How long does it take to become a realistic illustrator?

I took a drawing class a while ago. After several weeks of study and practice the teacher complimented my portfolio and told me , as a compliment, that I could create realistic drawings after seven further years of study.





This is a question to any artists out there capable of creating realistic sketches: How long did it take you to become proficient at drawing? Obviously there are different levels of skill and you can always improve but I'm just curious if my teacher's estimation is more or less standard.How long does it take to become a realistic illustrator?
You learned to draw when you mastered hand writing. Now you are just honing the skills of seeing and drawing what you see. Understanding negative and positive spaces and how to break it down. If you took a sketch pad and for 14 minutes a day just did a quick sketch of what was around you, like your hand or a clock, or the dog, in 6 months your drawing skills would amaze you. I would not show this notebook to anyone. Just time you self and after 14 minutes stop. I know artists that do this their entire lives. You can then go draw something else but consider this quick sketch like drawing calisthenics.


Go to www.newcenturytv.com and click on artist. I recommend viewing these on line art lessons. Just like any other subject art has rules and most art lessons in school are about assignments not art lessons. No I don't think it will take you 7 years. You have gotten some great advice here today from everyone. I would say if you have the desire this is something that can be mastered.How long does it take to become a realistic illustrator?
The funny thing is that between lessons- you season the existing knowledge. I stop drawing and six months later - it seems like I increased my skill level -I thnk you learn by observing like you do by practicing.





Athletes do this - they see themselves winning - and it increases their performance. So I question the seven year rule.





It is at the pace you can absorb and process.





Just break down the constituent parts, shaping, color theory, painting, form and focus on mastering each skill -the culmination will give you the skills you need - this should not take 7 years if you do it full time - more like 3.





do this, get an ebony pencil and a kneaded gum eraser, then fold a strip of paper and see how close yo can get the shading to be real. Include the shadows and the reflections.





With in 3 trys you'll get a pretty realistic look. Now just practice with color.





you can get realistic objects in a few weeks.





The learning curve is controlling the tools, just do simple subjects then tackle the big ones, you'll get this within 6 months.





Is your teacher at ITT school for taking your money?





Good luck, you can do it!
seven years! You have got to be joking! It won't take that long. If your willing to work at it and already have some natural talent there with you (Which I think is the case because of your teachers compliment) then it really depends on you and how hard you will work at it. Maybe 3 months. Maybe a year. If your really serious about drawing and sketching than I suggest you check out this website:





http://www.alienthink.com





It has what you need to speed up the learning process. So once you get done there you should be very proficient. Wish you well!