site but then realised it’s a more of a continuously edited thing. I still find myself editing and optimising things on my site now.

      Reply
  51. Michelle
    2nd November, 2015

    Thanks for the cool blog post. It’s natural to initially focus on your drawing/shading/perspective skills, but looking at these Inktober drawings it’s so cool to see your creativity and brilliant conceptual mind. They are so much more than drawings. I LOVE rain :)!!

    Reply
    • Ains
      3rd November, 2015

      Thanks Michelle!
      I think I’m going to continue illustrating my brothers blog Conversatial using these blockhead characters, in the same style.
      I like the limitation of them.

      Reply
  52. Usha
    16th October, 2015

    What graphic tablet do you use for drawings. Do you suggest specific art brushes for illustrator.

    Reply
    • Ains
      18th October, 2015

      Hi Usha, these weren’t done digitally they were all with pen.
      When I work digitally I use an older version of the Wacom Intuos Pro. It’s does everything I need so don’t feel I need to upgrade.

      In terms of brushes, I never really tried that many out and stick to a handful that I like. For one job I worked on the studio gave me Kyle’s Mega Brush pack and that opened some interesting options but I haven’t really experimented that much with them really.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
  53. clem
    15th October, 2015

    Hey i like you the way you have designed your name. Kindly network my name the same way. The shape you chose for the head has computerized the whole image. This is a digital being reading from a paper. Real creative. Have not been able to read cos of time. will read later

    Reply
    • Ains
      16th October, 2015

      Thanks Clem, glad you like em! I wanted to keep the head simple so my focus was on the body, anatomy and poses.

      Reply
  54. Laura
    14th October, 2015

    Loooove these! I might try a similar challenge myself someday! I’ve been getting lazy leaning on my crutches 😀

    Reply
    • Ains
      16th October, 2015

      Thanks Laura! Yeah sitting down each day to do these it has been very tempting to do easy angles and poses but I keep reminding myself that I’m trying to push my comfort zone.

      It becomes even more difficult to do so when you start seeing people like them and then you feel more pressure to do better “pictures” instead of focusing on improving and exposing yourself to producing “not great looking pictures” as a result.

      Reply
  55. Lizzy
    30th September, 2015

    Thank you for the tips, Ains!

    Viewing illustrations with fresh eyes have always been an issue for me since whenever I’d ask someone else to have a look, they’d point out things I’m obviously not done with yet. I.e. “it’ll look better in colour.”

    Reply
    • Ains
      1st October, 2015

      Thanks Lizzy! Yeah I know, it can be really annoying when people point out things that you already know to add.
      Showing people your work and being open to criticism I think is very humbling and really helps you grow. I need to do it more.

      Reply
  56. Bill Murphy
    28th September, 2015

    Nice article, thanks for sharing. The flipping is a definite helpful tip I use a lot. I also love the grey tip. In my graphic design and illustration projects converting to grey can help show the intensely in colours. Example is using complimentary colours like red and green may seem great but if the hues are to similar they look off. Change to grey and instantly I find I know what colour to brighten or darken.

    I know writing is a different form of art, but I find it helps in my illustration. Character design especially. Name, age, sex, social life changing moments all help to write them down. This writing may never be seen by the final viewer but it helps you build the character before you begin the illustration. This can work in a landscape illustration or scenic piece by writing descriptive words and asking the weather or time of year, location and time of day.

    Thanks and hope my additions are helpful

    Reply
    • Ains
      29th September, 2015

      Hey Bill, thanks for the response. I really like your tip on naming traits of a character or scene you’re building!

      I never considered it before but I can see how that would really help get inside the subject matter and truly get those traits across to the viewer. I’m going to try that out in future.

      Thanks you for the tip and thanks for reading!

      Reply
  57. LizzyDS
    27th August, 2015

    Thank you for the pointers and inspiration. Every day is a learning curve.

    Reply
    • Ains
      29th August, 2015

      Hey Lizzy, no problemo! Every day IS a learning curve, although I probably forget to review what I can learn from each day!

      Reply
  58. Thomas Marsh
    26th August, 2015

    Great piece Ains!
    So much is familiar to my situation and I like the bits about collecting reference photos. I came across a good post by Maxine Lee on LinkedIn regarding the organization of one’s portfolio to emphasize how each piece plays off of the next in sequence ~ for better impact both in the subject matter chosen and the approach to the visual.

