I'm a big, albeit recent fan of your work. (I discovered your work at a Christian bookstore - some of the best Biblical illustrations I've ever seen by the way). I had a question for you if you don't mind.
I was just curious what kind of reference you use for some of your illustrations and what your time frame generally is for some of your Illustration Friday posts. I admit I'll probably be depressed when I find out how fast you're able to produce them, but I'd love to hear about your process in creating these pieces.
When I found the Bible you'd illustrated, I was frankly stunned imagining the amount of work entailed in producing that much work. Not just the quantity, but the quality of each one was mind-boggling. Usually when I see illustrated Bibles with so many illustrations, you can tell that the interior illustrations have a few corners cut while focusing the attention on the cover illustration. On yours, it seemed like every internal illustration could have been a cover shot. How do you even set out for a project like that? It would seem like the amount of reference involved alone would take weeks to acquire.
If you don't have time to reply, no problem. I just wanted to touch base at least and send some encouragement your way. Your blog is a constant source of inspiration to aspiring illustrators such as myself. Still have so much to learn and I appreciate your posts!
To answer your question on reference. I rarely use reference in the design process, meaning that I just wing it while composing the piece. Once I have it designed I go as far as I can without reference and then will sometimes back it up with photo's or other means. I like to exercise my imagination.
As far as how long it takes me to do a typical IF post- I would say 6-8 hours (I work in photoshop BTW). Process is very basic, I always do a fully valued/rendered black and white painting then using transparency work in the color. I rarely use layers other than adding the color. I then flatten it and paint pretty traditionally from that point if that makes sense.
The bible project was ridiculous- 300 pages of illustration done in about 5 months from start to finish and done in the evenings after I got home from my full time Illustration job.
Thanks again for the questions and if you have any more feel free to ask.
Such wonderfully contrasting characters. The silent, dark mysterious man in shades, and the insanely adorable puppy dog with his totally puppy dog eyes. Brilliant!
Hey jim, sorry I havn't left any comments of your art lately. Don't think that I've found another art inspiration. I just forgot my password to my account, so I couldn't leave comments. But I still love your art.
it's a pocket puppy ;) Too cute.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jim,
ReplyDeleteI'm a big, albeit recent fan of your work. (I discovered your work at a Christian bookstore - some of the best Biblical illustrations I've ever seen by the way). I had a question for you if you don't mind.
I was just curious what kind of reference you use for some of your illustrations and what your time frame generally is for some of your Illustration Friday posts. I admit I'll probably be depressed when I find out how fast you're able to produce them, but I'd love to hear about your process in creating these pieces.
When I found the Bible you'd illustrated, I was frankly stunned imagining the amount of work entailed in producing that much work. Not just the quantity, but the quality of each one was mind-boggling. Usually when I see illustrated Bibles with so many illustrations, you can tell that the interior illustrations have a few corners cut while focusing the attention on the cover illustration. On yours, it seemed like every internal illustration could have been a cover shot. How do you even set out for a project like that? It would seem like the amount of reference involved alone would take weeks to acquire.
If you don't have time to reply, no problem. I just wanted to touch base at least and send some encouragement your way. Your blog is a constant source of inspiration to aspiring illustrators such as myself. Still have so much to learn and I appreciate your posts!
God bless!
-Bret <><
Hi Bret,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words!
To answer your question on reference. I rarely use reference in the design process, meaning that I just wing it while composing the piece. Once I have it designed I go as far as I can without reference and then will sometimes back it up with photo's or other means. I like to exercise my imagination.
As far as how long it takes me to do a typical IF post- I would say 6-8 hours (I work in photoshop BTW). Process is very basic, I always do a fully valued/rendered black and white painting then using transparency work in the color. I rarely use layers other than adding the color. I then flatten it and paint pretty traditionally from that point if that makes sense.
The bible project was ridiculous- 300 pages of illustration done in about 5 months from start to finish and done in the evenings after I got home from my full time Illustration job.
Thanks again for the questions and if you have any more feel free to ask.
Jim
Such wonderfully contrasting characters. The silent, dark mysterious man in shades, and the insanely adorable puppy dog with his totally puppy dog eyes. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteHey jim,
ReplyDeletesorry I havn't left any comments of your art lately. Don't think that I've found another art inspiration. I just forgot my password to my account, so I couldn't leave comments. But I still love your art.
Kevin
Hi Jim! It's been ages! I hope you are well and post more things soon!
ReplyDelete:)