#ASK AWAY part 1: Your questions answered

I've been receiving many great questions from fans on all platforms requesting techniques, tips and advice. Although I'd love too, unfortunately I can't answer them all.  Therefore I decided to post a call for questions on my Instagram and Facebook page so I can answer them all in one easy place, my blog :) Here are a bunch of your questions answered. If you have another question you'd like to ask that was not submitted, please leave it in the comments below and I hope to do a Part 2. Happy Reading xx Laura 

Q1: @acreativetrace asks - When did you begin to draw ? :)
A: Hmmm....as far back as I remember I've been drawing. It's in my genes, my blood, my mom is an artist, many of family members have the art gene. For me art is like breathing, it just comes naturally and I kinda can't live without it :) However I never thought it would be my full time career, so that has become a dream come true! 

Q2: @unniesweetzel asks - How do you achieve your dreams to be a great fashion illustrator? What is your advice for the beginner who wants to be like you. #askaway
A: Thanks for the compliment dear! I just drew and drew and drew (and still do)...when I started my Etsy shop it was a side thing. I think I got maybe one sale in the first month. However, I didn't let that discourage me and I just kept plugging at it, drawing, posting,engaging in social media... If it's just in your head or notebook no one will be able to see it, so most importantly put it out there!!! I'm a firm believer that passion always shines through!! So you go girl! Good luck!

Q3: @allison_keely asks - Did you attend college to become a fashion illustrator if so what did you major in and where did you go? #askaway
A: I attended a neighborhood college to major in graphic and multimedia design. I took many design classes there, but only one in art/drawing. I actually missed the day we focused on fashion illustration ( I know ;) The professor was so sweet she gave me a mini crash course after class on the lesson and until today I use the amazing techniques she gave me  (If only I could recall her name to thank her!)  At the same time I was enrolled in an Art correspondence school called the "Art Instruction School" to add credits to my art minor. In the end I chose to focus solely on the art. But my graphic and web design skills always come in handy  - I designed this site ;) 

Q4: @omot_t asks - After drawing,how do u work on ur illustrations using a laptop? #askaway
A: During the day I often just take an iphone photo and edit it with my many free iphone editing apps (my faves are Aviary, Instasize, Fotor..) so it doesn't go on my laptop. At night when there is no sunlight or if I need the digital file for the client. I scan the illustration with my  Canon flatbed scanner and then edit it in Photoshop.

Q5: @caitlingarry asks - What pens do you use to draw? X
A: I normally first start drawing with a lead pencil (using.5 lead) I then trace on top of it with, the best -must have -Sakura pigma micron waterproof markers! 
But whatever marker or pen you decide use it's very important that it's waterproof so that if you are using watercolors the ink won't bleed with the water.

And for the last Q for part 1...

Q6: @sherlen - Have you ever done process video?? I'd like to see one from sketching to the final piece!
A: I posted yesterday on my Instagram a little flipgrame slideshow from 'photo to finish'. However now that finally figured out how to position my $3 iphone tripod. I plan to do a full video in the near future! Stay tuned :) :) 

Thank you all for your great questions:
Again If have have a question that was not posted please leave them in comments below for an #ASKAWAY post part 2!

have a great day!
xx
Laura