Brainstorming
Pencil on paper, Very rough sketches. After reading the client brief, at this stage I’m just trying to get ideas out on paper and explore possibilities of gesture, body language, and story.
Frequently I also try out ideas in front of the mirror, or my camera to play with gesture and also to use the photos as reference.
Rough Sketches for Review
Reference
The client chose Option 2, which means on to great reference! I hired a model to pose for the reference photos. For this type of reference, I work with my professional photographer friend. I art direct, he creates the lighting and other effects I need reference for, such as moving fabric. The photographs that are created are tailored specifically for my use as reference to create my art work.
Tight Drawing and Color Options
Once I had the photo reference, I drew the refined drawing. I wasn’t sure what direction they wanted to go with the look of the elf so I gave them a few color options.
Final Art
