A thing-a-day
Introduction
You probably need a LOT of practice with the graphics program.
So, here’s a framework to start practicing.
Studies
The final piece – usually appears after many studies have been done.
If you were to create a little layout or graphic every day – then think of how many starters you’ll have to pull from.
Peter Saville
Process
Pick something
It really doesn’t matter. Anything. “Avacado,” your favorite number, a skull, a square, record covers, bands, words, colors …
Pick something: and then create some official constraints such as “Draw an avocado – differently each day.” Or “Decorate a 1000×1000 square each day / with no constraints.” Or “Pick a favorite record/album and create a new cover for it – with only 4 shapes and 2 colors.”
If you can’t figure out a plan, we’ll give you one!
Then do it. For a set amount of days. A reasonable amount of days. And post them – as you go for fun – and accountability.
Who knows. Maybe you’ll end up doing it for 15 years straight and become the world’s highest-paid digital artist.
For now… just take it a day at at time.
The process matters
The outcome doesn’t matter. Focus on the process. Just stick to the plan. The outcome will – come out – on its own.
You can totally use paper! Right?
Or a graphics program. Or both!
You can draw on paper – and then take a photo of it. And then use that as a base.
A color a day
Video in the works!
You really could just have a square with a color you spent some time choosing.
(you’ll eventually get bored and start drawing shapes…)
Add a shape per day
Video in the works!
What if you start with one shape – and then add 1 new shape to the graphic every day? Will they stack? Will they push themselves out of the way and share the space?
Basic shapes
You don’t have to be a fantastic Illustrator to make a fun graphic each day. You can just pick some shapes and colors. You’re practically a modern artist!
Collage with photos and graphics
Video in the works!
You can take some fun photos or even other people’s art and draw shapes on them. Surely you’ve drawn some mustaches on celebrity magazine covers, right?
Draw on paper and then trace
You might not be great at drawing – but you can do what you do and then improve it. Draw it lightly with pencil. Then draw it a little better on top a bit darker. Then you can even take a pen and really drive it home. THEN you can take a picture of that drawing and pull it into the graphics program. No one will ever know your lines were perfect bézier curves 😉
Drawing the same thing every day
Video in the works!
You can pick something pretty difficult and just take a fresh approach each day. Maybe something intricate with the pen tool?
Pattern a day with symbols
Video in the works!
You could repeat an object each day into a fun pattern. Also – consider using symbols.
Same object - but completely different style each day
Video in the works!
One day monochrome, another day with pencils, another day – a photo of a sculpture.
Layering variations
Who needs the Bored Monkey Club – when you can make your own!
Or just pick your favorite letter!
https://affinityspotlight.com/article/10-easy-ways-to-take-your-lettering-to-the-next-level/
36 Days of Type
Go crazy
This one is all about exploring different styles. It fits together though!
This person is obviously very skilled with these tools. So, don’t expect to get that fancy your first 30 times… hehe
Constraints
Can you enumerate the constraints and tricks here?
Working on a collection - all together
Don’t do this! The first time. Just “start” – and make things each day.
But – maybe in the future – you’ll want to create a collection – all together. Here’s an example of how you might use broad brush strokes to get things moving. From here, you can work on the collection as a whole.