Daughter of a French Foreign Legion officer, childhood in New Caledonia, adolescence across three continents. I didn't move to Auckland on impulse — I decided at age 10 my life would look like this.

From rough sketch to final render, I walk you through how I draw an illustrated portrait in Procreate: sketch, clean line art, colour choices, layer organisation, shadows and details. With the brushes I actually use — no paid packs. A process refined over years, suited to client commissions and personal projects alike.

Wacom, XPPen, Huion or iPad — which one should you choose for digital drawing? This guide compares drawing tablets by budget, from the €50 beginner model to professional screens above €1,000. With or without a screen, stationary or portable, beginner or professional: I answer every question before you buy, with the latest 2025–2026 models.

Local printer, online platform or personal printer: what are your options for printing your illustrations and selling prints? I compare all three approaches, from first print to professional setup, with the Canon and Epson printers I use daily. Paper, screen calibration, formats: everything you need to know before getting started.

The digital drawing software landscape has changed a lot in recent years. Affinity is now completely free, Clip Studio has become the go-to for manga artists, and Procreate remains essential on iPad. In this article, I compare the main tools I use or have seriously tested: current prices, strengths and limitations, from free to professional.

Pencils, watercolours, ink pens, sketchbooks, reference books: what supplies do you need to start drawing traditionally? I detail my selection by technique and budget, from essentials to bonus extras, so you can build your beginner kit — or gift it — without getting lost.