In reference to design illustration, students ask me the same question all the time, "what do I need to get started? " That depends on what you already have in your home studio. Let's start with the basics:
- A computer purchased after circa Y2K (relatively new computer!)
- Reliable Internet access
- Flatbed scanner
- Adobe Cloud subscription
- Autodesk AutoCAD student download
- Free version (at least) of SketchUp (but if you can swing the $49 annual fee for the pro version, you'll never regret having the additional tools)
What if I am only interested in rendering hand drawn illustrations? Some of these things are still requisite tools. You will still need:
- A computer purchased after circa Y2K (relatively new computer!)
- Reliable Internet access
- Flatbed scanner
- Adobe Cloud subscription
Here's why: even if you are only interested in hand drafting, illustration, and rendering with markers, colored pencils, or water colors, you will still need to digitally archive everything you produce.
The GOLDEN RULE: never, ever give your original illustrations to a client or an instructor. In this day and age, most instructors will be delighted to receive your work in a digital format. On my best days I'm a slob with my latte, and forget it if it's pizza for lunch. Do not let me around your original drawings!
If you're going for broke, add a pigment ink designjet / inkjet printer to the mix. I recommend a printer designed for photographers, that can produce up to 13" x 19" sheets. You will use 11" x 17" (B-size) primarily, but it is fantastic to be able to do a bleed. Double Yum!
