Lilla here. Today I want to share a playful mini assignment with you plus some great portfolio tips. Why? Because it’s fun to get prompts that spark your creativity, and because the more art you make the better your art will get.
Some of my favorite cups.
First, I want you to take a moment to reflect: what’s your favorite drink? Do you drink it in your favorite cup? A glass? Do you use a straw? Do you garnish it with a lemon? Whipped cream? Sprinkles? Where do you drink it? When do you drink it?
Here in the northern hemisphere, as we (finally!) move into spring, maybe you want something bright and full of fruit. For those of you in the southern hemisphere, maybe you’re thinking about something cosy, comforting and autumnal.
Just to show you how timeless this subject can be – here’s a painting by Mary Cassatt from 1880 that I saw at the Boston MFA (left) and an illustration by Erin Vanessa, a Make Art That Sells student who I now represent after seeing her gorgeous art in class (right).
Your assignment today is to draw your favorite drink. If you want, you can write about it too, maybe even right on the piece. Fill in the blank or make up your own sentences:
I love to drink _____________________ because it makes me feel _______________________.
Colorful cocktails by Janie Secker, another Make Art That Sells student who I now represent after seeing her beautiful art in class.
Have fun and work in your own style. There are no rules! Remember, as an artist, you can embellish. You can do whatever you want.
Be sure to sign your work! Then, share what do on social media, and tag @makeartthatsells and #MakeArtThatSells so I can see them. I’ll be looking!
3 Portfolio Tips from an art agent
Tip #1: Beverages are a great thing to have in your illustration portfolio – they’re always in demand for greetings cards, for example, and can also be licensed for things like editorial, advertising, party paper, gift, wall art, and more.
Art by Tequtitia Andrews, yet another Make Art That Sells student who I now represent after I fell in love with her gorgeous artwork in class. I’m always looking for more artists to represent!
Tip #2: Include people if you like. Being able to draw people drastically increases how much work you can get. If you’re feeling less than confident about your ability to draw faces then take my mini course Lilla’s Art Recipes: Drawing Faces. But before you sign up, read the newsflash below!
Tip #3: If you like, you can add instructions to your illustration. This is great for getting work in markets including editorial, and showing lettering in your portfolio is always good.
Art by Make Art That Sells student Anna Lindsten.
Bonus thing to think about: if you enjoyed drawing the cup more than the drink itself, be sure to check out my home décor mini course, Home Décor PLUS. It’s instant access so you can begin as soon as you sign up and it’s a fantastic introduction go the dreamy (and lucrative) world of home décor.
NEWSFLASH: Our big Spring Sale starts Monday, April 3rd, with tasty discounts across every single one of my career-changing courses. Mark your calendars now!
Yours in creativity
P.S. If you loved this mini assignment, then be sure to look out for my fab FREE #MATSprep warm up assignment for the My Arty Book Pitch course in next week’s blog and newsletter. If you’re not already on our mailing list, sign up now so you don’t miss out!
