The 6 Most Common Mistakes When Starting Out in Illustration

Starting illustration is exciting, but mistakes can slow progress. This article covers common beginner pitfalls and gives practical tips to avoid them.

Frustration is completely normal when you're starting out. Many beginners look at professional illustrators on social media and think, "How do they create such amazing work?" The truth is, over time, common mistakes gradually disappear with practice. This article will highlight the most frequent beginner mistakes and share tips on how to overcome them.

1. Thinking Illustration Is Just About Drawing Well

One of the biggest misconceptions is believing that improving your drawing technique is enough to be a great illustrator. However, illustration goes beyond just drawing—it’s about storytelling, conveying ideas, and evoking emotions. As illustrator Lisa Congdon puts it:

Drawing is a skill, but illustration is a language

. (Source: Find Your Artistic Voice, Lisa Congdon).

2. Not Observing Enough

Trying to draw everything from memory is a common mistake. Since beginners aren’t yet used to generating ideas, imitation often feels like the easiest approach. However, this often leads to unrealistic results. Observation is key to improvement—it helps artists analyze light, shadows, shapes, and textures in real life, which are essential for creating realistic illustrations. James Gurney, artist and author of Color and Light, emphasizes that observation is one of the foundations of great art.

3. Only Drawing When “Inspired”

Waiting for inspiration to strike isn’t an effective way to develop your artistic skills. Inspiration doesn’t just happen—it’s something you cultivate, just like creativity. If you only draw when you feel inspired, your skills will stagnate over time. A great strategy is to set a routine, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. As Austin Kleon states in Steal Like an Artist,

Work generates more work

4. Being Afraid to Try New Things or Make Mistakes

Many beginners stick to a single medium because they fear making mistakes. They play it safe and avoid experimentation, missing out on the chance to develop new skills and techniques. Additionally, some hesitate to use digital tools or design apps that are outside their comfort zone. Experimentation is crucial for discovering personal preferences and expanding creative possibilities.

5. Not Using References (or Copying Them Exactly)

References are a valuable tool for learning, but they need to be used correctly. Instead of copying an image exactly, analyze its structure and composition, then adapt it to your own style. A great approach is to combine multiple references to create something unique and original.

6. Not Building a Portfolio from the Start

If you want to pursue illustration professionally, start building a portfolio as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think your work is perfect yet, documenting your progress is essential. Showcasing your creative journey—from your early attempts to your current style—helps demonstrate growth and skill development to potential clients or employers.
Mistakes are part of the learning process. Recognizing and correcting them early on will help you improve faster and enjoy the journey.

Online Illustration Courses

Domestika Illustration Courses
How Domestika Helped This Illustrator Reconnect with Creativity