I finally decided to host a Draw This In Your Style challenge, a popular Instagram hashtag that invites artists to, well, draw the given image in their own style.
I’ve always enjoyed taking part in other artists’ challenges, especially those who are picture book illustrators (you can find all sorts of genres under a common hashtag #dtiys). The point of this exercise is not to worry much about WHAT to draw, that is already suggested in the proposed drawing, but simply focusing on HOW to draw it.
There really are no rules. Sometimes the host’s image will inspire you to closely follow their colour palette and subject, like this one by Jasmine Bouquet - I enjoyed imagining the complete outfit for the little witch.
Other times it’s the pose, the story that attracts you. One of my favourite challenges so far was hosted by a fellow Illoguild member Jen Jamieson - I loved the drama of her image so I used characters from my previous drawing, Saskia and Good Boy (top right), and put them in Jen’s world.
When creating the image for my own challenge I wanted to draw something sweet and fun people could interpret in as many ways as possible - main character plus sidekick seemed to be the most common formula 😊.
So here they are, Hedgehog Tamer and her reluctant pupil! If you want to join me, hop over to my Instagram page and draw this scene in your own style.
Don’t forget to use #Loddelinatdiys so I can find you - and have fun!