Illustration process

I liked looking at these as a young'n, and I feel like posting to my blog. So here's the evolution of my most recent illustration commission!

Step 1: Rough sketch for client review.

I use mechanical pencil and recycled sketch paper, and a big eraser.


Step 3: Revised rough sketch after client input


Step 3: Clean lines with basic background coloring for visualization.

For lines I use a .01 micron black pen on top of the pencils, then fade the sketches when necessary with a gum eraser. Finally, I scan it in and adjust the levels to bring out the ink lines. The coloring here was done with a basic airbrush and was later scrapped when I actually started coloring.


Step 4: Character colors for client review

Colors done in Corel Painter IX using custom brushes.


(Steps 5-8 ????)


Finally, profit!

Finished product coloring done in Painter, background done in Photoshop CS3 using some custom brushes, screens, filters and textures. And lens flare. Can't forget the lens flare.