To get you all started on your first assignment, I've gathered some examples of how to do good sketches, and what I expect to see from you next week.
I will be showing examples of my own work below, but first here's some other great illustrators with informative blog posts about their process:
Yuko Shimizu, the awesome illustrator I introduced in class, put up a great article on her blog about her work process. It really is the best way to work as an illustrator, and to read the whole thing, go here. I recommend reading it and exploring the rest of her blog/site when you have the time.
John Hendrix is an award-winning professional editorial/book illustrator and a whiz with watercolor. Here's one of his blog posts talking about his process with an illustration for Entertainment Weekly!
Sam Bosma is a talented illustrator we'll be bringing into class later in the semester, but he also does very in-depth process posts for his illustrations, you can check out one of his most recent for PLANSPONSOR magazine. (his thumbnails are gorgeous!)SO! First, you'll probably want to start by drawing some thumbnails-- rough, tiny, really-quick sketches to help you generate your ideas for your image. The more the better! You don't even need an eraser with these, just keep doing them until you have a few you like.
Look at reference! Sometimes you'll need to look at reference before you do your thumbnails, sometimes after, but it's almost always helpful. Besides the internet, Decker Library is a great resource and photocopies and scans are cheap! Reference may be anatomically related or stylistically related to your image, but remember not to take too much from any one image. The worst thing an artist can do is copy someone else's photo or illustration and try to pass it off as their own.
Next, pick several (5 for this assignment) of your best ideas and take more time with your final sketches. These sketches should be clearly readable to the viewer and communicate approximately what you want your final to look like. In the professional world, these are the sketches you send to your client, and in my class these are sketches you bring to class!
Here's some examples of my own thumbnails/sketches/finals that I have used for professional assignments. You are not required to add color or tone to your sketches like I have chosen to, and you can do them in whatever media you prefer.
Vegas Magazine-- Scorpio horoscope illustration:
thumbnails--for my own benefit.
sketches I sent to the client
final image
PLANADVISER-- header image for "Hot Off the Press" article:
thumbnails--for my own benefit
sketches I sent the client
final image
LA Times-- Spring Makeup trends article:
sketches I sent the client
final image
When you come to class, please bring in the thumbnails, sketches, and any reference you feel was important! Seeing all the different steps you've taken in your image helps improve the quality of critiques and lets me see how much you've been working on the assignment (even if you feel you are having trouble with it.)
I'm looking forward to seeing your blog homework and your sketches in class next week! Experiment, and don't sweat it!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK and let me know if you have any questions!
No comments:
Post a Comment