    Reply
    • Ains
      29th August, 2015

      Hey Thomas, glad you liked the article. Do you have the link to Maxine’s post by any chance? That sounds really interesting.

      Thanks

      Reply
  59. Elliot Johnson
    25th August, 2015

    I’ve been an artist in this business for over thirty years with many ups &downs i live with depression and i have a very hard life i used to walk 20 blocks a day just to go to my library to create my drawings my work give my mind time to forget about all the pain of my life i used to belong to a program for people we my afffliction but i left that behind I’ve been homless now for 4 yrs a Somtimes go to my sister’s for food but she has her own life and i don’t want to de a berdon i leave my artwork with her and walk around a lot i thinking of moving to another city and take my chances somewhere else sleeping on the street and subways is tiring i haven’t slept in days now but I’m going to the library every day except on Sunday.my illustrations are my life and i know if i had better way of comunicating i could maybe sell something but I’m not to trusting of people and i wacth my back its not safe out here people are mudered for nothing guns are everywhere shooting anyone the concrete looks like ketchup winters comin and i don’t want to be around here good luck nice readin your In last night

    Reply
    • Ains
      29th August, 2015

      Hey Elliot, it definitely sounds like you need to get into the right environment, where you have a bit more stability and where people appreciate creativity.

      Have a look online and see if there’s any creative group or programs that help people on the street nurture their creativity. Like I said in the post, you really want to try and be in an environment where you can be creative and you are surrounded by creativity.

      You’re walking 20 blocks to the library just to create so that shows you have determination and I really respect you for that. It honestly makes me feel slightly shameful of my laziness to do work on certain days and make excuses to myself.

      I’ve seen artist selling their art on the streets, from just little sketches & paintings to massive chalk murals drawn on the ground. So even people who are struggling can find a way to get things off the ground. But if people around you are constantly worried about what’s around the corner then they’re probably not going to stop and admire what you do on the street.

      I can’t speak pretending to know your situation but just from my perspective what would I’d be focusing on is finding a way to get a way from the distractions of your surroundings and look for somewhere you can more easily focus on doing what you love and where people support what you do.

      Hope that helps and all the best man!

      Reply
  60. Carol Peck
    25th August, 2015

    I am currently studying at CATC online for my Diploma in Graphic Design and have decided to specialise in the area of Illustration. I am glad I had a chance to see this blog its given me inspiration to keep going .. I find it great to see what others can do and learn from others at the same time thanks again..

    Reply
    • Ains
      29th August, 2015

      Thanks a lot Carol!
      I want to keep seeing people doing what they love so I’m really glad it sparked some inspiration.

      Keep going!

      Reply
  61. Sonjoy Das
    22nd August, 2015

    Superb Post. Very Inspiring. I myself have experienced a lot of things you have mentioned here and also thought of doing many such similar things. I am sure, many of us must have had some or the other experiences you have shared. But you have shown a very positive way.
    Thanks Ainsley for sharing such an inspiring article 🙂
    My best wishes!

    Reply
    • Ains
      23rd August, 2015

      Thank you Sonjoy! I’m glad you were inspired by the article. Stay creative.

      Reply
  62. Gil Ashby
    21st August, 2015

    Good sharing! – Will pass this on to my students!
    Great reinforcement that no matter how much things change they remain the same- hard work and faith necessary!
    Always
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ains
      22nd August, 2015

      Thank you Gill! Glad you could take something from it and also to hear you’re sharing it with your students. What is it you teach?

      Reply
      • Clem
        11th October, 2018

        Thanks Ains, Great job. You have been my greatest inspiration. This information is giving a ideology to set up my platform as I plan to set up full time illustration career.

        Reply
        • Ains
          13th October, 2018

          Thank you for saying so Clem, those are very kind words! Glad it can help.

          Reply
  63. Carina
    21st August, 2015

    Oh wonderful!!

    Great, perhaps you could end up doing some for the next big tennis gig in UK or Australia’s?
    Please let me know when you put them up, I’d love to see them.

