How I Get the Birds..
I thought I’d share how I make the Aviary images AND try and meet my 300 word mandate.
A lot of time is taken finding a good, high-res reference image that composes well into a square format. I also need a good deal of detail, contrast and, of course, need to employ the colour designated by The Colour Collective. I’ll often need to use two or three images, composited together, to create the reference image.
Photoshop is used to map out the main colour blocks using a pencil tool on individual layers. This allows easy adjustment or editing as the image is built. A limited colour palette is used to produce a graphic appearance and which can also help resolve any visual confusion. (For my spoonbill, I ‘encouraged’ a couple of gaps around the legs so they could be seen properly.)
When completed, I go back and use the eraser to sharpen off the rounded edges of the pencil strokes. This provides an angular appearance also improves image when they are exported into the next package.
Individual layers are imported separately into Illustrator and traced using a simple filter. The tracing process increases the graphic qualities of the shapes and sharpens some of the edges. The image is built up again and a gradient applied to each layer. An overlay over the subject adds an infinite number of textures and shades and the backdrop also gains it’s own gradient and overlay.
The eyes are produced purely in Illustrator. I find the vector drawings to be more appropriate in the final image. The eye also receives it’s own textural layer and gradient highlights.
I equate the whole process as a traditional painting exercise with a printmaker’s execution in a digital environment.
I’ve shown you mine - How do you make yours?
