4 tips that will help your budding illustrator jump from being an amateur to a pro  

Graphic illustration is a field in art which has always been relevant. From illustrating story books to designing t-shirts, the possibilities with it are endless. However, it is no secret that there is also a lot of competition in this field. Becoming a competent illustrator requires practice, creativity, individuality and a determination to keep pursuing. If your teen is artistically gifted and dreams of becoming an illustrator someday, here are a few tips which will help him stand out. 

Motivate her to cultivate a daily practice 
Of course, the mastery of any skill requires consistent practice. In order to become a good illustrator, your teen should practice her art every single day and make it a part of her everyday routine. A great way to stay on track is to join a daily challenge. For example, the #365daysofdrawing or #inktober challenge on Instagram motivate artists to work on a daily basis and share their art online. 

Encourage him to maintain a sketchbook 
Almost all professional artists and illustrators maintain that keeping a sketchbook is an integral part of their practice. Sometimes, ideas may arise out of nowhere, and a sketchbook can be a quick tool to note them down and save them for later. It can also be used to figure out the basic elements of one’s composition, jot down ideas and themes and note down inspirations.  

Use social media to her advantage 
Social media is a great tool to share and showcase art today. With endless potential, you never know when and where opportunities may strike for your budding artist on the internet. Make sure that she creates a profile which demonstrates her potential as an artist. Also, it is important for her to foster a unique style of illustration that sets her apart from the endless ocean of art online. A social media account should be consistently updated, and must be treated like an online portfolio. Encourage your budding illustrator to be proactive and to reach out to various agencies or other artists to propose a collaboration. 

Foster openness and curiosity 
One of the most important factors that sets exceptional artists apart from the rest is openness. Encourage your teen to have an open and curious attitude towards trying out new styles and seeking inspiration. Going to museums, art shows, researching online, etc. is a great way to broaden one’s horizon. However, at the same time, it is necessary to ensure that he maintains his own personal style which is susceptible to evolvement and change, but still maintains his uniqueness.