Illustration Process

1. Very rough thumbnails (only for me)

I often find it easier to sketch thumbnails without a rectangular frame. It helps me get the concept worked out first
before I get too attached to a certain composition. If I'm stuck, I find that writing a simple list of keywords goes a long way.

2. Three refined sketches ready for feedback

I try to use no more levels of value than I need in order to communicate the idea.

3. Final working sketch (only for me)

I'm not afraid to get messy here. I use Photoshop's transform tools to the fullest extent in order to achieve the shapes I want.

4. Flat color WIP ready for feedback

I block in the main shapes in color using a Photoshop brush. This piece did not have specified dimensions
so I expanded the canvas knowing I could crop it later if I wanted to.

5. 80-100% completion ready for feedback

Adding line, shadows, and texture takes the piece to a nearly finished state. This example is on the more developed side.

6. Final image after feedback

To complete this piece according to feedback, I tweaked the background characters' shadows and the large figure's eye, and also added more detail to the water stream.