process

Concept, Technique and Illustration

So this class may have only three projects, but they were intense. There was a lot of research and trial and error throughout each project. I think the children’s book illustration really shows my process and how I take each critique and pushing myself with each assignment. I loved the flow of this class and the projects. I defiantly feel like I am finding my style and place in the world of illustration because of this class. I feel like I have been given the push that I needed to surprise myself. We are getting there people!

Project 1: Advertisement- Climate Change

Subject Matter: Ocean Pollution

  • References
  • Rough Sketch Idea
  • Final Line work
  • Value Study: 1
  • Value Study: 2
  • Value Study: 3
  • Value Study: 4
  • Value Study: 5
  • Color Study
  • Color Palette
  • Rough Final
  • Final: 1st Draft
  • Final: Final

Project 2: Children’s Storybook Cover

Theme: Medieval Ireland Fae Mythology

  • Reference
  • Reference
  • Reference
  • Rough Ideas
  • Rough Sketch Draft
  • Concept #1
  • Concept #2
  • Concept #2: Value Study
  • Concept #3
  • Concept #3: Revision
  • Concept #3: Revision: Value Study
  • Concept #3: Rework of Linework
  • Concept #3: Rework of Linework: Revision
  • Concept #3: Rework of Linework: Revision: Value Study
  • Concept #3: Rework of Linework: Revision: Color Study
  • Final #1
  • Final #2
  • Final Final

Project 3: CD Cover Art

Subject: SkyDxddy

  • Rough Idea: 1
  • Rough Idea: 2
  • Rough Idea: 3
  • Rough Idea: 4
  • Rough Idea: 5
  • Rough Idea: 6
  • Final Linework #1
  • Final Linework: Final
  • Value Study: 1
  • Value Study: 2
  • Value Study: 3
  • Value Study: 4
  • Final Values
  • Color Study: 1
  • Color Study: 2
  • Color Study: 3
  • Color Study: 4
  • Color Study: 5
  • Color Study: 6
  • Color Study: 7
  • Color Study: 8
  • Final Colors: Red with Black Linework
  • Final Colors: Red with Colored Linework
  • Final Colors: Blues with Black Linework
  • Final Colors: Blues with Colored Linework
  • Final: Final

The Visual Elements of a Story

This class was one big assignment. It is basically all the steps that an illustrator makes to create a story for a book, game, movie, or what ever they are assigned to do. I decided to go ahead with choosing Alice in Wonderland for this project. Alice in Wonderland is my all-time favorite story. I have read it at least a dozen times. I thought for this project I would go for more of a fantasy horror theme. I wanted to dive deeper into the psychology of the tale. I wanted to include reasons for why Alice goes to Wonderland, why she has all these philosophical debates, and all the questions that arise about who she is and what she wants. I am leaning more towards childhood trauma and how she dissociates to Wonderland to feel safe. So there is going to be a lot of symbolism and mental health motifs. What do you guys think? Should I continue this project?

  • Assignment #1: Homer Study
  • Reference
  • Reference
  • Reference
  • Reference
  • Thumbnails #1
  • Thumbnails #2
  • Structural Props
  • Inorganic Props
  • Organic Props
  • Alice Idea #1
  • Alice Idea #1
  • Queen of Hearts Idea #1
  • Queen of Hearts Idea #1
  • Hatter Idea #1
  • Hatter Idea #1
  • Cheshire Idea #1
  • Chester Idea #1
  • Alice Idea #2
  • Queen of Hearts Idea #2
  • Caterpillar
  • Cheshire Idea #2
  • Character Size Chart
  • Alice: Expressions
  • Alice: Action Poses
  • Alice: Action Poses
  • Alice: Action Poses
  • Thumbnails Part 2: #1
  • Thumbnails Part 2: #2
  • Thumbnails Part 2: #3
  • Thumbnails Part 2: #4
  • Final Scene #1: Lighting Studies
  • Final Scene #2: Lighting Studies
  • Final Scene #1: Lighting Studies
  • Final Scene #2: Lighting Studies
  • Final Scene #1: Color Studies
  • Final Scene #2: Color Studies
  • Final Scene #1: Color Studies
  • Final Scene #2: Color Studies
  • Assignment #13: Sketch Book Studies
  • Assignment #13: Sketch Book Studies
  • Assignment #13: Sketch Book Studies
  • Assignment #13: Sketch Book Studies
  • Character Painting V1
  • Character Painting V2
  • Final Scene #1: Value Choice
  • Final Scene #1: Color Choice
  • Final Scene #1: Linework V1
  • Final Scene #1: Final Linework
  • Final Scene #1: Flat Color
  • Final Scene #1: Shading
  • Final Scene #1: Final
  • Final Scene #2: Flat Color
  • Final Scene #2: Final
  • Project Board: #1- Scenes
  • Project Board: #2- Characters
  • Project Board: #3: Other

Entry 49: It is What it is

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you all doing? I totally lost track of time yesterday and forgot to post my #BlackoutFridays post again! So that means another 2 for 1 this coming Friday. I am sorry to let you down. Everything has been turned upside down and I am trying to keep up with it all. Thank you for staying with me and supporting me. Now back to the content you came for!

