It all starts with an e-mail or phone call from my client (I prefer e-mail; it helps me stay organized). I get the story or brief and start brainstorming ideas. This is in the form of notes, doodles, and sketches. Eventually I'll come up with a few thumbnails that will be e-mailed over. Below are some thumbnails I did for Louisville Magazine called "A Battle of Nerves." Read a bit more about this specific project on my blog. For "A Battle of Nerves," we did 2 rounds of thumbnails trying to pinpoint what would work best for this story.
After choosing the concept that works best, I take some photo references and a complete a final sketch with a value study. I usually do a quick color study for my own use, and happily send it to the client so they can get a head start on their page layout. Below are the value and color study I did for "A Battle of Nerves."
My final drawing is then transferred onto illustration board and I begin my mixed-media approach with colored pencil or ink and washes of color. From here, my technique varies so I can achieve the exact results I am looking for. Depending on the complexity of the piece, the final illustration can be completed over 2-3 weekdays or one weekend (I currently "daylight" as a graphic designer, so I only have nights and weekends to focus on the finished product).
Once complete, I make high resolution scans of the finished piece and any accompanying spot illustrations. I add any necessary finishing touches in Photoshop, and then save as a 300 dpi RGB JPG sized to 100% of the reproduction size. This file is then uploaded to my FTP site and I e-mail a link for downloading. Arrangements to ship the final artwork can also be arranged upon request.
And then we are done! The final page layout for "Battle of Nerves" is below. Contact me if you are interested in working with me!
