Christina Cornett
Concept Artist at ZeniMax Online Studios
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Christina Cornett
2yr
Christina Cornett
3yr
Dream Someone
•
3yr
added comment inLightbox 2021 Portfolio Reviews
Asked for help
Hey there.
I am 30 and I am still at the begging of my art journey I am hoping to learn something about myself and make a career in art in part doing some character drawings. I feel like I need to work on, well everything but that is not really helpful when i decide what i need to focus on first to improve . There is also the issue that I need discipline(I am working on that) but until then it seems that any more technical video about fundamentals just makes me not want to draw. As a result with I dont go too much out of my comfort zone. So any suggestions on how to improve my drawing mentality or what i should focus on to improve first, would be very appreciated.
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3yr
Hey there!
First of all, thank you for sharing your work and thoughts with us! While I'm instantly drawn to the lovely intricacy of your designs (particularly the first three in purple), I had some broader thoughts that I hope may be of help in regards to what you've written about your drawing mindset and focus for improvement.
You mentioned that you hope to learn something about yourself, and I think one of the most important things we can learn about ourselves as artists is HOW you, as a person specifically, learn. After doing so many studies, it can understandably be hard to pick up your pencil and keep going. I might suggest trying something to keep the studying exciting for you.
One technique you could try is picking something you want to learn specifically and applying it to your own work. For example, let's say you're looking at an eyeball. There's something about that eyeball you really like--maybe it's the reflection and the way it sits on the eye. While referencing that image, instead of copying it to perfection, apply it to your own design. Interpret that reflection onto your own character. You'll not only be learning new techniques, but you may find yourself more invested.
Everyone learns differently, and different things will excite you on different days, perhaps even depending on your mood. You might also try seizing what you're excited about for that day and letting that natural feeling propel your topic of study.
We often feel like we always need to create and be in the process of "putting something out there" into the world. Sometimes our brains need some downtime just to receive, to look at and experience things we enjoy (nature, movies, games, books, whatever piques your interest). Taking the time just to explore what you like and not feel compelled to be creating something can sometimes help to restart your desire and inspiration to draw. One thing I like to do is browse Pinterest and look at things that inspire me, anything, with no pressure on myself to draw afterwards.
The suggestions I offered are some ways that work for me, and may serve as a starting point for your own self-discovery. While discipline has certainly played a huge part in my career, it certainly helps to know what gets your artistic fire burning and ready to work!
Everyone learns differently. Give yourself the chance to find out how you learn, and which ways of learning work best for you! Hopefully this helps, and good luck!!
Christopher Alaimo
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3yr
Asked for help
Hello! My name is Christopher Alaimo. Honestly, I've never drawn a face before 7 weeks ago. Mostly when I was much younger, I drew scenes, buildings etc. Having never studied art, I studied music composition and theory and I play 4 instruments; but somehow ended up working in healthcare for the last 14 years (I hate it). After dislocating my left shoulder, music is difficult so I took up art to scratch my creative itch. My goal would be to get good enough just to be considered competent. It would be nice to become a professional, but I am a bit old. Never realized how addictive drawing can be! All the best to everyone here!
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3yr
Hi Christopher! Thank you for sharing your work with us!
It looks like you're doing some studies, and that's great! I notice you seem to really have an affinity for drawing faces. You're not afraid of going for strong expressions--I admire your boldness!
You may try dipping into honing your facial proportions and structure. The Proko YouTube channel has some great videos up that you might find useful https://youtu.be/wAOldLWIDSM?t=83 . You may have seen it already (since you're on the Proko site after all!), and if so, you may watch it a few times for reference on how to begin getting that basic structure from learning the simplified forms of the head. The nice thing about learning through videos is we can play it back as much as we like--I myself have done so several times on multiple segments of Proko content!
If I were to get specific about one part of your portraits, I notice that, while you have a good eye, you miss some of the identifying parts of the face (like the zygomatic arch). This is some good reference for that area. It can be tricky when you're referencing models who wear makeup. I could be wrong, as I haven't seen your reference, but if I look at the side-view drawing, I might suspect that the model's makeup may be throwing you off as to the location and shape of the underlying structure of the cheek area. It's fascinating, and also something to be mindful of :)
I think it's awesome that you're exploring your creativity through drawing, and I hope you decide to keep scratching that itch. Thanks again for sharing with us!
P.S. My apologies for the edit, I wanted to make sure I added a few extra bits!
Jéssica Ribeiro
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3yr
Asked for help
Hi! My name is Jéssica and I'm an illustrator and character designer from Brazil. I've been working as a 2D artist for about 3 years now, but mainly for advertisement companies. I'd love to work for games and animation, as well as to reach a higher level in my art. I want to work for better clients and consolidate myself in the industry. Where do you think I should focus my studies to reach those goals and be a better artist overall? Thank you very much!
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3yr
Hello Jéssica!
I have what sounds like a similar background! I started off doing concept art and pitches for ads for companies like Target, Walgreens, etc. I made the transition over to games, and if it helps (though there is no one “right” way), I can offer up some context and tangible steps from my experience in trying to move into that space.