    Regards

    • Ains
      22nd August, 2015

      Yeah, I will do. I was hoping to get them completed before the US Open ends. We shall see…

  64. Carina
    21st August, 2015

    I guess that’s the secret, ‘actively’. I knew at a young age I wanted to be a graphic designer but never took my drawing skills further, however occasionally over the years i do portraits, oil paintings, etc. [more as a hobby]. I never did use sketchbooks, so my error.

    Yes i am always seeking out other artists and have a plethora of reference, best i get down to doing my own and being great at that. 😉

    Cheers

  65. Carina
    21st August, 2015

    Almost as if i can feel the heat of the sun on the T-shirt too.

    I studied Chiaroscuro a few years ago for his lighting techniques….wonderful!
    But i found Vermeer’s work very inspiring and loved how he used lighting in his paintings.
    Yes lighting certainly put another dimension into a scene doesn’t it.

    • Ains
      22nd August, 2015

      Definitely. And that’s why I like to use a lot of strong shadows in my work, it’s more visually impacting.

  66. Ains
    19th August, 2015

    Thank you Carina, working out the shadows in the thing I enjoy the most.

  67. Carina
    19th August, 2015

    Great composition and use of colour!

    • Ains
      19th August, 2015

      Thank you.

  68. Carina
    19th August, 2015

    Your use of lighting really adds to the drawing.

  69. Carina
    19th August, 2015

    That is really cool- Djokovic yeah!! Stance is great! Expression and everything about this is awesome!! Love it, love it, love it! 🙂
    Haha! Obviously you have watched Djokovic play a lot, he’s always sliding on the courts.
    I think you should add some more classic poses of famous people to your collection.
    Do a collection, Federer, Sharapova, Serena Williams and Nadal to name a few….maybe?

    • Ains
      19th August, 2015

      Thanks, glad you like it. I’m actually in the process of doing the Big 4 all in this style. I’ll be posting the progress and will be setting up a whole page about it.

  70. Carina
    19th August, 2015

    I forgot…..someone on one of your posts mentioned about being ‘therapeutic’….I’d have to agree with that. When I do portraits, there’s a certain amount of satisfaction and that therapeutic moment in drawing and i also wander off into a different world. How about yourself? Where do you go.? I try to capture the person’s expression and how they are feeling, etc. I guess we all try to capture different things. Maybe it is a silly question, we are all trying to capture ‘the moment’.

    • Ains
      19th August, 2015

      Well for this one, it was actually for a friends record launch and that’s why it’s square format, as it was for the record cover.

      I only had a short time to do it, and he just gave me a theme of people getting crazy on the dancefloor to work with.

      This perspective came to mind and I did my best to work with the angles and foreshortening.

      • Carina
        21st August, 2015

        Great! He should definitely be happy with that.

        Did you use reference or take some photos at all or was it all from your head? Hope you don’t mind me asking.

        Perspective certainly gave it a great look.

        • Ains
          22nd August, 2015

          I didn’t use any reference for this one. I wanted to challenge myself by relying on what I’ve learned in perspective and lighting.
          Plus I think it would’ve been pretty hard to get that low on the dancefloor without being danced on.

  71. Carina
    19th August, 2015

    Hi Ainsley,

    Love your drawings and sketches! You have a natural talent, wish i could do the same. i like doing portraits but i don’t have the same drawing ability as yourself. i especially like how you can just capture true perspectives and each drawing you do is consistent and has a really lovely flow. I also noticed many of your illustrations tell a story, it obviously pays off to sketch everywhere you go too! Great work!

    All the best to you!

    Regards,
    Carina

    • Ains
      19th August, 2015

      Thanks for the kind words Carina. I’d say I had somewhat of an early innate ability for drawing things but I actively spent time getting good at it. I look back on my sketchbooks from years ago from when I was much younger and there were things that looked really off.

      Try and find other people that are good and learn from them, I learnt a lot from other artists. It really quickens your progression.

  72. Usha
    5th August, 2015

    Ainsley,

    Your sketches are great. I can sketch well too but not formally trained in an art school. I still chose to take up graphic design and illustration as a self employment option.

    I have a question. I can see a photograph and sketch it as it is. But if I have to sketch based on my memory, I have no clear idea as to how to get perspective of an focused object.

