Great entries so far, I'm looking forward to seeing more!

Here's my entry! Thank you to everyone who gave feedback and suggestions on the forum!

I've been working on some more portfolio pieces this month

Here's the latest version! I'm at the stage where I'm not sure if it's finished or not. What do you guys think? Are there any adjustments I could make to improve it?

updated version, feeling a bit happier with it now... I think

One option is to take your own reference photos! I'm often posing like an idiot in front of my webcam to get something like a hand position or
an expression looking right. Or if I'm struggling with a tricky pose I'll get someone else to take a photo of me or I get my very patient boyfriend to pose for me.
Like @Jordi-Ventura said your reference doesn't need to look exactly like what you have in your head it's just a guide. So if the character you're drawing looks nothing like you you can still use a reference picture of yourself or a friend just to get the bare bones of the pose down. Then you can find some more reference if you need it for the details like hair, clothes or proportions. Hope that helps!

This month I've been working on some new portfolio pieces. This one is based on The Fisherman and the Genie from One Thousand and One Nights. I'm pretty happy with it, I love drawing fish for some reason

Hi all!
I'm trying to challenge myself this month and come up with an illustration that isn't too 'easy'. I feel like I need a fresh pair of eyes on this composition because I'm not sure if it's working.

• Is the overall composition working? Is the dragonfly and rider enough of a focal point?
• Would it benefit from some added details to improve the storytelling? e.g. considering adding one or two pixies/fairies in the flowers watching the dragonfly rider go by. Or is it already too busy?
• Does the perspective make sense?
  
  (not sure if it's clear from the thumbnail but the dragonflies are casting shadows on the lily pads below.)
  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Don't hold back, I'm willing to start over if it's not working.

Hi everyone! I'm Anna. I'm so glad I stumbled across this forum, it seems like such a lovely and helpful art community!

I've been working on and off part-time doing small freelance illustration commissions along side my day job for a couple years now. Recently I've been feeling a bit directionless and lacking a clear approach to improving my skills, building my portfolio and reaching out to new clients or agencies.

Finding SVS and the podcast has really given me the kick up the arse I needed to be a bit more intentional with organising myself and planning pieces to fill the gaps in my portfolio. It's also made me aware that since leaving uni (art school) I don't seek nearly enough feedback and critique on my work from other artists.

Here's my portfolio site: www.anna-bishop.com

I'd love to hear any feedback you have! Good or bad, don't hold back I need to hear it!

@Chris-Philpot I love this concept! The way you’ve drawn the characters is so great

@Kim-Rosenlof I love your style!

@miranda-hoover Wow this is stunning! Love it!

@cszoltan I’ve already submitted it, but thank you anyway

@Graham-Williams Thank you

Here's my entry! Thank you to everyone who gave feedback and suggestions on the forum!

@alicia @Jacy13 @jennaivy Thank you!!

@aska Nice, it reads a lot clearer now!

updated version, feeling a bit happier with it now... I think

@Jordi-Ventura Thank you so much for taking the time to do a paint-over and give detailed feedback! Now that I look at the old version and new version side by side I totally see what you mean about it looking burnt and less organic. I was trying add more depth by darkening the background like @Joanne-Roberts suggested but I think I overdid it. I will have another go with the shadows!