Illustration Process

I've chosen the Genie image to show a quick overview of my illustration process as it's got quite a lot of shading and detailing going on.

Step 1 - The Sketch

First, I sketch the drawing onto A3 heavyweight smooth cartridge paper.

Step 2 - Inking

Now I go over the linework with brush and ink, and scan it into Photoshop. I always scan at the highest optical resolution, then reduce to 300 or 600dpi. I also reduce by another 70-80% to tighten up the linework a little.

Step 3 - Base Colour

Now I fill in areas with flat colour. For some odd reason, I didn't keep the black lines layer in this file, but usually at this stage the image would have black lines. I would colour them on a new layer. I've also removed the lines on the clouds and moon.

Step 4 - Gradients and Smoke Elements

Added background gradients, the carpet trail, and the lamp smoke.

Step 5 - Shading

Now I do the main shading, using the airbrush tool. Usually I go over with a few different shades of the darker hue, so as to get it nice and dark on the edges.

Step 6 - Highlights

Highlights. I find that this really brings the form to life. I go over most edges with a lighter shade of the colour. I also added the shadow on the carpet. I find that most forms need a shadow of some sort to give it weight, especially if there is no background.

Step 7 - Finesse

Now I add the final details - lots of sparkles and glowing edges, to give it the 'magical' effect that is needed.

Finito!