Digital illustration beginner's 1-year growth! Shocking Before/After [2026 Valentine's Day Record]

It's already been a year since I started drawing digital illustrations.

This time, through illustrations with a Valentine's Day theme,My growth trajectory over the past yearI looked back on it!

From my early digital works to my latest illustrations, I'll show you how my style has changed over time, comparing things like color usage, composition, and how I depict character expressions!

Introduction: Reflecting on the past year's growth

The illustrations I drew over the past year are Miniature characters, lead control, Cherry Pop-style tribute illustration, sailor uniform one-hour drawing, Coming-of-Age Day one-hour drawingThe genres and themes were quite diverse!

Each time I draw it, it changes a little bit, especiallyHow to use colors and create the atmosphere of a characterHowever, I myself feel like I've changed.

At first I was just fumbling around, but now I'm enjoying drawing even more!

I'd like to look back on this past year's growth, focusing on Valentine's Day illustrations!

[February 2025] Valentine's Day illustration from the early stages of the digital transition

With Valentine's Day as the theme, "I" am holding a heart-shaped chocolate, The moment I'm hesitating whether to give it or notThis is an illustration depicting [something].

This piece was drawn shortly after I transitioned from analog to digital, and I wasn't yet familiar with using the tools.I'm still figuring out how to apply colors and draw hair.That's it.

Looking at it now, the lines and colors are a bit awkward, and I think, "Wow, I still had a long way to go," but even so, I believe that it was because of this first step that I am who I am today.

[February 2026] A shift in the recipient's perspective! Latest Valentine's Day illustrations

Last year I bought chocolate“The handing side”"But this year, unexpectedly,“The recipient”"And the character's expression is also somehowimpudent,A slightly assertive atmosphereIt happened (lol)

The art style has also been changing little by little.A dating sim-like atmosphereIt might have appeared...?

I'm a little surprised myself, thinking, "Wow, I can draw expressions like this now!"

I feel like the composition and use of color have come together more naturally than last year, and I really enjoyed drawing this piece (*´ω`*)

Changes I noticed compared to a year ago

Compared to the illustration from a year ago,The hair colors are more colorful.にAnd the composition tooFront-to-back depthI've become more aware of that.

Back then, I drew using a ruler, which meant that...It gives a mechanical and uninteresting impression.I realize now that I had that experience.

This year's illustration is certainlyThere isn't much sense of the seasons.But, in returnTechniques for conveying the character's feelings and the situation through captions.I think I've succeeded.

Little by little,My own way of "communicating"“I feel like I'm starting to see it.

Summary: You can change this much in one year!

The illustrations I drew over the past year are約30枚。

Each and every one of those photos represents a valuable experience for me and is proof of my undeniable growth.

Take the plungeTransition from analog to digitalThis makes it easier to make corrections and adjust colors.I was able to improve the quality of the artwork.That's how I feel.

Also, phrases like "Me in the style of ○○"Respectful illustrationI also tried many different styles. By observing and imitating various patterns,My range of expression and observational skills have expanded significantly.I think so!

I want to continue creating respectful illustrations, and I hope to find more and more ways to express myself in a way that is uniquely my own.

I encourage you all to try your hand at creating your own respect-themed artwork!

I found Shigure Ui's illustrations in "Cherry Pop" particularly inspiring, so if you're interested, please check them out here ↓

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Digital illustration beginner's 1-year growth! Shocking Before/After [2026 Valentine's Day Record]

I hope this is helpful in some way!

If you have any tips or tricks for improving your illustrations, please share them in the comments!

Thank you for reading to the end!

Okay then!

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Digital illustration beginner's 1-year growth! Shocking Before/After [2026 Valentine's Day Record]

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Digital illustration beginner's 1-year growth! Shocking Before/After [2026 Valentine's Day Record]

Here are the tools I use.

This illustration as well,iPad AirとApple Pencil ProI drew it using [this tool].

If you enjoyed this article or illustration even a little, your support would be greatly appreciated and very encouraging.

Pochi

Illustrator

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Illustrator.
This blog is my growth diary as an illustrator.
Opened since June 2023.
Starting YouTube in January 2025.