I started unifying my portfolio a bit more by diving into fleshing out a world that I really loved working on. It can be an IP or story that you make up, or even just your unique take on one that already exists. Doing so shows your commitment to exploration and gives an idea as to how you solve problems when creating a believable world. It’s also easier to keep motivated when you’re working on portfolio pieces set in a place you love thinking about.
To this end, you may consider including more sketches if you’re leaning towards concept art, as I noticed your portfolio is illustration-heavy. The illustrations are lovely, but having some exploratory sketches would give some “behind-the-scenes” insight into how you work through visual investigations.
I also started making expression sheets for the characters in my
world, doing turnarounds, and doing texture callouts for what they were
wearing. I made sure to include prop designs and environments as well, just to
demonstrate that I had some versatility.
After that, I applied everywhere I could. Not just at places that were dream studios. I was incredibly awkward at my first few interviews, but after a while, I got the hang of it. I also started keeping a list of questions that I had been asked at each interview, and I would rehearse these before the next.
You have to show the people looking to hire you that you exist. If you keep pushing through and applying, someone will see your work and think, “we need Jéssica on this project.” : )
To sum all this up:
I wanted to write everything out because I know that it can be a challenging transition. It can be difficult to pick and choose what to put in your portfolio, especially if you work on a myriad of projects (as you often do in advertising). You have some strong work, and I feel that exploring a world you love and adding some sketches will further strengthen your portfolio. If you can add some props and environments, even better! I wish you the very best of luck going forward, and I hope some of this helps you in your journey.
Delilah Gomez
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3yr
Asked for help
Hi! My name is Delilah, I'm 21 years old. I'm currently a self-taught artist doing freelance and I am a college drop-out (the school wasn't right for me). Right now I'm making turnarounds for other people. My goal is to make my own shows/games/comics or something. I don't know how to progress on my own, but I'm teaching myself how to animate and will hopefully start producing some really short films, maybe that will help me find a path. I don't know what I could improve or practice on, or how to advance.
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3yr
Hi Delilah!
From your collection of work, it appears that you have a lovely assortment of skills and styles. I may be speculating, but it seems to me that from what you've written, you're yearning for something "more," and are searching for your artists' voice. And it seems like you've come across animating to help breathe life back into that voice. To me, you sound like a storyteller.
Just like you've learned the fundamentals of drawing, you may find yourself inspired by immersing yourself in the fundamentals of the medium you wish to pursue. (What is the "anatomy" of a comic? What makes a player love a game? What are the parts that make up a story?) And even more personally, a lot of soul-searching: "What do I love about this specific game/comic/show?" What YOU are excited about, chances are someone else will be, too.
I wish I had more to offer you in terms of your personal journey and discovery, but if it is of any help, your array of work and skills is strong. If your goals were to continue on to find more variety of freelance work or work at a studio, I feel that you have the skills to do so. I hope this helps you in some small way, and I wish you the best of luck :)
Tom McLean
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3yr
Hi Everyone! So excited its like writing to Santa. Basically I have flip flopped between wanting to work in game and animation but realised I need to focus much more on my form and fundamentals before specialising. I would spend so long painting fixing drawing mistakes, so any help showing my drawing problems would be greatly appreciated! Appreciate everyone's time.
Tom McLean
•
3yr
Hi Tom!
I loved looking through your pages, thank you for sharing! I too have flipped between wanting to work in games and animation (right now I work in games), so I have some stylistic influence from both, as I see you do as well!
Before diving in, I want to point out how lovely your use of color is. You aren’t afraid to go bold, and I love that about your work! Your environment thumbnails read especially well from a small size, as does your pirate character. These are some of my favorite works displayed in your portfolio, and you have a strong and wonderful collection of skills on display.
Regarding your form and fundamentals, I do see that you’re drawing through shapes in your sketches, which is fantastic. Since your portfolio is character-heavy, it would appear that you are aiming towards that as your specialty, so you may consider adding even more in-depth character-related pages. One thing that would strengthen not only your knowledge of form, but your demonstration of your knowledge of form to reviewers, is practicing turnarounds for characters. Having a page of turnarounds would indicate not only your technical skill, but your capacity to work within a 3D pipeline. It would also show that you think not only about the front costume and props worn by your character, but also what these may look like from the back. This kind of “deep dive” into your characters would, in my opinion, add an additional level of complexity and knowledge to your portfolio :)
I also noticed that you have one page of environments, which is nice to see! These are quite pretty, and show your skill in exploring foreground, midground, and background. If you’re interested in doing environments, and perhaps even props, you may consider adding a bit to this section. From my personal experience, I’ve had to wear a few hats (props, environments, and characters), so if you are looking to show off your versatility (which certainly looks like a skill you possess), those are some things I might consider adding.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your portfolio reflects what you want to sell about yourself. You know yourself best, so please consider these thoughts as secondary/supplementary to what you feel works for your personal goals. Your work is lovely, thanks for sharing, and I hope this helps!
Stan Prokopenko
3yr
