How do you do it?
Let’s talk about process.
Hey there,
I love seeing other people’s processes because I learn so much and enjoy trying new techniques. For me, the process almost always starts with sketches, followed by line drawing, and then color. However, I’m constantly experimenting to grow and develop my skills.
Recently, I tried something different… and this is the result.
So, how did I do it?
I started with an image I liked, did some sketches, and picked the one that worked best.
To combat feedback about my work looking “plastic,” I experimented with colouring in four different ways. One method involved using physical pencil crayons. Although I enjoyed the inability to erase and the necessity to layer colors, I found the results a bit dull compared to my usual vibrant iterations. I chose the best of the four versions.
Next, I focused on the environment. I realize that it would have been beneficial to think about it during the sketch phase, but sometimes you just need that little bit of extra time to see where the sketch takes you. I felt that the girl looked somber so I wanted something that related to her mood.
Although my perspective was technically correct in my first go, it didn’t look right and I had to make some adjustments. I was helped along the way by feedback from the illoguild.
I was also helped along the way by feedback from Giuseppe Castellano of the Illustration Department. (Check out the newsletter if you haven’t already- it’s full of great insights)
Here are some valuable tips I’ve learned from Giuseppe Castellano and the 3 Point Perspective podcast:
Level Up Your Illustration to increase storytelling and believability.
Level 1: Generic girl in a park.
Level 2: A young, introspective, sad girl walking to a gravestone.
Level 3: Level 2 plus specificity like dogs name on stone and a grey sky to enhance the somber atmosphere.
Environment Creation: An environment is not just a background but a believable world for your character to live in.
Check values: In Procreate, I copy the canvas, paste it on a new layer, and desaturate it to get a grayscale image. This helps ensure that the areas of most contrast draw the viewer’s eye first. You can also achieve this by taking a photo and editing it.
What’s next?
One thing I want to try next is illustrating in grayscale and then adding color. It seems like a fun experiment and could be useful for creating a book dummy that needs full-color spreads later.
Do you have any process tips to share? I’d love to hear them as I’m always looking for ways to improve.
And most importantly, this newsletter is a platform for us to connect, share experiences, and continue building friendships in the world of illustration.
Feel free to leave a comment, ask questions, and share your own stories.
I would love this to be a community that uplifts and inspires us all.
News
The illoguild live session is on 17 June ‘ILLOGUILD Talks Process. Join us for the live chat (register here) or you can sign- up to the illoguild newsletter to watch the replay.
I recently attended KidLitVic. It was so great to get the inside scoop from publishers and meet others in the industry.
Next month I’ll be attending the CYA conference - who is joining me?
Thanks for reading!
You can see more of my work on my website or instagram.
Also please check out the Illoguild Newsletter! It comes out next week.
Each month we all answer the same question. It’s so great to see how each person has a different approach. This month all the contributors will be tackling the question “How do you do it?” .
My Books
‘Our Australian Heart’ is an anthology celebrating Australia, featuring my illustration “New Life at The Great Barrier Reef”. Sale proceeds are to be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.
Mia’s grandma is no ordinary grandmother. She is a very busy grandmother who is curious, fashionable and adventurous. Glamma always has time to share her love of the world with her granddaughter Mia, so is she just like any other grandmother?
Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping Little Shark Lulu is trying very hard to go to sleeeep…
But, all around her, lots of sea life are wide awake and busily hunting, eating or playing. How can Lulu nod off with all that underwater fun and games?