    Can you write a blog on perspective drawing based on a photograph showing horizon line and vanishing points.

    Thanks
    Usha

    Reply
    • Ains
      6th August, 2015

      Hi Usha

      Yeah I’ll be able to share what I know on perspective, or the principles which I apply in my own sketches. Will probably be a short post. But I’ll put other recommendations and resources that have helped me improve.

      I don’t tend to use horizon lines or vanishing points when sketching because (though I probably should.) I think, for me, it makes the process a lot more systematic (I think I’m a little too impatient when it comes to sketching!) Though if it’s an important job that I’m actually getting paid for, like background designs, then yes I would use those perspective guides.

      Reply
  73. Brian Keeth
    29th July, 2015

    I thoroughly enjoyed this sketchbook segment. It’s nice learning about different processes. As a fellow sketchbook enthusiast, cheers!
    And thanks for the PS textures!

    Reply
    • Ains
      30th July, 2015

      Hey Brian, no problemo. glad you can take something from it.
      Also thank you for subscribing, hope you put the textures to good use.

      Reply
  74. Laura
    29th July, 2015

    Ah you are so inspiring! I really don’t do a lot of off-the-cuff sketching, but I should. I have worked a lot on my digital skills but I think my patience for detailed sketching has suffered for it. Thanks for sharing, it really has inspired me!

    Reply
    • Ains
      29th July, 2015

      Thanks Laura. Yeah I know, sometimes when I make a mistake while sketching I go to press UNDO and then realise that doesn’t exist.

      Sketching “for reals” has so many benefits for your creativity and I think ultimate improves your digital work. One big one as you mentioned is patience, but I also think there’s something quite therapeutic about putting pencil to paper.

      Reply
  75. Sean
    27th July, 2015

    This is sweet! Great posts, demonstration of process, and handy tips to practice. nice.

    Reply
    • Ains
      28th July, 2015

      Thanks Sean. Glad you like it and are able to take something from it.

      Reply
  76. Enrique Knoxl
    26th July, 2015

    Incredible stuff, sir. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Ains
      28th July, 2015

      Thanks Enrique! Appreciate the support.

      Reply
  77. Usha
    13th July, 2015

    Ainsley,

    I was looking for good tutorials on perspective drawing. Your art work speaks volume on perspective. Is it possible to post a blog with emphasis on perspective drawing.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ains
      13th July, 2015

      Thanks Usha!

      Yeah I think that’s a good idea for a post. It is one of the more challenging areas of creating more realistic art.

      I’ll have a look at getting some of my work together and see if I can share something of value.

      Reply
  78. Usha
    13th July, 2015

    Awesome caricature !

    Reply
  79. Bill Murphy
    7th July, 2015

    I did a job for Campbell’s Soup once and it was kind of similar. A group of eight illustrators were divided into eight groups that included various Campbell’s Soup staff. As the day went on we had to illustrate what they were discussing and at the end of the day asked to submit our work for posting in the office for staff inspiration and reminders. They wanted advanced sketches but not finished art as they understood the time it takes and issues of expressing in this environment. Drawing one idea as they would have moved on to several others, led me to more taking notes and quick simple sketches. In the end they let us take the project home to finish and submit still asking only for advanced sketches. It was great fun. I was nervous and used marker and water-soluble pencil crayons in my work. Love that you shared your experience and stepping outside our comfort zones is how we get even more creative in ways we may never have before. The struggles are what improves are work for the next one and hopefully that one doing the same. Nice article.

    Reply
    • Ains
      7th July, 2015

      Thank you Bill. That sounds pretty tough. At least with this job it was simply a matter of carefully replicating the designs and the people hiring weren’t breathing down my neck.

      I’d find it a bit more pressured to do what you did I think, where I was under pressure to come up with creative ideas.

      Reply
  80. Usha
    6th July, 2015

    Your blog posts are interesting and make a good read.

    Reply
    • Ains
      7th July, 2015

      Thank you Usha. Glad you’re enjoying them!

