4
More details and depth
After this first colour test I begin to detail and better
define a particular element, enhancing its colours. I keep
checking that the scene continues to look harmonious as
I add more highlights and shadows in order to give more
depth and volume to the chosen element.7
A more effective character
After my changes, my revised character (the one at
the back of the group, wearing a shirt and tie) has become
more compact. Previously, a hat gave him longish lines, but
after the redesign he’s more harmonious and charismatic;
the Mickey Mouse ears fit in better with his companions.
They also give him more personality.6
Redesigning elements
If a character doesn’t come out the way I want,
I redo a sketch over the initial element I want to change,
providing new features. The illustration doesn’t need to
always follow a linear pattern of beginning, middle and end.
I can always go a step back and rework it to reach a more
balanced outcome.5
Adding new textures
I carry on working character by character, bringing
each personality out by adding defining detail and creating
spotlights that establish the solidity of the figures. I next
start to add new textures in the illustration such as fur,
textile patterns and skin.3
General colour and harmony
I begin by roughing in the whole scene to test the
colour scheme and the harmony between the characters.
I always start with a medium colour and then the shadows
and highlights. I begin with solid colours only and then add
details and other shades of these colours. Then I step back
to assess how harmonious and pleasing the scene is.8
Background colour
At this point, I choose the general background
colour, which enables me to start to define the tone of
the light that will affect all the colours of the characters
and other elements. This provides an overall atmosphere,
giving a dramatic look to the scene and establishing some
sense of context for it.WORKSHOP
BRUSHES
PHOTOSHOP
CUSTOM BRUSHES:BRUSH ARTHUR
MASK 01
I use this brush for
just about everything.
It’s a standard
Photoshop brush,
altered for use with
the Pen tool.BRUSH ARTHUR
MASK 02
I use this brush to
generate texture
in certain areas,
implying that the
element is organic
in nature.Workshops
PRO SECRETS
BUILDING A
UNIVERSE
Create characters
that generate interest
and conflict with each
other and will create
a good story. Think
of each personality,
creating appropriate
clothing and so on –
such details make
all the difference.
Deconstruct
stereotypes. Don’t be
predictable in your
character creation:
diversify shapes to
build groups of
characters with
different personalities
that complement
each other. This will
create an interesting
composition.