Posts
Step 1: Getting Inspired!
I was at the Yellow Springs Street Fair. I was involved in the live art show at Super-Fly Comics (www.superflycomics.com), So not only was I surrounded by creative people, But I was also in a comic shop!! Sooooo much inspiration all around me! There was of course, a lot of artists doing super hero stuff and even some doing zombie/horror also. I wanted to to do something different with my characters but that could still be related to the environment. After some contemplation, I decided to put them in a medieval, viking type theme and just have fun with it, cause that's what this is all about, having fun, right!?!?!
Step 2: the Initial Character sketches
I began sketching out the basic idea and concept of what I wanted the characters to look like and possible pose etc. as seen below
As you can see, I started off just having them in their general, modern day attire with a a couple of weapons and a viking helmet. After I rethought it through, I realized to get the concept across, I would have to go all out and put them completely in the attire of the setting I am wanting them to be in. I also was not completely happy with their poses and facial expressions so then it was on to the rough sketch #2 to do some more experimenting.
Now we're getting somewhere! After this sketch I felt pretty happy about where this was going. The outfits look cool, there is dynamic poses and expressions that just started making my idea come to life! Since I was pleased with the piece, except for some minor details, it was now time for the final draft!
Steps 3&4: Final Pencils and Inks.
I have to lump the two of these steps together just for the simple fact that the piece, up to the point of inks was done at the art show, so I don't have a scan of the final pencils to show you before they were inked. But I can still give you some insight and info on the Pencilling process. I generally start out very light and Just map out where I basically want things to be, making sure everything is in proper perspective and that there will be proper room for Dialogue, title, etc. I still Like to keep it pretty simple and just make sure I hit all the main aspects of the characters and backgrounds etc. Once I am happy with this point, I go back over the basic lines and start defining everything. I wait until the inking step to add all the fine details and defining factors. I begin making final adjustments and changes here also. I changed Ivy's pose slightly to make it look more natural and beefed her up a bit. I have had some people say that she looks too "Womanly" from doing so, but she is a Warrior Princess for goodness sake! She should look like she could take down a Vamipiric Tyrannosaurus Rex if she had to! It's not like I turned her into Lady Death or Power Girl. I personally felt I managed to maintain her youthful aspect even though I toughened her up a bit. I dunno. I could be totally wrong! what do you all think? Let me know, I'd love to hear other people's opinions on it. Critics is what makes and artist better, ya know.
When Inking, I generally use a #0 Red sable brush on everything! I have tried other sizes and this one is just right for me. It allows me to get some super fine thin lines when doing small details and nice, fat, bold lines when I am attempting to add Line weight to objects to give a sense of depth and to make objects "POP". Inking is and always will be my favorite step in this whole process cause in my opinion, this step is what really brings the piece alive! Then again, I may just be biased since I have been an inker a lot longer than I have been a penciller! LOL
Step 5: Colors
For what I do, There really isn't a whole lot to this step. Using Photoshop, I layout my basic colors, known in the comic book biz, as "flats" . Once that is done, I create another layer and add all my shadows. That's it. Nothing more to it. Granted, it does help if you have basic knowledge of color theory and how lighting works, but I still mess both of those up from time to time myself!
Step 6: Lettering!
The final piece of the puzzle. For this step, I use Adobe illustrator to create my word balloons, and placement for the dialogue, titles, and all other lettering needs. I've experimented with this stage off and on so it is still a learning process for me. I am continuously learning more about text placement and how to use it as an aspect of design right along with the images that they are communicating with.
Since we are on the topic of Lettering, I guess I could let you in on how I go about writing the dialogue for the scripts and the art prints. To be honest, there is no real method to it. Most of the time, I will hear or see someone do something and it clicks an idea in my head that gets the clogs turning. Sometimes things I read in the news or see on tv do the same thing. Then, there have been moments where I have had the dreaded brain fart. I will have an idea all in place then the dialogue just won't come to me. At this point, I go to my two wonderful daughters, who without, these two characters would probably have never even come into existance. They know what's funny and if I can make them laugh, then I know others will laugh also. I also have been known to rely on a very very very loving, understanding, and special person in my life to help me out of the rut, or even, give me the words to use for the piece. The medieval piece was one of those moments. I had an idea for the dialogue and it was just too narrow and focused towards one group of people. I wanted something for Ivy to say that most people would get the joke. So, my wonderful angel of a lady,Amy, pondered for a moment and gave me the awesome "braveheart" line for Ivy to say. She has also given me some pretty good Ideas for things to draw which have been the first to sell at the art shows. so yeah, she's definately a keeper ;) Well, in a nutshell, the writing comes from many diferrent avenues and I am greatful for every last one of 'em to be there to inspire me and assist me on this wonderous journey.
Well, that pretty much wraps it up. I hope this has been fun, informative and ya got something out of my mindless ramblings! So until next time!!
Peace out,
PohGo
Ohhhhhhh Shnickeys!!!! I forgot the most important part of this whole blog, The Finished Product!
I BRING TO YOU, BRIT & IVY!! GETTING MEDIEVAL ON YA!!!!!
