Day 34

Aaaaand.... Done! I reached a point where I am satisfied with the piece. It's miles better than my first illustration and I am happy with the improvement. I'll either update this post with my full reflections today or in a future blog post.

My reflections on the work process, the end result and a few thoughts to keep in mind for the future:

• I need to pay more attention to where the lightning comes from in my thumbnail phase. I had to pull out tricks later in order to create some contrast. The dark and light values are not just compositional elements, it's actual light and it has to be applied with the same logic to the whole piece or it becomes too confusing.
• Blurring out the unimportant parts of the piece with a filter/airbrush/smudge tool is awesome! I have to remember this.
• When designing a unique character, make a quick side profile as well or you will run into trouble with the depth of the forms.
• When designing a character, also include the materials or you will have to make them up on the spot.
• Parts that are out of focus or part of a larger shadow shape don't need that much detailing to work.
• Playing around with local values/different materials is awesome. I love how the monster is made up of different materials.
• Don't be lazy with the shading of largers elements such as the house in this piece. I feel like it is the weakest part of the painting.
• I need more subtle things happening in my paintings. I feel like it's often just two things going on and I find that somewhat boring.
• Air particles are pretty cool
• You can render pretty well, stop underestimating your abilities. If the idea is clear and you are willing to commit to it, the end result will be good. The important part is that you have to have a clear image in your head of what you are trying to paint.
• You have more motivation to render pieces that you really like. In this image, I loved the monster so I also had the most energy for painting him. See it as a reminder to paint things that you find awesome.

I am tempted to go for another illustration or a rendered character. but maybe I should do some studies. We'll see.