that digital tools offer, I like to introduce natural
textures and find some small surprises in the
final look of my work – those happy accidents.
I create textures and samples using gouache
paint and then scan them in at 600dpi. This
resolution means that I can easily scale the
textures up in my composition.
WORKING WITH TEXTURES
I try to find a tension between flat colours
and texture, shape and line. To do this I create
subfolders within the Layers palette and add my
textures, using layer masks to isolate the parts
of the image I want to add texture to. I use a
variety of blending modes to add texture. It’s all
about experimenting to see what looks the best.
In most cases I use a combination of Overlay,
Hard light and Soft light, but it all depends on
the base colour and the texture that I’m using.
During this process I experiment a lot and can
end up with a bunch of layers and subfolders. I
try not to delete anything, but instead use the
snapshot feature in the History panel so that I
can compare different looks for the illustration.
Once I have something I’m happy with I get
some fresh air and come back to the image
with fresh eyes. Pleased with the balance of
the image, I send it to the art director for final
amends. Then, with the project signed off,
I flatten the image layers, check the colour
settings and save the final art, ready for print.
Once my part is done I wait to see the
illustration in its final setting. I love seeing the
artwork in context, standing out among the
newsstand and engaging readers.
0910 1109 Wignall worked
with Prospect’s
art director to
make a range of
amendments to
the composition.10 The artist used
a texture to bring
a sense of variety
to character
elements within
the illustration.11 The texture
was applied to
characters using
a range of
Photoshop layer
modes.08JAMIE WIGNALL
Jamie Wignall studied illustration at Camberwell College of Arts,
which is part of the University of the Arts London. His work is
defined by an interest in shape and form, flat colour and texture,
movement and stillness. Now based in Hackney working as a freelance
illustrator, Wignall has illustrated for a variety of clients covering
editorial, installation, branding and beyond.
http://www.jamiewignall.comCOMPUTERARTS.CREATIVEBLOQ.COMJUNE 2019 JAMIE WIGNALL