5
Drawing the cover
Once the editor selects a sketch, I start with the
drawing. Usually, as in this case, I work with pencils on
an 11x17-inch sheet of Strathmore Bristol Vellum Surface
paper. I start drawing with a black Prismacolor Col-Erase
and once I’m happy with the proportions and the overall
look, I finish it with a mechanical pencil. I use a 0.5 and 0.3.
6
Making your own rules
When you create an image, you make the rules. This means that you can
(and should) choose to play with the elements of the cover in the way you want
or need to. In this case, the cape, rocks, arms, legs, background, everything points
to the main character’s face, the focal point of the image. You can even add
elements to the image just for this purpose.7
Scanning the pencil art
I scan the pencil art at 600dpi in three parts (you
don’t actually need it that big, I just like to keep my
originals at a huge resolution) and let Photoshop work its
magic using File > Automate > Photomerge. Select the
three scanned files, choose the Auto option for Layout,
then let Photoshop do all the work.
8 Editing the pencil art
Once I have the files all merged and the image completed, I adjust the
contrast using Image > Adjustments > Levels. Then, I clean my pencils, but just a
little bit – I like some roughness and texture in my work. Here, I will just remove some
of the information in the background with the eraser, but I’m leaving lots of spaces
with “dirt”. Anything that brings an “organic” element to my work, I use it.PRO SECRETS
BLENDING EDGES
The Blender tool
in Painter is a great
tool to mix and blend
the tones on your
painting, making
it look more organic
and real. You’ll need
to flatten all of your
layers to make it work
properly, though. It’s
a very interesting tool
to experiment over
your finished images,
especially if you’re
after an oil-like effect.SHORTCUTS
Rotate View
R (Mac & PC)
Easily access the Rotate
tool and rotate the canvas
to help you paint those
curves comfortably.
I use it constantly.In depth | Superhero cover