Illustration in Simple ways

There is always a more straightforward way to learn and practice breaking down objects from real life and putting them on paper (or a computer). 

An illustration is a visual form of understanding a concept, which helps understand the concept faster and easier.  

If you are already a digital designer using UI/UX, creating illustrations can become quite a necessary skill at times when needed. "I cannot draw" is a ubiquitous statement when it comes to images, but even when you are not to be called Picasso of your generation, it doesn't mean that you have no hope at all. Some straightforward ways to learn and practice Illustrations are: 

Separating everything into understandable and geometrical shapes

The first step to illustrations is to start viewing all the objects in the image as a composition of geometrical shapes until all of the objects are covered completely. It is much easier to observe and do the same with man-made objects since they are more inorganic and designed primarily with geometrical shapes and symmetry in mind. 

That's just the basics. The first shapes determine the general outline of the objects. Now, with the basic structures in place, you can easily adjust the lines and shapes by extending some parts curving down the other as per necessity, depending on how artistic the look you can have in the designs. However, this is only a rough design. Next, we have to refine the shapes drawn and join them accordingly such that it becomes meaningful.  

After creating the final sketch of the character you wanted to draw, we are up for the last step, where we give colors and the final touches for the illustration. There are various styles and colors that one can use based on their requirements but creating a basic outline is the basics that you should have a clear idea about. 

Illustration Style

While talking about illustration styles, we usually refer to the visual interpretation of the concept we want the viewers to understand. What is the meaning, you ask?  Well, it means that almost all designs are a citation to something else and to pick out the most suitable one depends on how much it resonates with your audience's cultural background. We usually associate images with a symbolic meaning and a theme specific to the place and time we live in, counting our past experiences. When there's enough memory and reference to the past where particular images are used in the same context, a theme is born. 

Now, you must be thinking about which one is right for you, right? In short, it depends on the exact concept you want to convey and wish that the viewers can similarly visualize the idea as it is meant to be. 

After all the tools are in hand, it is your call on how to place the objects to support what is being tried to be sent across to the audience. For example, while creating a business logo for a tech company rather than a hand-drawn style with free-hand elements, it is better to choose something more technical and futuristic. 

Now that you know how to handle illustrations on your own, feel free to browse the internet if you need any inspiration; also, first, have an idea of what message you want to send to your audience or readers. The style that satisfies that criterion of delivering your message properly without any distortions is the best style for you to pick. 

Start you practice

The most vital thing when you start to illustrate your concepts is keeping what you learned in touch, and for that, you require constant practice. Talent may help you learn faster, but it surely won't help retain the knowledge you acquired. Practicing regularly on different objects and topics, you can learn to use the tools more efficiently, discern the patterns, and much more. Remember, "Practice makes a man perfect", and all this practice will become a deciding factor on how well you can "illustrate" and build the foundation for your concept with ease.