      Reply
  81. Ains
    5th November, 2012

    That’s awesome to hear. Thank you for the kind write-up on your ‘How to hire an Illustrator’ post.
    Much appreciated 🙂

    Reply
  82. Sally
    5th November, 2012

    I’m so glad you enjoyed working on this project, Ainsley! It was great working with you and I’ve had lots of nice feedback about the illustrations too 🙂

    Reply
  83. Ains
    12th October, 2012

    Thanks a lot Jason. I’d like to try more with other dynamic “in motion” perspectives.
    I tried checking out your site by the link seems dead.
    -Ains

    Reply
  84. jason walton
    11th October, 2012

    Hi Ainsley. As a track geek and illustrator, I pronounce this piece FANTASTIC!

    Reply
  85. MIKE
    11th September, 2012

    Love it. It’s great, your eye searches around it and then you get like a pay-off with the two little sand gems at the bottom. Nice stuff man.

    Reply
    • Ains
      14th September, 2012

      Thanks a lot, man! This one took a lot of playing around with but I was pretty happy with the end result.

      Reply
  86. S
    27th August, 2012

    Brilliant! Great wit. You’ve improved so much.

    Reply
  87. S
    9th July, 2012

    Maybe his right arm is this boss’s weak spot.

    Reply
  88. Ains
    7th July, 2012

    The worst kind of boss! The kind you need to ask Gamesmaster how to defeat.

    Reply
  89. Dr Beige
    7th July, 2012

    Yeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhh! He looks like an end-of-level boss from a Mega Man game.

    Reply
  90. kat draws silly things
    12th June, 2012

    I really like your style, composition and use of colour!

    Reply
  91. Ains
    29th May, 2012

    Thanks, man! I love specificity.

    The composition of this one was based on a photo I took. I lay down the line-work and then add and play around with values/colour/texture etc.

    I don’t mind using photos as source material but I eventually want to use them less and less because I’d want to gain a greater intuition for anatomy and perspectives.

    The technical process doesn’t take too long, it’s more working out what’s not working if it doesn’t look the way I want it. But I learn with each one and get quicker. Probably a couple of days if everything went smoothly. But that never happens, you usually have to leave it and look at it the next day to with fresher eyes and then fix things.

    Did some basic storyboard stuff for a guy I know last month — there might be something else with the same guy but it’s dependent on him getting his pitch approved. Shameful self-promotion in the meantime.

    Returned LOVE!

    Reply
  92. MIKE
    29th May, 2012

    Hey dude! Haven’t been here in a while, you’ve been busy!

    Some great stuff going on here at the moment. My particular favourite being this one, but even more specifically, the feet! Loving those protruding ankles. Each to their own I suppose.

    How do you tend to work, from photos, and how long do they take?

    Loving your work man! Any commissions recently?

    Much LOVE!

    Reply
  93. FormFiftyFive – Design inspiration from around the world » Blog Archive » Ainsley Knott
    28th May, 2012

    […] freelance illustrator Ainsley Knott has been in touch, and with such a lovely style I’m sure the commissions will come thick and […]

    Reply
  94. cathy keal
    26th May, 2012

    stunning, I now have a famous piano!

    Reply
  95. Boris
    27th April, 2012

    Love this idea <3

    Reply
  96. Boris
    27th April, 2012

    This is really cool! 😀

    Reply
  97. Ains
    8th April, 2012

    The banana on the right-hand side is actually a photo of a banana I drew on with biro pen which I then layered into the pic. Because I liked the original pen work on the banana I thought it’d be better to photo instead of repainting it.

    Reply
  98. Ains
    8th April, 2012

    Thanks a lot.
    Regarding making the comments easier, I need to keep the anti-spam thing up simply because I get overloaded with ridiculous spam comments. I hope you’ll still make the extra effort to comment still.
    It’s much appreciated:)

    Reply
  99. S
    8th April, 2012

    YES!

    Reply
  100. S
    8th April, 2012

    Stunning banana lighting

    Reply
  101. S
    8th April, 2012

    Er, delicious! Well done for being prolific and updating your blog regularly. Leaving comments is a bit cumbersome. Could you make it a bit easier?

    Reply
  102. Cat Moody
    19th March, 2012

    Awesome 🙂

    Reply
  103. Lisa Carmen
    15th February, 2012

    This illustration is a winner.

    Reply
    • Ains
      15th February, 2012

      Thank you. He’s totally in to it!

      Reply
  104. Stembo
    9th February, 2012

    Good technique

    Reply