My general steps:
- brainstorm & thumbnails
- rough sketches with simple values
- reference (photoshoot, making a maquette, gathering photos)
- tight drawing, value study
- color study (for some projects, color studies happen earlier)
- final art
Brainstorming & thumbnails
I generate ideas with pencil on paper. Exploring the idea with a focus on the mood/character/story, and how it will visually “read” for the intended use (game art, book cover, etc).
From these initial explorations I select a few options to develop into rough digital sketches that seem in line with what the client needs. The rough sketches include just enough value for design and to indicate lighting and design. Depending on the job I show 1-3 rough sketches. These rough sketches become part of the conversation to see if we’re on the same page.
Checking in
My process has a flexible flow with check-in phases naturally built in.
Checking-in at the sketch phase allows a client to pick a concept and/or request modifications so the image fits better with its purpose.
Checking-in at the color study or tight drawing phase phase allows for communication about lighting design, color usage, and any small modifications to image.
Reference
Once a direction is chosen, I get better reference. The idea and the sketches drive what kind of reference is needed. This could include hiring someone to pose for photos in costume with props, constructing a maquette, or just collecting more photos and purchasing stock photos.
Developing the image
Next I draw a tight/refined drawing and refine the values. Depending on the project, I might draw the tight drawing with pencil on Dura-Lar, vellum, or I draw it digitally. Also depending on the project, I might add values to the drawing with pencil or digitally.
Using the refined drawing, I explore rough color options and share 1-3 with the client, depending on the situation.
Then I work on the final image.
Examples
