Emphasizing value over color in digital art creation leads to superior results
In the realm of digital art, establishing strong perspectives and forms is crucial for creating compelling illustrations. This article explores the process taken by an artist in creating the digital artwork, Soulsteel, inspired by Dark Souls and epic dark fantasy.
The Preparation Phase
Before diving into the intricate details, the artist meticulously planned the emotion they wanted to convey, grounding the piece effectively. Extensive research and exploratory sketches were conducted to capture the essence and composition of Soulsteel. The artist's approach involved sketches focused on silhouette, gesture, and story, aiming to create an energetic and dramatic composition.
The 3D Modeling Stage
To ensure accurate perspectives and forms, 3D tools such as Blender and ZBrush were utilised. These tools were selectively used for the helmet and sword to maintain correct form and perspective. Zooming out during the final rendering stage helped maintain clarity. The artist also constantly checked values during this stage to achieve the desired results.
The Value Design and Colouring Phase
The artist moved to black and white painting to establish a strong value structure. By focusing on value design before adding colour, the artist was able to create a compelling illustration of Soulsteel. The initial values were painted in black and white before layering colour and rendering in Photoshop.
The Final Rendering Stage
In the final rendering stage, the artist refined textures, added glow and power effects, and pushed visual polish. The character's personality was aligned with the background to set a dramatic tone. The artist also adjusted lighting and added magical purple effects while adding colour using Photoshop.
The Software Used
For digital illustration specifically focused on strong perspective drawing and form, combining 3D tools with apps like Clip Studio Paint or Procreate can be very effective. These illustration apps specialise in 2D drawing but complement 3D models by allowing artists to trace or reference 3D shapes to improve perspective accuracy.
| Software | Best for | Key Strengths | Beginner Friendly? | |---------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Blender | Versatile 3D modeling, full control | Free, powerful, vast tutorial support | Moderate | | Cinema 4D | Motion graphics, product visualization | Easy to learn, professional use | Yes | | Maya | High-end animation and modeling | Extensive professional features | No, steeper learning curve | | SketchUp Free | Quick, simple 3D forms and perspective | Browser-based, easy, free | Yes |
Using these software options will help digital artists build strong 3D perspectives and forms, greatly aiding the creation of compelling digital illustrations.
In conclusion, Soulsteel, a suit of armour forged through sacrifice during a war that affected three intertwined realms, is a testament to the power of combining 3D modeling, value design, and colouring to create a captivating digital illustration.
- The artist started by planning the emotion they wanted to convey, basing the piece on extensive research and exploratory sketches.
- The sketches focused on silhouette, gesture, and story, aiming to create an energetic and dramatic composition.
- To ensure accuracy, 3D tools like Blender and ZBrush were used for the helmet and sword, maintaining correct form and perspective.
- The artist paid close attention to values during the 3D modeling stage to achieve the desired results.
- Black and white painting was utilized to establish a strong value structure in the initial stages.
- Once the initial values were set, layers of colour were added and rendered in Photoshop.
- Digital illustration can be effectively enhanced by combining 3D tools with apps like Clip Studio Paint or Procreate.
- Blender is a versatile 3D modeling tool, offering free, powerful, and vast tutorial support.
- SketchUp Free is a quick and easy-to-use software for simple 3D forms and perspective, especially beneficial for beginners.
- In the final stages, the artist refined textures, added effects, and adjusted lighting, all while maintaining a dramatic tone in Soulsteel's character and background.
