Thursday, May 19, 2011

It starts with a sketch

TOM - Thought I'd use this time to share some process 'before and after' type shots to show how I usually start an illustration. There's always a sketch, in fact before the sketch, there is often a 'thumbnail drawing', a really small scribble like drawing which usually only I can make out. From that thumbnail is where the sketch usually comes out of. Here is a look at a sample of some from the last few months...



Sometimes the sketch acts as a blueprint which I could then build upon and change as much as I feel it should...


...other times, the sketch really has all the information it needs, then the challenge is trying to maintain that energy and essence in the final...





...other times, it's just a matter of only using certain elements of the sketch and changing direction and expression to make a stronger image.


Hope that was somewhat enjoyable. If you liked this, let me know, I have tons of folders full of process sketches that I can keep posting periodically.


Until next time!










1 comment:

Alex Moore said...

thanks for sharing these! it's really interesting to see all the different ways you translate your initial roughs into final pieces. and i totally hear you on trying to not lose the liveliness of a sketch in the transition to final art work.

hope all's good your end!