16/03/2024
Atamฤrie e te whฤnau!
If you've ever wondered how many other illustrators, including myself, create these pieces, here's how!
For all illustrations, I use Adobe Illustrator. It was easily one of the trickiest from the Adobe Suite to learn, as it is intricate and requires a lot of time and patience to get the hang of and become fluent in its language, but it is truly amazing. The layers I use play a crucial role in bringing each piece to life.
Here's a teeny glimpse into the process:
Reference Image: Behind the scenes, I use the image you provide as a guide to help me out with reference points and guidelines, helping me position elements precisely and maintain consistency throughout the design process. I also pop a second duplicate of the image right next to the canvas to help me visually match colours.
Background Layer: This layer sets the canvas for the artwork, whether it's a vibrant backdrop or a subtle gradient. You'll see in some of my previous work, I use either a solid background with a shadow/highlight or a gradient. This is the easiest step in the process.
Artwork Layer: Here's where the magic happens! This primary layer houses all the main elements of the illustration, from the largest shapes, such as the body, limbs, ears, paws, head, etc.
Detail Layers: These layers are where the artwork truly comes alive. I use them to fine-tune every detail, from colours and shading to intricate highlights, ensuring your illustration is bursting with character and charm.
Adjustment Layers: These layers allow me to make non-destructive adjustments to the artwork, refining colours, changing color settings, and adding captivating effects without altering the original elements.
Each step is crucial, and none of the steps would work without the others. Every single bit is important. It's a tedious process, but I find it SO fulfilling seeing the illustration come to life.