Aries the Headstrong One

Basic facts about this Sign

  • Birth Dates: March 21 – April 19
  • Ruling Planet: Mars
  • Element: Fire
  • Symbol: Ram
  • Aries are stubborn and forward moving Signs. They know what they want and will do everything in their power to reach their goals. They are also high energy Signs that need to keep going.

When I think of Aries I first think of the Greek God of War. In a way Aries are just as headstrong and passionate as the God. I thought a volcano would encompass the power and the grace of this Sign. Painting lava was a lot of fun! There isn’t a set rule to how lava flows or acts, so you can go bananas when painting it. What do you guys think?

Two more Signs left! I have been having a lot of fun this this series. And I am so pumped for the next series too! We are cooking now. Tomorrow is Comic Sunday, don’t miss out! Monday we are going to be talking about promotion and how that all correlates with us. Tuesday is calling for an epic beast to show up. I can’t wait. Wednesday is the last part in the new branding identity quest. And next Saturday we are going to be catching some horns. Teheheh… I am so funny sometimes. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 45: Flowing like a Stream

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you all doing? To those hit by Hurricane Laura, I hope that you and your family are safe. I have a dear friend that lives near Baton Rouge, and I was texting her through the whole thing. Mother Nature is not a force to underestimate or undermine. And to all those that are targets during hurricane season, stay safe and listen to the scientists. The season isn’t over yet. 2020 isn’t going out quietly.

Pisces the Flowing Stream

Basic Facts about this Sign:

  • Birth dates: February 19 – March 20
  • Ruling Planet: Neptune
  • Element: Water
  • Symbol: Two Fish
  • Pisces are said to be “not of this realm”. They are artistic and lives in dreamland. They go with the flow. This Sign listens to their instincts and tend to be right.

I have never painted water at night, let alone moving water. I think it was a good challenge for me. Though Neptune kind of is washed out, and I’m don’t dislike it. I can still see the movement and feel the coolness. I can hear the stream and smell the night air. I also mixed up 3 different color shifting paint to give it an interesting shift. What do you guys think?

I think I am finding the right combinations for Adjustments in Photoshop to make the digital picture look just like the physical piece. Hazzah!

And that is all I have for Pisces. Which Sign has been your favorite so far? We only have 3 more Signs left! So close! And this week is going to be the start of classes. That means that things might be posted later than usual for a bit. But I think I have figured out a doable schedule. Come back tomorrow for another episode of “The Adventures of a Floof”. Monday I am going to be giving you guys and overview of things to come in September. Tuesday is Fan-Art Day! I have a cool idea that I hope I can get done in time. So wish me luck! Wednesday is going to be an update about the results of the Arteza Awards 2020. I super nervous to see the results tomorrow. Friday is another episode of #BlackoutFridays on my IG. We are going to be talking about another POC artist in history. Do you have any suggestions? Then next Saturday is one of the last Signs. Can you predict which one it is going to be? And classes start Thursday. Things are catching some momentum! Wish me luck! Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 42: Time to Rebel

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How was everyone’s week? Anyone have any good news to share? As for your Captain, it has been the same old, same old. Although, I have been slacking on my self care routine. I have just been grinding so much with my art and prepping for school, I have forgotten to take a moment to breathe. I have tried to convince myself that the hour and a half plus at the gym is enough. But I can tell I am loosing focus and motivation. I need to be better. I have to take care of my mind, body, and soul to be my very best. Don’t forget your self care routine too! We all need some time to disconnect from everything. I think I need to hide my phone from myself. Isn’t there an app that helps with limiting your time on your phone? I need to do some research. I’ll be sure to share what I have found if you are also curious. Now, on to the show!

Aquarius the Rebellious One

Basic Facts about this Sign

  • Birth dates: January 20 – February 18
  • Ruling Planets: Saturn and Uranus
  • Element: Air
  • Symbol: Water Bearer
  • Color: Blue
  • Aquarius is the rebel among the Signs. They hate to conform to the norms. They are free-spirits and hate to be caged. They often are the one that don’t follow mainstream fashion or music.

I sold out. I totally struggled with how to represent Air in this one. So, I caved and made clouds. I mean, it kind of works, right? Like Aquarius is the Water Bearer and clouds carry water all over, so it isn’t too bad…? Figuring out how to represent an invisible force in a still frame visual art piece is a challenge. Also, I didn’t think regular grey clouds would be too interesting, so I made them blue for this Sign. If you also notice in the video, I was struggling with the coloring of Saturn. It started way too much like the Sun. So I had to let that layer dry and go back to it later. The good thing about acrylics, they are very forgiving. I think it ended looking a whole lot better. How do you guys think it all came out?

