transitioning to digital medium.

**trenoops** · September 24th, 2003, 05:18 PM

I just wanted to take time to introduce myself, since I have never posted here, and only replyed to 1 thred. I am an aspiring illustrator needing to get my draw on in a major way. Like most it's been a life long pursuit, but I took 4 years off (sort of) after graduating from an Illustration program and immediately going into Web Design. This I would not have suggest to myself if I had any hindsight. I figured the Design job would give me the paycheck I needed to get my illustration career off the ground....well to make this long story short 4 years later I'm getting layed off of this job, that for the last year i really didn't wanna be at and hoping for more time to focus on illustration....boo hoo (violins strumming out of tune). i found this forum and many others immediately after leaving the job, and was amazed all the work and how so much of it was digital....Now I haven't been in a complete design vacuum with no exposure to art, but I felt like I was....so I decided to take a portion of my savings and purchase a righteous tablet (you know much better than my first 4x6 Artpad), and Painter (of course)...oh and a nice companion book to help me enter into my new direction of Digital Painting.
All that said I now ask for your help and guidance. I am trying to ease my way into it by painting similar subjects as I have in my (past but most) current portfolio, which should be online sometime in the near future. This is my first major attempt at a finished digital piece...but it still has a way to go NE suggestions on process, colors, drawing...etc. ... C&C are welcome...thanks in advance.

PS. my posts will not be soo long in the future.

**took** · September 24th, 2003, 07:10 PM

Heh, I thought this was the rapper, Ludacris, at first. One thing I noticed is that the values on the eye (specifically the eyelids) don't really match. I'd perhaps suggest adding some darkness to the left one. Also, I'd like to see something more happening with the background. But it's good, I like it.

**Danilo** · September 25th, 2003, 04:28 AM

I like 5 step most. Anyway realy cool!

**trenoops** · September 26th, 2003, 01:55 AM

Thanks for your input took and Danilo.

It is Ludacris, or it will be whwn i finish.
I will definately fix up the b.ground, I haven't really fleshed out the eyes yet, but I'm glad you called attention to them so I don't forget.....this place rocks.

Danilo what is it you like about step 5? I'm hoping whatever it is, I can recapture the feeling towards the finish...

thanks again
i will be adding an update soon.

**Danilo** · September 26th, 2003, 03:28 AM

I like step 5 because 6 and 7 are to saturated. Also texture on his right cheek is much better to me.

**Johannes** · October 6th, 2003, 03:20 PM

I dig the expression in his lefte eye

**trenoops** · October 9th, 2003, 04:57 PM

thank you for your C&C..

okay a brief update...I am snaillin along on this cuz i've been workin on some other stuff, so this is a minor update.

issues i'm trying to deal with:

blending the original texture made from my brush strokes.
adding more texture...(you'll notice the hat is a cry for help)

the next update should be really close to being finished (based on my ability to get some good facial texture down).

**Snowfly** · October 9th, 2003, 10:20 PM

looking good there! despite the design job, illustration-wise, i don't think you missed a beat.

your work is very deft. good luck on the career

**Phuzion** · October 12th, 2003, 04:23 PM

this is lookin good man. One thing I'd suggest is pulling out a few choice highlights and making them a warm white. It'll give the picture more contrast. think about a small HL in the eyes, on the nose, the lips, and maybe a little on the cheeks. The rest of it looks great. Keep at it.