"Witchcraft , Voodoo , and other Myths About
Beginning an Airbrush Artist's Journey"
By Gary Fredericks
One of the most intimidating and daunting
tasks for an airbrush artist is "getting started". Some people happen upon the
right place and time, surrounded by a great support group of teachers and
mentors resulting in an easier ( not always better ) path to follow. Often
times , others such as myself weren't so fortunate in the beginning. One
question that seems the easiest to answer is " What do I want to paint with my
airbrush ? " as most already know that answer when they begin to pursue their
journey into the airbrush art world. Some beginners have aspirations of doing
tee shirts and textile while many such as myself are lured by the creative and
passionate world / life-style of the motorcycle / automotive art realm. Others
may tend to explore the " fine art " and " illustration " side of the art form
on varying surfaces from illustration board to canvas. Whatever your reason or
interest , chances are you will try the other aspects of airbrushing at some
point.
In most cases the beginner will want to
dabble in more than one genre of the diverse world of airbrushing, at least in
the beginning. This is where most of the confusion for the aspiring artist
begins. They seek out the one magic book and or video that a magazine promised
to take you there. Maybe it's that special airbrush / air source / paint kit
that will give them the flexibility to do everything good enough to learn with
, all the way through to the professional level . This line of thinking can be
detrimental to the complete and unguided beginner. Once you get going and get
access to other equipment , one may find preferences change. Just like shoes or
underwear , each airbrush is going to perform and feel different to each
INDIVIDUAL airbrusher . There is no " best brand / model of airbrush " outside
of YOUR individual opinion. It is the artist that creates the art and the
airbrush ( airbrushes ) that allows the artist to do so to their greatest
extent. Much of the for profit media available on airbrushing furthers this
confusion.
As in most magazines, the advertising
dollars pays the publishers bills and to a lesser extent, the readers.
Companies pay a good deal of money for their ads and want their products
featured in the content of the publication as much as possible . This is true
in most magazines regardless of subject. Just look at a hunting or fishing
magazine. You'll often see a whole page ad for a certain fishing rod or bow and
arrow before or after an article with a mention or accompanying photo with that
item in it somewhere. Often times it is true in the airbrush media. So how does
one start airbrushing and where can they get the best information on the
subject? The answer to this for many is on the Internet.
There is a plethora of wealth for the
budding airbrush artist on the Internet if you look as well as sites of
established airbrush artists that have " how to's " posted on their sites.
Before you buy that airbrush ( or smash it into a billion pieces out of
frustration!), do a search on the web for "airbrush". Look into all the clubs
and message boards you can find. When you do join the message boards or clubs,
do not fear that your question will be read as "stupid" or "absurd" because
everyone is there at the beginning . Just be sure to include as much detail of
the question you seek an answer to. It can also be a good idea to post an
introduction of yourself in your initial post. There are MANY people out their
more than willing to help you along the way.
Often times the beginner will be able to
find a school or workshop that may be within the budget and or close enough to
attend and get at least some shoulder to shoulder airbrushing instruction in
with a professional airbrusher. Many friends and airbrush related acquaintances
could be made this way as well. For even better results, try using the info /
advice you gather from the clubs/message boards in conjunction with that magic
book or video that promised you ability and fortune. Through the passage of
time , the beginner will see that there is no quick formula, magic potion, or
voodoo ritual that will make you an overnight sensation in airbrushing .
Practice, practice, and practice, along with desire and an open mind set is
what will carry you to where you want to go. It is a journey. One that can and
SHOULD be enjoyed along the way.
Anyone is more than welcome to have their
article posted here on this site or in our magazine
www.airbrushartistmagazine.com
. Just e-mail me I would be happy to talk it over with you. A big THANK YOU to
Gary for taking the time to help those just starting out in airbrushing . I
hope more airbrush artist like Gary will do the same and pass their airbrushing
experience & knowledge on to those just trying to get started.
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