So we only have 4 more Signs to go! I’m so excited! We have come so far with all the improvements and growth. I am pumped for the next Series. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see tomorrow’s Sunday’s Special. Monday we are going to talk more in depth about school. Tuesday is another Fan-Art day! I wonder what I’ll do for that? Finally, Wednesday is calling for Part 2 of updating my branding identity. This week looks packed! But I promise I am going to take some time for my self care. I want you to also take some time for yourself. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 33: Sagittarius the Optimist

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? Have you been liking all the new content this week? Things are really starting to heat up around here. 29 more days until classes start! I’m super excited to get back to school. I have always been that strange kid that loves school. I think it is mostly about the structure and the social interactions that is appealing to me. I am lucky that my graduate schooling is online, but there are major concerns going on about reopening schools around the nation. Do what is best for the health of you and your family. Contact your government officials and tell them your concerns. And if they don’t listen the first time, basically blow up their phones. Call, write, email, text, protest, do what you can to get their attention. Don’t let them blackmail your schools and community with withholding money because all they want is the adults to go back to work. You and your family’s health is your #1 priority. Don’t listen to the lies. You can get your education anytime and in a bunch of different ways, but you can’t bring the dead back to life. Stay strong. That concludes today’s rant, now back to the art!

Sagittarius the Optimist

Basic Facts:

  • Birth Dates: November 22 – December 21
  • Element: Fire
  • Ruling Planet: Jupiter
  • Symbol: Centaur
  • This Sign is the poster child of optimism. They can also be very blunt and straight to the point. They can turn any sort of negative event into a positive on. Plus they always seem to be the funny one in the friend group.

When you think of fire what do you think of? Campfire, arson, fireworks, candles, fireplaces, or etc? I could not come up with a composition that was compatible with the rest of the Series. Then when I was taking my pupper out for potty time, I figured it out. Fireflies. (Or Lightning Bugs if you are from the South and Midwest.) I thought it would be a cute little funny. The Magic of Art helped with making it look like they are actually glowing. But in the final piece I added of highlights in Photoshop to make them pop a little bit more. I also love how much Jupiter takes up the canvas. I wanted to make sure to emphasize the size of Jupiter compare to the other Signs. What do you guys think?

So we are half way done with the Zodiac Series! The next Sign is a goat mermaid…? How that makes sense, I still don’t know. Come back tomorrow for a Special Announcement! Sundays are going to be fun days! Make sure you also remember to take a self care day. The summer is coming to a close and things are going to get more chaotic. Remember you can’t control the world, but you can control YOUR world. Kick out the toxic things in your life. Choose a day out of the week just to vibe and do you. It is the little things that go a long way. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 29: Scorpio the Mysterious

Hey Crew!

Sorry that this post is a little late. All this week I have been preoccupied with my sick cat. But luckily the vets have patched him up and he is on the road to recovery. How have you guys been? Are you just as surprised as me that it is already August? One more month until classes start. Oh boy. Things are starting to get real now. Is there anything that you guys are looking forward to in August and/or September?

Scorpios Have Come to Town

Basic Facts about Scorpios

  • Birth Dates: October 23 – November 22
  • Element: Water
  • Ruling Planets: Mars & Pluto
  • Symbol: Scorpion
  • Scorpios feel the most and deeply. They are calm and cool by nature. They are unstoppable go getters.

To see more of the Zodiacs check out my YouTube channel 🙂

We are coming full circle with the elements for the Signs. It took me a while to come up with a plan to incorporate water again and not have it look like Cancer. I was also very nervous to do I bird eye view of the reflective surface of water with water ripples. But it came out WAY better than I thought it would have! I also love how Mars and Pluto came out. What do you guys think? I hope you guys enjoyed watching how this piece came together. Did you also catch where I put the hidden scorpion? I’m so sneaky. Tehehe.

So that wraps up this Sign. Things are going to be looking a little different from now on. Be sure to come back on Monday to see what is up. Are you ready to rock ‘n’ roll? It is going to be an epic adventure. See you then!

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 25: Long Live the Maiden

Hey Crew!

How is everyone doing? I can’t believe that it is already the middle of July. I feel like I am getting whip-lash with time, like time is either going by dead slow or lighting fast. The struggle is real. Anyways, back to the art!

Virgo the Maiden

Basic Facts about Virgo

  • Birth Dates: August 23 – September 22
  • Ruling Planet: Mercury
  • Element: Earth
  • Symbol: The Maiden
  • Virgos are the logical type. Always thinking and planning ahead. Loyal friends and great people to ask advice from.

