Progress in a Short Time

I recently put together a time-lapse video of my work, using footage from one of my very first portraits. It was great fun and really simple to do, and I think it is a good alternative way of showing my process, instead of the static images I normally use.

I can't TELL you how much I cringed while making it though! The reason for said cringing was entirely down to my technique in the footage, or lack thereof. I find it incredible that my skills have progressed quite so much in such a relatively short period of time and looking at that footage has made me realise how much I have learnt in the last year or so. My style has become a lot more detailed and since starting to apply base layers, I have been able to achieve much more depth and texture within each portrait.

For instance, the above piece is the very first portrait I ever did. I had never done one before so had no particular technique to follow; I was somewhat winging it. The customer was very pleased with it and felt it was a true reflection of the two dogs' characters which is great but looking at it now, there are some things I would definitely change. I made no allowance for mounting/framing and the style to me seems a lot more cartoonish than my current style. I would love to have another crack at the same dogs, to apply the skills I have picked up. 

Using another example shows my progression in an even clearer light. 

2012

2013

The first photo is the portrait I worked on in the time-lapse and the second piece is a very similar one that I completed for Christmas 2013. The most noticeable change to me is the fact that I don't use black ink anymore. I still use white ink for the final highlights; it is something of a signature thing for me which I have been doing since 2012, as I love to pick out the twinkle in the eye or the shine on the nose and the bright white ink helps me do that. However, I no longer use the black ink to bring out the darker areas. I have to say, I'm glad I stopped using it! The more recent portrait has a much more realistic quality about it which pleases me.

I'm supremely grateful that I have been given enough opportunity to progress my skills; if my lovely customers didn't keep booking with me, I'm not sure I'd be able to improve as swiftly as I have done and I only look forward to making even more improvements in the coming year!