Sketched up the scaffolding for this sizzling new illustration of E today… The plan is to bring the final line art through to completion, and use it to demonstrate the Comic Book Coloring techniques I’ll be bundling into the “Character Creator Course: Women” package. What’s special about this illustration is that this is really our first glimpse into the pose apocalyptic world E’s story takes place in. The dilapidated industrial structures in the background show a world torn to shreds by the maniacal Reggroth. Their ships, flying overhead as E flexes her fists, ready for a fight.
I wanted to include a variety of unique elements in the illustration to show you how to approach coloring backgrounds, textures, clothing materials, hair and of course anatomy. That way, you’ll have a broad scope of coloring know how when it comes to the vast range of illustrated components you’re likely to encounter inside a comic book narrative.
As you can see, this piece is only in the early stages of development. So I’d love to know what you’re thoughts are on it.
I’m feeling like her hands might need a little bit more work. She’s supposed to be clenching her fist with the opposite hand, ready to pummel the baddies… but due to the length of the fingers holding it, it might also appear as though she’s praying or something… Which isn’t exactly what I’m going for!
It’s such a small detail. But these are the judgement calls that need to be made throughout the development of a Comic Book Illustration. But especially in the initial foundations stage when the structural blue prints are being laid down.
There’s something to be said about knowing what to do right in order to become a better artist. But what’s often not taken into consideration, is how much knowing what you’re doing wrong can speed up that process.
Becoming a better artist isn’t just about drawing well. It’s also being able to develop a keen eye for mistakes along the way, so that you can catch them, address them, and learn from them. The more fluid you get at spotting out the errors in your work, the more aware you’ll become of them, and thus, they’ll be easier to avoid.
This is one of the reasons I’ll repeatedly say that I’m not a perfect artist. Anyone who thinks they’re perfect already will be blind to the flaws in their work, and will find it extremely difficult to progress beyond the point they’re at. I want to show you that I make mistakes too! And that it’s not a bad thing at all. In fact it’s a necessary thing.
The mistakes in your work, once you’re aware of them, will become your compass in knowing where improvements can be made to take it to the next level. You should always feel challenged. Because when you feel challenged, you’re racking up your experience points – you’re learning with a laser focused on just the right areas that’ll allow you to develop the most.
No doubt, as I move on with this illustration, I’ll end up making tweaks here and there until the art work is sculpted into its final presentation. That’s what being a good Comic Book Artist is all about though. Understanding that as much as you’re building the illustration, you’re refining it.
And the most important stage, where you’ve really got to be on the ball is in the beginning. When you’re laying down those foundations. Making sure the perspective, pose, proportions and composition is all on point before jumping into all those fun details.
Because with a solid base to construct upon, you can almost guarantee a desirable outcome for your illustrations.
Anyway. That’s it from me for now – Hope you dig where this illustration is going. Again, let me know what you think so far, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
More Character Creator Course Previews to come soon! So stay tuned.
-Clayton