I was asked if I'd be interested in doing this illustration a few weeks ago when the original participant pulled out so I thought I'd give it a crack. Quite detailed descriptions of garments, characters and accessories were provided which required less reference material and meant I was able to come up with a drawing relatively quickly. Below are photos showing the process I went through to create the artwork from sketch to finish. I've only shown sections of the illustration as it hasn't been published or put on display yet. You'll just have to go along and check it out yourself or order a copy of the art book! It'll be fascinating seeing all the different interpretations and styles up on the wall together in the one place. I shall have to try to avoid comparing my artwork to those by others (creative types tend to all be guilty of that unfortunately!)
Enjoy the journey!
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| I started with a detailed pencil sketch using a regular mechanical pencil. I used reference material for the horse and face from 1920's images. |
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| Once I was happy with the sketch, I got to work on inking. I got the thick, outline work done first using a calligraphy Copic marker. |
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| More detailed line work was completed using a 0.05 Copic liner. I created a border in the style of Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale around the centre image to bind the illustration together. |
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| The border was inked using the calligraphy marker around the edges and the fine liner for the detail work. Pencils were erased. |
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| Once I was happy with the illustration, I then scanned it on a flat bed scanner at 1200dpi to pick up the detail and cleaned up any marks and line work I wasn't happy with in Photoshop. |
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| ...and the finishing up! I took the scan into InDesign where I added colour in various layers. The overall illustration has a classic comic book look and feel. A style that I keep coming back to. |
