DGTL DIARY
In spring 2021 I started a 9 portrait series to improve my digital illustration skills. In 3 years time, it became my signature style.
(2021-2024)
THIS STARTED WHEN I FOUND AN ONLINE TEMPLATE WITH THE BASE SHAPES OF THE CHARACTERS. I PERSONALIZED AND STYLED THE CHARACTERS BASED ON IMAGES THAT INSPIRED ME AT THE MOMENT. THE FEELING OF A DRAWING WAS ALSO DECIDED BY WHAT I FELT OR WAS GOING THROUGH AT THE TIME. IN ADDITION, THE IMAGES HAVE A HIGH FASHION OR EDITORIAL AND EXPERIMENTAL LOOK BECAUSE I ENVISIONED THE CHARACTERS TO BE ON THE COVER OF MY MAGAZINE.
BECAUSE THIS WAS THE FIRST DRAWING IN THE SERIES WHERE I USED PROCREATE TO DRAW (PREVIOUSLY, SKETCHBOOK), i challenged myself with the typography. I GOT INSPIRED BY TUTORIALS ONLINE.
IT’S A VERY INTUITIVE PROCESS. ONE IDEA INSPIRES THE NEXT. I CONSTANTLY THINK ABOUT HOW I CAN IMPROVE THE IMAGE, WHAT LAYERS AND DETAILS CAN I ADD? FOR EVERY NEW LAYER OR DETAIL I SEARCH FOR EXEMPLARY IMAGES. THIS RESULTS IN GREATER DRAWING SKILLS WITH EACH NEW PORTRAIT.
WHEN THE CHARACTER design IS FINISHED, I COME UP WITH ARTICLE TITLES FOR THE MAGAZINE. THESE ARE INSPIRED BY REAL LIFE EVENTS, THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS. OFTEN REFERENCING SONGS OR SHOWS I’M WATCHING AT THE MOMENT. halfway in making these portraits, I REALIZED THAT IT BECAME A (visual) DIGITAL DIARY. IT RECORDS MY EMOTIONS, MY INTERESTS, BUT ALSO MY PERSONAL GROWTH AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND AS AN ARTIST.
I MADE “DRIPPY” IN A TIME WHERE I WAS UPPING MY FASHION STYLE. THIS INSPIRED THE TITLE. BASED ON THE TITLE, I ENVISIONED A CHARACTER IN A BODY OF WATER, GLISTENING IN THE MOONLIGHT, DECORATED IN PEARLS..