It’s now Eamo Donnelly’s tenth year working as a professional illustrator. Easily described as a Melbourne-based illustrator extraordinaire, he’s known for his multi-coloured hand-inked, character-driven illustrations and has worked his way through an incredible range of clients: American Airlines, Elwood, Golden Plains Festival, Mountain Dew, Playboy, Rolling Stone USA (and so many more).

If you follow him on Twitter, you might have come across these tips, but if not, as part of a new weekly series, Eamo will be dishing out advice for those starting out in the creative industry, as well as those just needing an extra bit of inspiration and motivation. Thanks to Eamo, here are this week’s ten…

Tip #1
If a client approaches you with ‘no budget’ and the ‘exposure’ line, please say no.

Tip #2
Take time to let your own individual style grow. Start with your influences, then see where you can take it.

Tip #3
Diversity is the key to longevity. Don’t focus on one niche, e.g. editorial. Apply your skill set to a broader scope of disciplines.

Tip #4
A good illustrator doesn’t need the latest shiny tools, they should be able to create gold with bare essentials, first and foremost.

Tip #5
A sound understanding of colour theory, anatomy, form, light and shade and perspective is essential to good illustration.

Tip #6
Gather your influences not only from illustration, draw inspiration from design, architecture, photography, all creative disciplines.

Tip #7
2012 is my 10th year as a professional working illustrator. “It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen,” Rachel Hunter, 1992.

Tip #8
Illustration is like the human body, it needs fuel, but equally important is rest. Don’t be afraid to take time away from it.

Tip #9
If you start to hate what you do, take some time away from it and watch your passion grow again.

Tip #10
You don’t have to accept every job that comes your way, it’s okay to say no.

Thumbnail image: Final Destination 3D’ Complex Magazine USA, 2009, by Eamo Donnelly.