As a food illustrator, I could have chosen watercolor, digital painting, or vector art—but I chose pencil. Here’s why that choice defines my work for premium food brands.
My Journey: From Paper to Digital
I started out with traditional illustration, self-taught but enriched by my background in art history. Like learning a musical instrument, it took countless hours of practice: filling sketchbooks, refining my technique, and discovering my own style. This hands-on process deepened my love for pencil work and shaped my realistic approach. I often start a new project with reference photos, using them as reliable guides for my drawings.
After several years of professional practice, I became intrigued by digital illustration. I was already using digital tools for photo editing, video, project management, and web design, always eager to explore new software. Yet, nothing felt as natural for drawing as traditional paper. Like many artists, it was the iPad and Apple Pencil that eventually changed my perspective. Initially, the available software felt cold and lifeless, but everything shifted when I tried Adobe Fresco. Suddenly, I could experience the same tactile sensations (pressure, angle, and the grain of different brushes) as I did with real pencils. I experimented with many brushes, but ultimately stayed true to those that mimicked pencil best. With this approach, my digital creations remain truly “hand-drawn.”
Since then, I’ve continued to refine my food illustration techniques and focus on my favorite subjects: delicacies, fruits, vegetables, and all things culinary, from simple ingredients to elaborate finished dishes.
Marketing Advantages of Pencil Illustration for Premium Food Brands
Why did I make the switch to digital techniques? Curiosity, first and foremost: it opened up a world of creativity I couldn't ignore. But above all, it allows me to offer real benefits to my clients and their projects. Digital illustration makes it easy to revise work, manage multiple rounds of feedback, deliver ready-to-use files, and repurpose drawings for different needs. Layering has become second nature, making it simple to update or adapt illustrations in ways traditional paper never could.
So why stick with a pencil style when digital tools offer unlimited options? It comes down to personal preference: I never tire of the grain, softness, and authentic feel of pencil, even when working digitally. My clients, especially premium and artisanal brands, value this approach too. My style is all about patience and craftsmanship: the hand-drawn look that sets your brand apart.
Pencil drawings are instantly recognizable and evoke traditional artistry. They provide a warmth and character that stands out from more sterile, corporate visuals. Whether reminiscent of a framed artwork or a sketch on a book's margin, pencil can be both simple and sophisticated—capturing an idea in just a few lines or rendering a scene in rich detail.
Food illustration in pencil combines versatility and authenticity, making it the perfect way to express a brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For an upscale chocolatier, for example, pencil strokes immediately suggest artisan skill and attention to detail. On packaging for seasonal fruit, they evoke honesty and naturalness that appeal to today’s mindful consumers.
My Creative Process: From Sketch to Digital Art
Digital tools have completely transformed my food illustration workflow. I guide each project through several structured phases to ensure clarity and collaboration every step of the way:
- Sketch phase: Together, we define the key elements of the illustration.
- Pencil phase: I create a detailed drawing in pencil, without color or texture.
- Final phase: I deliver the finished, colored illustration.
If you’d like to explore my full creative process in more detail, check out this in-depth article, I’m sure you’ll find answers to all your questions!
