Process/Ideation
In this page, I broken down the steps of ideation. I’ve also included, at the bottom of the page, a file with examples and break downs of my process and ideation in new projects. My steps in the ideation process - in order - include:
Word Stacks
Thumbnails
Sketches
Value and Color Studies
Final Drawing
WORD STACKS -
My word stacks include a list of as many words/topics/ideas that I can think of that may connect to the over arching theme and background of the illustration. I will research all areas of the topic that I am illustrating. This includes historical accuracy, symbolism, color schemes, emotional attachment, and much more.
THUMBNAILS -
The goal for each project is to create at least 10 thumbnails in the first stage. From there I pick my top 5, and then top 2 overall. They are very vague and mostly concern organization and emphasis.
SKETCHES -
The sketches stage is meant to build upon the thumbnails that I favor. I add a few more details, the presentation and composition is clean and the subject matter can visually be understood faster. Once the sketches are formed I then choose the best option for the project and run with it.
VALUE AND COLOR STUDIES -
Here I find focal points, accent colors, color scheme relevance, and mood. I create at least 3 choices for a value study first. Then, once I know what value layout I want to go with, I create multiple color studies and choose my favorite of them to finalize.
FINAL DRAWING -
The final drawing starts off with a the final line work of the piece. Really flushing out any anatomy, composition, perspective, etc. Once I have the line work done, I move onto the rendering and shading of the piece. This is the final step of my creative process until I present the finished illustration.