Digital illustrations can change this much in 9 months! Before and After of Shigure Ui's illustration drawn by a beginner.

Digital illustrations areWith the right practice methods and consistency,You can improve significantly in a few months.That's what they say.

However,"Can even a complete beginner really improve?" "How long does it take to feel like I've improved?"Many people are probably feeling anxious about this.

In this article, IHow much growth have we achieved in the nine months since our digital transition?This is based on illustrations by Shigure Ui-sensei.Before → After comparisonI will explain in detail as I go along.

Composition, coloring, light expression, and processing.How have the points where beginners often stumble changed, and what has actually been effective?Practice methods and tips for improvementI've also compiled that information.

I hope this will be helpful for those who have just started digital illustration or those who are struggling to improve.

Before illustration from 9 months ago: Work from 3 months after transitioning to digital.

This is a drawing of Shigure Ui-sensei from June 2025, about three months after I started drawing digitally. At the time, I was very concerned with "drawing with good balance," so I tended to rely on symmetry rulers, resulting in illustrations that looked somewhat awkward.

• composition: Static and with little movement
• Hair coloring: Matte and with little awareness of light
• Painting the eyes: I simply draw what I see, without considering reflected light.
• processingI didn't know how to do it, so it's almost completely unedited.

Looking at it now, I feel like, "I tried my best to draw this, but there's still a lot of empty space..."

After illustration (9 months later): Current work with an emphasis on movement.

This is the latest illustration of Shigure Ui-sensei, drawn in March 2026.

Compared to the "Before" version, the overall impression has changed significantly in terms of composition, coloring, and handling of light.

• composition: Incorporating wind and cherry blossoms, creating a "dynamic composition" that guides the viewer's gaze.
• Hair coloring: Focusing on glossiness, the painting technique creates a three-dimensional effect that takes the light source into consideration.
• Painting the eyesBy incorporating multiple reflected light sources such as the blue sky, sunlight, and the colors of cherry blossoms, depth is created.
• processingAdjust the overall image to a blue tone using hard light, then softly layer yellow on top to add a sense of airiness.

From stillness to movement. I was surprised myself at how much I'd changed in just nine months.

Four key changes from Before to After

Composition: From stillness to movement

The "before" drawing is awkward because, being relatively new to digital art, I was so focused on trying to create a balanced image that I used a symmetry ruler.

In contrast, I drew the "after" version with wind in mind.

I'd be happy if adding a few cherry blossom petals helps to guide the viewer's eye.

I said the same thing in my previous Valentine's Day illustration, didn't I?

Click here for Valentine's Day illustrations.

Digital illustrations can change this much in 9 months! Before and After of Shigure Ui's illustration drawn by a beginner.

Hair coloring: From matte to glossy

As you can see from the hair, the "before" version had a matte finish.

Because I didn't pay much attention to the lighting, the shading of the hair is a little blurry.

In contrast, the "after" picture shows that the hair color is now shiny.

Painting the eyes: Incorporate reflected light.

I drew the "before" version without considering things like light reflection, just staring intently at Shigure Ui's illustrations.

When drawing "after," be mindful of various reflections.

For example, the blue sky, sunlight, the color of cherry blossoms, etc.

I drew this while being conscious of what I would draw in the background (although I didn't actually draw anything).

Processing: Creating an airy feel

The "before" photo is completely unedited because I started from a point where I had no idea how to edit photos at all.

In contrast, the "after" image was created by using a hard light to slightly darken the entire image with a blue tint, and then softly applying a yellowish color on top.

Additionally, just like with the eyes, I've added subtle touches of blue sky, sunlight, and cherry blossom colors to create a sense of atmosphere.

Practice methods I used over 9 months

Learn with professional correction videos.

I mainly referred to "professional editing videos."

I particularly referenced the following three illustrators.

[Kakage Sensei]

It's a bit of a sharp tone, but it's very informative.

I think I'm probably still in the "pretentious, slightly cynical" category.

The importance of the position and color of thingsIt contains important information like that, making it very helpful.

[Naoki Saito Sensei]

I think a distinctive feature of Naoki Saito's teaching style is that it starts with a gentle, affirming approach.

The parts that are drawn well and the parts that are not are clear.They will give you feedback and tell you what areas to focus on and what to be careful about.

This teacher is particularly helpful when it comes to understanding composition.

[Mr. Negu]

The use of light and shadowThis teacher is especially worth watching if you want to learn [this subject].

I've watched it several times myself and learned a lot from it.

Don't just watch; be sure to put it into practice.

If you just "watch" and leave it at that, then it's no longer "Someone who just felt like they could drawIt ends up being ".

To prevent that from happening, I always make sure to draw and practice what I've learned.

To avoid spending too much time,Two draws + 1 hourで量と質To achieve both.

Click here for information on the two-draw + 1-hour option.

Digital illustrations can change this much in 9 months! Before and After of Shigure Ui's illustration drawn by a beginner.

Hone your "observational skills" through homage.

Simply watching correction videos and then practicing is not enough to improve your skills.

So, I'll actually try to pay homage to it.

In my case, I often get commissioned to draw thumbnails for YouTube videos.

Recommended related articles

Digital illustrations can change this much in 9 months! Before and After of Shigure Ui's illustration drawn by a beginner.

Of course, since it's an homage, I'll replace the characters with my own to avoid it being just a simple copy.

It's okay no matter how long it takes.

What is important is"Observe carefully before drawing."。

You might notice things like, "If you look closely, the parts are correct, but their positions are different. That alone changes the impression..."

Just keep repeating

For now, I'm continuing to repeat this practice method.

By doing so, I gradually began to feel like I was growing.

Tips for maintaining motivation

If you keep drawing for a long time, there might come a day when you think, "I can't draw anymore..."

But the comparison at that time isMy past self"is.

Just being able to draw better than before is enough to boost my motivation.

I also sometimes feel unmotivated, so when that happens, I try to compare myself to my past self.

The worst thing you can do is "compare yourself to others."

That alone would lower my motivation.

[Tools Used] Create a comfortable drawing environment with iPad Air and Procreate

I usuallyiPad AirとProcreateI'm using it to draw pictures.

Apple PencilIt works well with other software, and I can draw quickly and smoothly, which is very comfortable.

Of course, drawing traditionally is perfectly fine too! I think the important thing is to "find an environment where you can draw comfortably."

Whether digital or analog, let's continue enjoying it in a style that suits us!

Summary: Digital illustration will change dramatically in 9 months.

Composition, coloring, lighting, editing... Through nine months of practice, I've gradually become able to do things I couldn't do when I was a beginner.

It's so enjoyable to look back on your growth that you might think, "I wish I had kept more of my earlier works." The works you're creating now will one day become "old works" as well.

I look forward to continuing to draw and experiencing further growth in my art.

Are there any points you've noticed that have changed compared to older illustrations?

Please let me know in the comments.

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

Thank you for reading to the end.

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.