I enjoy using gouache paint, water-based markers, acrylic paint markers, pen & ink, colored pencils, Adobe Fresco, and Adobe Photoshop

Most of the time I just play, and sometimes it leads somewhere, which is very exciting! I love sharing about finding my doorway into my sketchbook (even on days it feels hard) so much that I created a course to break it down for others to use, which you can learn about here.

When I’m actively creating professional work for my portfolio or for a client, my process tends to be:

Concept > Sketch > Render > Refine

Most of my work begins with analog tools on paper. This might be only briefly for sketching, or I may render elements or entire compositions with analog tools before bringing them into Photoshop for refining and finishing. In any case, I begin by defining my concept. For ex. “good luck duck card” or “floral all over repeat”, etc.

With my concept defined I can then begin sketching out ideas. I often sketch first in pencil, and for clients will refine the sketches digitally with Adobe Fresco. The concept and sketch phase usually require the most creative thinking and problem solving.

With sketches set (or approved by the client), I begin rendering. This is often a blend of analog elements (gouache, marker, ink, etc) with digital elements (Adobe Fresco). This is the part of the process where I start working out shape, texture, and most excitingly, color.

With the main render complete, I can zoom into the details and begin refining the overall piece.

When the work is done it’s archived to my portfolio, or delivered to the client.

Everywhere! Honestly, the best part of being an artist is being on the lookout for things that catch my eye, breath, and heart. Bathroom tiles inside flea markets have inspired quilt designs, movie scenes have inspired color palettes, people’s clothing have inspired bolder repeats.

While some artists enjoy imagining the future and what does not exist, I find a lot of inspiration and comfort looking to the past, especially to corners that feel nostalgic and warm.

Ahh, well first, it happens to literally all of us, so I try not to let myself spiral in shame (shame ends the game). After that, one of the following troubleshooting steps usually works:

1. When I don’t know where to begin I find my doorway. This is straight from my Sketchbook Fillers’ Club course, and it’s a reminder to seek what feels fun, expansive, or easy today, and beginning there. It could be a color, a well-loved motif, or a medium that’s calling your name.

2. If I’m feeling squeezed for time I tell myself “10 minutes would make a difference, and I have 10 minutes.”

3. If I’m feeling afraid to start I tell myself “I’m just going to see if I can _____” and fill in the blank with the creative endeavor that’s got me scared. “I’m just going to see if I can make a repeating pattern,” “I’m just going to see if I can paint a dog,” etc.

4. If I’m deep in imposter syndrome I remind myself “no one is me, and that is my magic.”

5. When I feel like my skills will never get there, I remind myself “with practice I can do anything.”

• I dipped my toe into the design world with a one year certificate program in Michigan where we were taught a touch of videography, post-production, graphic design, motion graphics, and web design. I credit this time with introducing me to the Adobe Suite, as well as the world of illustration.

• Online teachers from all corners of the internet have helped me learn so much. In my early Photoshop days I would devour written blog-style tutorials until I fell asleep with my laptop.

• Practice! My career didn’t really start until I completed a private 100-day drawing challenge, where I learned the value of good, old-fashion dedication and showing up. Since then I’ve filled twenty sketchbooks, published 20+ classes, and have worked with clients all over the world.

Asking the right questions, breaking down confusing processes, and combining weird colors :)

Yes, I offer 1:1 meetings on a thoughtful, case-by-case basis to ensure they’re a good fit and productive for both of us. If you’d like to inquire, please email me at hello@bydylanm.com.