Any artist knows how hard it can be to listen to constructive criticism, especially when trying to land a dream job working on a Star Wars project. Alders says that his comments can only help an artist strive to be better in the highly competitive world of illustration and design.
"If the artist is really good but they are not exactly what I am looking for, I may tell them my suggestions for how to try and get work in the industry," Alders says. "Persistence and going through the proper channels and processes are crucial, such as looking at website job listings, sending resumes to human resources or consulting a recruiter or agent. As faceless as that sounds, in the end good work and diligence will prevail. Proceed towards your dreams and goals with focused effort and proper training, and you will get there."
Adds Alders, "I always tell artists that seeking advice and mentoring are very important things. Become involved in the illustration community, societies of artists and illustrators, graphic arts guilds and network. Take notes, follow the advice you are given. Follow your gut. Do what you love to do, that way your work you do every day will never seem like work."
In addition to his critique of the work itself, Alders also likes to give new artists additional inspiration by way of other more-accomplished artists. "I often refer them to the work of a professional artist who works in a similar genre but does it better -- someone who has mastered a look or a technique and has made a living and a name for themselves," Alders says. "It gives them a benchmark to shoot for. It also gives them something or someone to admire and that can be a great inspiration and motivation."
Inspiration comes in all forms, and the more artists know where to look for a creative spark, the better off their work will be. "Feed yourself inspiration of all that is around you, the visual world of popular culture and art," Alders says. "Look at as many related books or magazines as you can. Spend half a day in a large bookstore that has a well stocked art/design/illustration section; or a library with the same. The more inspiration and reference that you take in, the better you will know how to do something or solve a creative problem."
"I often ask artists what is the most profound piece of art or design they have seen lately and I sometimes get an answer that there is nothing," Alders continues. "This to me is a red flag that there is a severe problem. How can this be? Nothing at all and this is what you want to do for a living? Go to a museum or a gallery and witness work that you will learn from, some contemporary and some by the masters. There is no excuse for not being inspired if you want to be in this business. Soak up all that is around you like you are a sponge."
Aside from inspiration, the artist still needs the skill and talent to bring the muse to canvas. Alders has a mantra that he likes to share with all artists he meets: Draw Every Day! "If you are not very good or have talent but no formal training, consider art school," Alders suggests. "Imagine how good you could be with training and a degree. It makes the difference in you being not a good artist, but a great artist."
For artists with the strong desire to better their craft but don't live near a college or art school, Alders says he's more than impressed with the latest offerings of art courses available online through many institutions. "The demonstrations are on DVD and you can watch them over and over," Alders explains. "Students photograph their finished work with a digital camera and upload it to the website by the due date and the instructor and other classmates comment. It's a very interactive, progressive way to learn. And in the end, the work and what you have learned speaks for itself."
