Welcome... to your transformation

As part of my job, I’m often required to ask an artist to make changes to their painting, be it a cover or workshop image. I’ll admit that sometimes I’ve felt reticent to do this – despite my confidence that my requests will improve the image. I’m aware that the artist may be upset by my suggested alterations. Most of us would admit to being apprehensive about change – especially if it’s related to something we have an emotional attachment to. Do you recognise this in yourself? It’s easy for our defence mechanism to tense up ready for battle before a word is even spoken in these situations. I think most people would admit to that.

It’s hard to let go of that feeling, but let go of it we must. Change will always bring a positive, a development or an advancement. It will make you realise what your work means to you. A good shake of the tree may uproot a great deal, but will also reveal what holds firm.

In his brilliant cover art workshop, Jeff Simpson ponders the fate of an artist who doesn’t try to bring something fresh to their work. What can you do to add something different to your art? Can you be the artist who brings about changes to their own images? We’re not always talking about massive game-changing alterations, here. It could be far less seismic: if you always paint characters, try working on an environment. Or could you try a new colour palette, or paint using different brushes than your normal set?

Give that tree a shake and see what happens…

Claire Howlett, Editor claire@imaginefx.com