This last weekend
I went crazy with my new tablet. I output 3 different pieces of artwork, and in my humble opinion they are just getting cleaner with each attempt. The content will seem random to someone who hasn’t read the fanfiction which they are based on, but oh well. Since that is what is currently inspiring me, I can’t really help it.
Anyways, I did a re-do of the piece I uploaded last week, with updated and cleaned up line art, I cleaned up the cell shading, and redesigned the character hair style. I did cheat on the background and effects, and used the ones from the original. I have several other illustrations I would like to do that will have similar effects, so I didn’t want to burn myself out on it. Until I find a more efficient way of doing it, right now I am just using the smudge tool.
So if you haven’t noticed, I am really lacking in the backdrop area. I love drawing the line art, and coloring the character, but when it comes time to give them a background, I always fall short. I am just too impatient I guess. What I should do is get some stock ones, and just adapt those, lol. The ones that are in my drawings right now are just photos that I paint and color on until they feel like they fit. I even re-used the image on my Chpt. 6 and Chpt 17 image, lol. Hey, it is the same location, so it should be ok.
And finally… that stupid well (the wooden structure), oh man, I am usually good at perspective, but that thing was such a pain to draw. In the end I caved, and just used some wood grain texture, and copied the crap out of it until it looked right. Oh chpt. 44 I forgot to add some moss or something to it, but we’ll just pretend that it is facing the south.
BarlowGirl
I figured this post counts in my design blog, because listening to music really is a part of my design routine. Well this isn’t really a “watching or reading”, but I just had to mention this since it is on my mind. I have been trying to create an emotion evoking soundtrack for while I draw. It makes it easy to lose myself and keep from getting distracted from the task at hand.
Anyways, to do this I have a Pandora account, paid for and totally worth it, and my newest station was created with Flyleaf and Paramore. A group that has been sneaking their way in there is a Christian girl band called BarlowGirl. Now I am a religious person, and I do believe I have a strong faith, although I am NOT the person to bring it up and discuss it with anyone who I am not in a close friendship with. I am also not interested in most Christian music I have heard. Usually sounds preachy, and instead of getting into the music, I usually get annoyed with it.
While I listen to my music and draw, I obviously don’t stare at my station to see who is singing, I just listen and go on with my business. When I hear a song I like, I make sure to click the little thumbs up. Let me just say, there isn’t another band I have liked lately as much as this girl band. Their songs are perfect with the mood I want to convey in my art, and their voices, lyrics and melodies are so strong. Being part of a religious group of any kind will always draw ire, and totally isolates you from potential fans. I would never have even wanted to listen to this group, solely based on the fact that they are a religious group. I am so glad this music slipped into my station, not only do I feel good knowing they are singing about something I love, I love listening to them.
well, that is my spiel for the day.
Check em out… BarlowGirl
First Post on Deviant Art
Well it is official, I added my first bit of artwork to Deviant Art today. I have been reading a fanfiction based on a Popular TV series, and had inspiration for about 10 different pieces of artwork. This first one, still doing my best to get the hang of my new drawing tablet, is based of a particular scene in the story.
See the artwork here….Inu Kagome Turnabout Chpt 43
Top of the SEO listings
Well… if you do a google search for Aimee and Design, lol. However, the other day when I did that, I didn’t even hit the first page. So at least my SEO works a little bit. I should redo it a bit to focus on the fact that I live in Houston. And aim for Houston Graphic Design as my keywords.
Keeping the tablet for sure
Just a quick note before I go to sleep: I am keeping the tablet. I came home after researching the line art issue, and gave it a shot, and I got the first 3 screens of the webcomic I want to work on nearly completed. That is far more than I would have gotten with illustrator, plus the inking is more fun. Now I just need to make a bit more space on my desk for the tablet all the time.