3 Types of JMLEE illust backgrounds

Time to learn!

I've had some questions about the two types of backgrounds I do. This post is here to debunk all myths. The three types are called, abstractly, the "abstract," "simple" and "detailed" backgrounds. Really, what this comes down to is:

1. If I have to draw the background (with pencil, digital pen, etc), it's a "detailed" background
2. If I can do it all with simple shapes (i.e. in Photoshop with a normal mouse), it's a "simple" background
3. If there are no shapes at all, just a gradient color and maybe a texture, it's an "abstract" background.

So, here are some live, recent examples of the various types! Note that the "simple" and "abstract" backgrounds generally have a more cell-shading style done; this fits in better with the type of background. The "detailed" backgrounds are generally more incorporated into the image, what with the linework interacting with the character and all.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND
Gradient, texture, text



SIMPLE BACKGROUND
Gradients, photoshop shapes (beam of light, sword), text
[+ drawn silhouette @ additional charge]



DETAILED BACKGROUND
Full background (table, junk on table, shelf, stereo, etc) +
photoshop shapes (window) + gradient + texture(s) +
border by struckdumb graphics

There you have it! Vague mysteries more or less clarified! Or, at least, confused beyond all reason. Have a good evening, children of the internet.