Freelance character designer and concept artist for hire.
I just started my subscription to SVS and already I am blown away and so blessed to find this.
As a stay at home mom, it is so hard to get back to school so finding SVS was such a relief.
I am so looking forward to the webinars and to build a network and make new friends.
Wanted to start my sketchbook here! So here are a couple of things I've work with lately! Any feedback is welcome!
I am not Will Terrey
To begin though, I really like this painting. It's surreal, it's dreamy, it has great contrast of warm v. cool and I love the environment. I would want it on a Christmas card but as someone on the outside looking in, these are the things I saw.
Happy Halloween!
Lovely painting! It looks like it's done in oils!
I really like how the lightsource makes the witch pop out despite her blackened silhouette.
My feedback would be that maybe add some reflected ambient light from the background to show some cool bounce light to contrast the really strong warmth of the wand.
Other than that, a gorgeous piece!!!!
The result of my character design stream over on my twitch channel.
I would like to invite folks here to subscribe to my website for updates and support the development of my blog!
Also, Zombob Deadpants development stream tonight on twitch for sure!
I know for me I tend to take the Herrera approach. Before even touching pencil to paper or pen to tablet, I write out everything I have come to expect from that character.
What is their personality like?
What is their body build?
Are they a villainous character?
What species are they?
How old are they?
All of these things are things I have to know if I'm doing a serious design.
If it's just for a warm up then I start with shapes that I draw with my pen or make a visual list like small circles, large squares and then shift to the Bean method of breaking the design after coming up with basic shapes.
Then I move onto silhouettes trying out different and strong builds before sketching.
Doing all of this before even sketching is something I find helps build a seriously strong design and I also allow myself to trash designs if they aren't working. Even if I attach to one, if it doesn't fit the story I'm trying to tell, I trash it.
Hope this helps!
Wow! What a way to find your calling!
Almost as if someone wanted you to try something new and whack! Here you are teaching your own classes!
Really really cool and inspirational story!
Hi!
I'm BJ and I just started taking classes here and getting involved in the forums.
I never went to art school but I do have some experience in the indie game industry with a dream of becoming a full time freelancer so I can stay home with my kids.
Umm, I guess I should give some art history for you all, huh?
I've been drawing for 22 years now and have been a commission artist for 15 of those years but wound up falling into a point where I wanted to quit because I didn't like my work at all but art was a part of me so I just kept trudging along. I also worked for a couple of indie game companies, doing game cover art and some conceptual design but had to leave due to parental responsibilities and rough living conditions.
After moving to a quiet little town, I got a new drive and am even in the process of three series of art pieces that I hope to compile into books or pdfs for folks to download with one of them being completely free.
I found SVS and I am so excited to learn as much as I can!
I would love to meet some new people and get to learn some new things and get critique from my peers. I am ALWAYS willing to learn and hear what people think!
Nice to meet ya'll!
Thank you so much!
Working hard to dish out more work regularly!
@amberwingart Oof, I get this question alot.
Always see when the client wants the deadline by and make sure it is something you can reach because deadlines are incredibly important in the freelance industry. If you don't do digital, try doing a test piece from start to finish and time yourself to see how long it takes you to complete it. That is something that I have found crucial in my freelance career.
That is ridiculous. I'm sorry. That's 10 USD per page and I wouldn't take something that is a full illustration for that. No way. Plus being traditional, and this is something I have found that not alot of artists take into account is the cost of your materials and your time. Time is worth a price. So no, don't take that. It is underselling and pushing it for even a digital artist. I myself do professional work for 20-30/hr depending on the client's needs.
Hmm, I think the first step to this would be to see where in your process takes the longest first.
Doing this will help you understand that because you know this is the longest process, that you need to focus on the shorter processes first.
This is very crucial, especially when you get deadlines involved. It adds to stress which causes problems for creativity.
Second, try to understand what it is that you don't need?
Ask yourself, is this too detailed? Am I focusing on things the audience won't see or care much about? Can I tell my story I'm trying to tell without some of the elements I'm trying to put into it?
Taking the time to identify what it is that is causing the hang ups is probably what you want to focus on.
Then once you know the area, then keep drawing and try to force yourself to remember that not every single little detail is going to be seen. Focusing on making your color theory, composition, shadows, lighting and the appeal of your character are all very important so try focusing on those instead.
Very cute!
Loving the lighting on this one but i would question the overall perspective of the piece and maybe include some contrasting like maybe the pig is wearing red pajamas with some cool ambient light bouncing up on him from the sheets.
They have the right to use the image but usually it depends on what your contract says. Artists retain the intellectual rights to the created piece but it is the client that owns the rights to use it how they like. It is a very fuzzy thing because some companies do include that they own all rights to created material.
@amberwingart something i always ask potential clients is what their deadline is that they want the project by because ultimately you work for them now.
Second i would work on one and see how long it takes me to do it fully. That usually helps in testing out how fast you work. Be sure to include breaks.
The result of my character design stream over on my twitch channel.
I would like to invite folks here to subscribe to my website for updates and support the development of my blog!
Also, Zombob Deadpants development stream tonight on twitch for sure!
@amberwingart Unfortunately there are those who don't value what we do but I'm glad I was able to help!
Snap! I love these designs!
I think this would be a great design for a first book!
The silhouettes are strong on most of the characters and I could definitely see this as animated series or comic or something.
I am not Will Terrey
To begin though, I really like this painting. It's surreal, it's dreamy, it has great contrast of warm v. cool and I love the environment. I would want it on a Christmas card but as someone on the outside looking in, these are the things I saw.
Bonjour! Welcome to the forum!
Really digging that DareDevil!
Can't wait to see your work!