Student Crit #2

Hey Brian,

Don't worry you will get better at them as you do more.  I like the idea behind #4, I just feel it could be a bit more dynamic.  Remember to always start with that silhouette, much of the dynamic will originate from that.  right now yours is a bit blobby (pun intended :) )  I messed with it a bit to try and give it a bit more juice.  I also like #2 and think that could work. You are falling into the classic pitfall of trying to "draw" too much though.  This thumbnail phase is more about design.  Just as a side note, I feel the rest are a bit too literal, and not iconic enough.  Remember that as an illustrator you usually have one image to blow their socks of, so make it count.

Student Critique

Hey Kat, here is that crit I promised. This is based off of your #7. I wanted to get a stronger foreground, middleground,background separation. Also I wanted to get a good hero shot. We may need to work on the scale of the damsel a bit, but I like the design of this.

E.M. Gist: Surface Prep

Surface Preparation:
For the bootcamp feel free to paint on whatever surface you prefer but, if you are looking for an inexpensive surface that is easy to transport, here is the process I follow to prepare a surface for a finished studio illustration.

Image 1:
The materials I use are Liquitex Basics Acrylique Gesso, a craft foam brush (I usually get these in a multipack at Michaels), double-sided hardboard (I get a 4ft x 8ft sheet and have them cut it into 4ft x 2ft strips, then cut it to whatever size I need on my tablesaw at home), Black & Decker Mouse electric sander, and an old hair dryer (optional)


Step 1:
Lightly sand the surface to remove any oils and imperfections on the surface.


Step 2: Mix your gesso with a little bit of water in a separate container to give it a creamier consistancy that is more conducive to smooth application


Step 3: Thoroughly clean the surface of any debris with a damp cloth


Step 4: Using your foam brush apply the diluted gesso evenly with smooth parallel strokes


Step 5: Apply perpendicular strokes to those you initially used to gain a smoother grain (you may need to use more gesso at this stage if you applied it very thinly on step 4) Do not press too hard with your brush strokes, lightly brush across the surface to gain a smooth surface.


Step 6:(optional)
I used to use a hair dryer to speed the process, now I use the drying time as a chance to take a break and get something else done.


Step 7: repeat steps 4-6

Step 8: Lightly sand the surface to your desired smoothness, and then clean surface of gesso shavings


Step 9: repeats steps 3-8 till you achieve your desired coverage and texture. I generally do this 2 more times so that I have a very smooth, bright white surface. Occasionaly I will skip the final sanding if I am going for a brushier look to a painting.

Thumbnails: A Little Help from Your Friends

Since you are all currently working on thumbnails (right?) here is a great post from Dave Palumbo over on Muddy Colors. Now let's see those thumbnails!