People often pass by without taking notice of things that they encounter every single day. For executing story illustrations, these are the places you need to look. The skill is to give mundane life a refreshing and 'never seen or heard before' appeal. Like Surmai that showcases the story of a small boy who lives near fishing docks or 100 Kisses that shows how a cup of tea passes through so many people of different backgrounds. Just keep in mind, the purpose of the work is to be understood by everyday people. The execution needs to be simple. Don't forget that fantasy is all around and finding a unique niche is the key to getting recognised.
Most people are born with certain talents that define their future. Ask any designer to take a peek back into their childhood; they'd tell you they loved things like drawing, comics and imaginative forms. As you go grow up and finally get into school to do what you love doing, you start to understand yourself better. The vague question of 'what do you want to do?' starts to become clearer. Illustration art needs high observation of the subject matter that needs to be combined with your skill to visualise and express the idea in a simpler way. Studying design helps you do that. It also leaves you an initial portfolio that introduces you to the outside world.
The transition from a student to a professional is a gradual process where change settles in with time and comes the wider understanding of client needs, concepts and ideas. Hard work, dedication and passion are the three key attributes that you need to bring to the class every day of your professional life.
When you're just about to start off to try and make a mark for yourself in the big world of design, often most people wonder 'How do I do this?". It's simple. Concentrate on things that come to you. Whether it's your first assignment or project it's important to make each and everything you do unique and fulfilling as per the client's requirements. The rest is history.
