Friday, October 9, 2009

Flying....Literally and Figuratively


I am sorry I have been absent from the blog. I am getting back in my head after a miscarriage about 6 weeks ago (ongoing before that for 2 or 3 weeks), so I have been dealing with unfortunate personal things without doing much drawing or anything else. I am well now and back into my doodling and this is one of my latest.

I submitted my first sample in a bid to illustrate a book and I have decided to focus on doing more digital full-color spreads to build up and make my portfolio. Up until now, I have just created characters and simple scenes, but I think it is time to go whole hog and create like I was doing a book. Now geez, why didn't I think of this sooner. LOL I know why...it takes soooooo much longer, but I am liking the results. I am getting used to painting in Photoshop and I borrowed some tips from Steve...so thanks Steve for posting those tutorials and step-by-steps. I hope I get better as I go. :)

4 comments:

pete said...

Hey! Cool! I like seeing how you handle the "full scene." It seems that digital painting allows for maximum experimentation, so have fun! And if this is among your first attempts then I think its commendable...

The alien's face really glows with character and I like your overall blue color to represent space. I can't wait to see how you evolve with this medium.

So sorry to hear of your loss. I'll keep you in my prayers, Christy.

Unknown said...

Hey! Great little illustration! I LOVE the alien creature! He's so cute! Great stuff!

I think what's nice is the textures. I remember when I started with photoshop I was smoothing everything out (lots of gaussian blur) and it all looked so very plasticky. but, like you, I started trying to get a brush stroke look and getting things textured...and it really adds to the illustrations...

One small thing I think - the glass outline of the spaceship top, I feel like it could use a more solid line - not that it has to be darker or anything...

But that's all I'd want to change...

Carmen Medlin said...

Christy I am really sorry to hear about your loss. Totally understandable that you would need time to be able to function.
This little illustration is so playful and imaginative, I love it. I too like that you've used texture in a digital piece, it gives it more character!
This is only a minor thing, but maybe a few more tiny star specks?
Colors are harmonious and looks like this little guy is out for some fun space-cruising. :)

Unknown said...

I think the alien is really cute and the ship is nice and retro. It's hard to tell it's a digital piece with the exception of the star trail in the BKGD, but I think I pick up on that because I work onthe computer all the time. Most people wouldn't see that. Good job with this one.

Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I can't imagine how hard it would be to get back to work after that. Take care.