References

The use of reference can make or break an illustrator.  I’ve seen how the use of a reference photo is the difference between really stellar work and mediocre work, even when I’m working in a more cartoonish style.  If I want my characters to move with believability and have facial expressions that grab the viewer, then the use of a photo reference is essential. 

I remember when I first started working on children’s book illustrations, I thought photos weren’t going to make a difference because these are more cartoony drawings anyway.  No one will know one way or another, right?  Wrong.  The best thing I ever did was to hire a young girl to pose for me and watch her move.  All the drawings worked out 100 times better after that.

I used to be able to find possible subjects/models all around me a few years ago, but after my hip operation, I've noticed I stay closer to home.  I don't get out and make contact like I used to. Consequently I haven't the same model base I used to draw from: families from church, friends and neighbors.  This is becoming a problem I hadn't really noticed before.  I even found a site where people can hire models from (Model Mayhem) and that would be great only I don’t have the kind of funds it would take to hire anyone.  Mostly I have gotten models to pose for me in exchange for a drawing or painting, mostly friends. 

Anyone have similar experiences?  I’d love to hear about it.