Duration: 0:00

5,305 views

401

Check out my Free Illustration Mini Workshop where I share my journey from Amateur to Pro: https://www.thedrawingcodex.com/illustrationworkshop
You will get some simple advice on how to get more detail and polish in your work. How to think about composition. And my thoughts on how to prepare for professional work.

Feeling overwhelmed by complex composition theory? I'll show you why sometimes the most powerful approach is also the simplest - putting your subject dead center and embracing symmetry.

Below is an Automagically generated summary to help understand the video and aid search optimisation:

----
In this video, I explore the often overlooked power of formal, centered compositions in illustration. While many artists get caught up trying to create dynamic, complex compositions with lots of depth, I show why sometimes putting your subject smack in the middle and embracing symmetry can be incredibly effective. I share examples from master illustrators like J.C. Leyendecker and Gerald Brom who brilliantly use this approach to create iconic, powerful images that command attention. This simple compositional strategy has been used in some of the most memorable commercial illustrations ever created.

I explain why this approach is particularly valuable for newer artists - it allows you to focus on refining your drawing skills, perfecting your one-two-three read, and handling edges without getting overwhelmed by complex compositional challenges. I share my own experience using this technique for projects like my Pinocchio cover, demonstrating how simplicity often carries more impact than trying to be fancy. This is one of those fundamentals that gets swept under the rug in art education, but mastering it can transform your work and give you a solid foundation for exploring more complex compositions later.


----
00:00 Intro
00:45 Welcome
01:27 What is Centralised Composition?
04:56 Why This Is Useful but Overlooked!
09:00 Great Examples of Simple Centralised Images
14:52 Check This Out!





Happy Drawing!

Tim Mcburnie

Learn Drawing and Illustration from me: www.thedrawingcodex.com

Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
twitter.com/timmcburnie