Illustrations and sketches are part of everyday life. Everything that we hold and see in this modern time has a creative illustration or came out of a sketch. Illustrations are widely used in artwork and even in advertising. One of the uses of illustration that has been underrated is in culinary.
Culinary illustration has been around for decades when it was used to illustrate cookbooks. It started even before food photographers became the trend. Culinary illustration is an art that can be a difficult path for many artists. Since it’s a path that’s less-taken, choosing it might bring obstacles. However, it’s not something unmanageable.
In becoming a culinary illustrator, there are simple steps that you can take in order to achieve this goal.
Have the basic skills
A creative job will also need creativity and talent. Don’t apply for a position which you don’t have the knack for. You can always improve yourself by practicing and drawing different food items. This will help in improving your skills. You can look at how other culinary illustrators are depicting their work for starters. However, make sure that you create your own style in illustrating. Aside from that, you also need to be passionate about art and illustrating. Innate creativity is a must in order to sustain the job in the long haul.
Technical skills, especially using computer software, are also necessary in being a culinary illustrator. This makes projects and illustrations quicker and easier. This is an essential skill that you can’t skip because it is usually required for most types of projects.
Have that love of food
Being a culinary illustrator means you will be sketching and drawing food for every project. A love for both art and food are useful in this job. You need to enjoy and love food in order to appreciate theartworks that you are creating. This can also make illustrating easier for you. You can have your own take on a certain dish and express how you feel.
Go the distance
After starting your culinary illustrations and finding a style that suits you, don’t just stay there. Go the distance and improve your craft. You need to make your illustrations stand out from the rest. An illustrator has to go further and make his work more interesting than a photo. This can help you in keeping up with competitors and making your work unique.
Start a portfolio
Building a portfolio is a must for every creative. This ensures that you get to show your work to future clients and agents who might want to sign you up. A portfolio also acts as a brochure that will showcase your best works. Make sure that you only include your best illustrations and those that really depict your style in drawing.
You can also share your portfolio to friends by using social media. This helps in getting the word out and showing off your works to more people. This is also a form of exposure for you as an artist.
Get inspired
Continually look for inspiration for your culinary illustrations. It’s not just about food. You can take inspiration from fashion trends, paintings, and other things around you in creating your food art.
Try a variety of medium for illustrations. It can be watercolor or even hand-drawn images, as long as it’s different from the one you usually use. This will help in getting fresh ideas and being continuously inspired.
Although being a culinary illustrator is not a conventional path for many artists, it can be worthwhile and enjoyable for those who enjoy food and art together. It’s a matter of heading straight towards that path and doing your best to get a name for yourself.