The Pikaland Artist Boot Camp!

The Pikaland Bootcamp series!

I’ve been running the Pikaland blog for two years now and throughout this time, I’ve had the privilege of working together and learning more about the contemporary art + illustration community through YOU, the readers of this blog. While for the most part I’ve received lots of wonderful works, I’ve seen a few that made me go, “I wish I could tell him/her what I feel about this, and how they can improve just that little bit so they can shine brighter,” but I always hold my tongue and be polite instead.

So while I think politeness is all good and proper, I am one who thrives on constructive criticism – both on the giving and receiving end. So with this in mind, I’ve come to realize two major problems faced by artists and illustrators who are working predominantly online:

  • Lack of confidence + the hesitance to just begin; and
  • How to effectively set yourself apart from others, and have fun doing it!

To solve these problems, I’ve teamed up with the ever fabulous cat drawing lady Jamie Shelman to offer the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp so that we can teach those who really are keen and interested to whip themselves into virtual shape. If you’ve ever joined Jamie’s online courses (I have!) she offers great insight into artists works and points out to you what story you’re telling with your work — even if you aren’t aware of it yet.

Divided into two modules, the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp will enable artists to cement their personal style and also help them thrive and have fun as an artist online – with weekly exercises and personalized, constructive, one-on-one critiques to help emerging artists find their footing and ways to set themselves apart from others in the vast online world. No matter if you’re just starting out, or have been doing this for a long time, all are welcome!

So are you ready to bring out your inner artist and not only survive, but thrive as well? If you are, then head over to the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp page to find out how we can help you be the best you can be!

Ken Garduno

Ken Garduno

Ken Garduno

Ken Garduno

Ken Garduno

Loving the illustrations done by Ken Garduno who uses acrylics inks to bring out the fine details and linework on his character’s facial features. He’s a freelance commercial illustrator who has also exhibited in a few galleries. Check out his Etsy shop where he stocks his originals, and also his blog for more updates.

The Pikaland Paper Birdy!

Pikaland paper birdy!

Pikaland paper birdy!

You know how I usually draw things out and they never go beyond 2D form? Well for the Pikaland bird logo, not only will she be on screen – she’s going to wrestle a spot on your table as well.

Juan Diego of Machintoy has so generously turned this little birdy mascot of Pikaland into a 3D paper toy that you can build yourself! He’s been making some crazy monsters which you can see more on his blog (and psst, he’s one of the participants for the Spring PikaPackage Project too!) There’s a colored one that’s ready to print out, but I’d love to see how you all would embellish the paper toy – for kicks!

Just print out the blank template, add in feathers, textures, paste on some glitter, color out of the lines with crayons — anything goes! Show me what you can do and your bird might make it into next week’s post. Post your creations on the Pikaland Paper Bird Flickr group!

Download the template here;
And download the instructions here!

Have a fun weekend everyone, and thanks Juan Diego!

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