Hi Tayaba, Here are the answers to your questions. Regarding packaging, yes, it's something I'd like to cover in a future class, as soon as my workload allows. We can also explore mockups as we go through each exercise. I've put together a couple of examples using both of your illustrations so you can see how they might work in an editorial context. You can also look for magazine layouts on Pinterest and experiment with placing your illustrations into them. Sometimes finding an article related to your illustration can help give it more context and make it stronger for your portfolio. Whenever possible, try presenting your illustrations in context so potential clients can imagine how your work could be used. The unexpected object is simply one of the conditions I've given you for this particular brief. In commercial illustration, we often have to work with requirements we haven't chosen ourselves. The challenge isn't just to include an unusual object, but to make it work within the illustration and contribute to the story. That's what we're practising here: learning to respond creatively to a brief, making decisions with intention rather than simply drawing something attractive. In a real commission, the challenge might be completely different, but the creative thinking you're developing through this exercise will still be useful. And remember, the unexpected object doesn't have to be strange. Sometimes an ordinary object placed in an unexpected situation can tell a much more interesting story. I really hope seeing your artwork in context helps you understand how these exercises can translate into commercial illustration. :) PS: I'll also include the mockup template in the final module so you can download it, paste in your own illustrations and see how they look in an editorial context.

Hello Tayaba! I'm so glad to see you putting everything into practice! First of all, I'm particularly glad you decided to explore your own ideas rather than use my example. That's exactly what I want you to practise! I think your third illustration, with the woman wearing the scarf on her head, works really well. I would definitely keep that one. Perhaps you could add a few details to the tablecloth, but I think the character and the overall composition are very good. What I feel is still missing, though, is the unexpected element. For example, in your first illustration, the world map doesn't necessarily make us curious about what's happening. But that doesn't mean the map is a bad idea! An ordinary object can become unexpected depending on the situation in which we place it. At the moment, we see women sitting or reading, but we don't have enough information about their surroundings. Are they at home? In a café? Somewhere else? Once we establish the setting, we can play much more with what is expected and what isn't. Before creating another illustration, I would suggest thinking of three different situations for your character and considering what unexpected object could appear in each one. You don't need to draw them yet. Just explore the ideas and see which one tells the most interesting story. Also, remember that your characters don't always need to be in profile. Try exploring different angles: front view, three-quarter view or even from behind. These choices can help you tell your story. And one last thing: if this is starting to feel like homework, take your time! Give yourself a week off and come back to it with fresh eyes. That always helps. Please don't feel embarrassed about your work. The purpose of these exercises isn't to produce a perfect drawing every time, but to experiment, make creative decisions and understand why certain ideas work better than others. I hope these comments help! 😊

This is lovely, Tayaba! I really wouldn’t worry too much about the legs at this stage. The illustration is charming, and I love all the little details you’ve included. It has a great editorial feel, and the watercolour works really well. I particularly like how the unexpected choice of the fishbowl makes us curious about the character and her story. Also, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using references for poses. Even experienced illustrators use them! What matters is how you interpret those references and make them your own. Let’s wait until you’ve completed your third illustration, and then we can look at all three together and see how they work in context. I hope you’re happy with the result because you should be! 😊

This is great, Tayaba! You’ve completed the task wonderfully. I’m glad you focused on finishing rather than getting caught up in perfection. The composition works really well, and I love the finish of your drawing. It feels very editorial and fun. The orange basketball really stands out against her formal outfit. Now, looking at it as an art director, I’d suggest making the portfolio case a little more recognisable. At the moment, it could also read as a shopping bag. A clearer handle or a couple of clasps might help. You’ve already met the brief by creating a character and introducing an unexpected object. If you wanted to develop this into a piece for your editorial portfolio, you could try adding a hint of a doorway with a small “Job Interview” sign. That could help establish the situation and make the basketball even more unexpected. I’d also encourage you to try two more of the examples from the brief, so you can apply what you’ve learned to different situations. What do you feel you learned or discovered while doing this class?

@Tayaba Amjad excellent! Can’t wait to see what you create next.

@Viridiana Hermiz Hi Viridiana! How are you? Have you had a chance to watch any of the classes? If you’re unsure where to start or have any questions, I’m happy to help!

@Pat Smith Hi Patrick! How are you? Have you had a chance to watch any of the classes? If you’re unsure where to start or have any questions, I’m happy to help!