Process Guides Double Feature
Added 2020-08-27 11:00:02 +0000 UTCThis month I have an Animatic of To the Gates of Hell, showing how the development of the image went. The initial areas were a bit of a slog, but once we got to the figures, it was a ton of fun. The details in this one were every bit as fun as I'd hoped they'd be. I just needed to get over that initial hurdle of laying in some base color and value over my linework.
And I also have a Bonus Process Guide for the Dwarven Hammer Smith:
It shows the process I use when I work with an art director for character art, particularly when I worry that there might be additions or corrections to the figure. I go from basic sketch design, to clean line, to final tight drawing.The clean line middle section makes it really easy to give them a clear idea of what is going on, and then if I have to alter it, it is really easy to do so.
This was done for a gaming client (who wishes to remain anonymous for a moment). They made one of my favorite turn-based strategy games for the PC back in the day and they are back working on a new title. It has been a fun project and I will be contributing one classic fantasy figure like this to the concept art of the game each month going forward for the next year or so. The client has graciously offered to let me share the work here so you can follow along as we work on it. I will be sharing more about the project in the September Roadmap.
Comments
If they are paying for it, then I typically just make the change. If it is small, I tell them I will work it into the next iteration, but if it is large, and I worry I may not be hitting what they are after, I do a rework over my existing stage. I don't like moving on from a stage until I have approval. The nightmare is having to make big corrections after there is already color on there. If the correction the client is after will RUIN the image in my opinion, I always push back and try to carefully and tactfully explain why I wouldn't do that. If they still want it, I will likely still do it (even if my heart might not be in it at that point). They are after all, paying for it, so it is their show. But I think it is my duty to try and save them from making a terrible blunder, particularly if they are new to the industry and might be asking for something that will actually hinder the success of their product.
Justin Gerard
2020-08-27 19:58:36 +0000 UTCVery nice! How do you tactfully handle a request for revisions to the design between the clean-line drawing and the final-tight drawing? Or between the final-tight drawing and color paintover? It's understandable to get critique on value or color at those stages, but how do you handle a change of heart when the Client says "Uh, we need to go with a mace rather than a hammer..."
Geoff Shupe
2020-08-27 18:02:13 +0000 UTCAwesome, thanks for this Justin! Love seeing the process for these works.
Heino Brand
2020-08-27 11:06:38 +0000 UTC