So apparently, Mercury is really pretty! It is defiantly worth a second for a Google Image search. I wanted to have Mercury as the focal point. I am also really digging the texture that the sponge adds to the piece. What do you guys think?

Trees. Trees are the freaking worst. I have just accept it as fact. The struggle is real. But I think it came out OK. There are 2 more Earth signs to go after this. More trees or something else? You’ll just have to come back and find out for yourself.

I think I have solved the problem of the constellations. Do you agree? Have you spotted the hidden Maiden? I think I made it a bit trickier this time. 😉

I think that is all for today. I am going to go take a nap. Remember to take care of yourself. If your body is telling you you need a nap, take that nap. Remember to get of food and drink some water. If the weather is nice, head outside for some fresh air and sunshine! Even if it is just for ten minutes. Your mental and physical health comes first. Remember to stay safe and stay sane!

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 23: The Leader has Arrived

Hey Crew!

Welcome back everyone! How are things? I still can’t believe that it is July. I feel like I have lost 10 years of my life and have no idea where it went. Why did humans have to invent time? Like why did we need to start recording daylight passing and such? I feel like we would be better off not knowing. The dream. Having an existential crisis? Check!

Leo the Lion

Basic Facts about Leo:

  • Birth dates: July 23 – August 22
  • Element: Fire
  • Ruling Planet: The Sun
  • Symbol: The Lion
  • Leos are natural born leaders. They are confident and passionate in their life. They are warmhearted, in love with life, and always up for a good time.

I thought that it would be fun to make the focal point of the piece to be the Sun. I also thought it would be cool to make it look like the actual Sun and how it is on fire. It was a lot of fun working with the make-up sponge. It gave the piece movement and life. It literally looks like it is pulsating. I am still trying to figure out the placement and treatment of the constellation. When I do my roughs it always looks good and well formatted. I am not sure what is going wrong in that respect. I was also having fun with this color shifting paint. As you can see in the video, when I move the piece it has shiny bit sand just adds another level. I love how this turned out!

When I brought the final picture into Photoshop, I normally just make sure it is cropped right and that the colors of the piece shine through like it does in real life, but I kind of got distracted with editing. And I definitely like it better this way. What do you guys think? Did you find the little Lion that is hiding?

This series is so much fun! I’m glad you are with me on this journey. Be sure to come back on Monday for a big announcement! I hope you remember what I said last Monday. Is there a Sign that you guys want to see next week in particular? Or should we stick to the order I have chosen? Let me know what you think! As always, remember to stay safe and to stay sane! See you soon!

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 21: Look to the Stars

Hey Crew!

How are you guys doing? It feels like every day I wake up and there is more chaos in the world. We are finally in July, but it feels like it has been years. The struggle of 2020. Anyways, it is finally summer! What are you guys looking forward to do this summer? I know most things have been canceled for this summer, so that is a bummer. One of my goals for the summer is to go to the Drive-Ins. I think this is a good time to research your town/city and see what kind of things that is going on. I know living in one place for so long you think you know everything about the place, but trust me you will be surprised. I recommend contacting your local parks and rec offices, they can give you a list of hiking trails, water activities, and local events that are still going on. Also contact your local library, they are a good source of workshops and other activities. Take a drive to a new part of town that you haven’t been to and see what is around. Just some suggestions. Take this time to unplug more and enjoy nature. I also have made a new page called “Pirate Games”. I’ll be posting new activities and things to do together. I am also always open to suggestions as well. Let’s take back the rest of 2020 and kick butt!

A New Series is Here!

I am so excited for this new series! Welcome the Zodiacs into the Crew! Each week I’ll be presenting you a different Sign. The mediums are all going to be acrylic on canvas board. This is going to be a bit of a challenge for me because I tend to work in watercolor or markers. I hope you are ready!

We are starting off strong with Cancer. Little known fact, your Captain falls under the Cancer Sign.

Here are some basic facts about Cancer:

  • Birth dates for Cancer: June 21 – July 21
  • Element: Water
  • Ruling Planet: The Moon
  • Symbol: The Crab
  • Just like the crab, a Cancer has a tough exterior, but is super soft on the inside. This Sign is the “mothering and nurturing” Sign. Just like the tides, your mood rises and falls with the Moon. But these are just basic traits for Cancer. There is always more than meets the eye.

When I was starting this piece I was a little nervous it wasn’t going to come out the way that I wanted. I haven’t played with acrylic for a while and kind of forgot how things worked. At the same time it was freeing not knowing how things were going to work out. As you could see I was using a make-up sponge wedge to add some texture and dimension. I just ripped up the flat end of the sponge to give it some depth and texture. It gave it some unpredictability and a really nice surprise.

One thing that is going to change in the future pieces is the Constellation. I think making it more subtle and smaller will help with the balance of the composition. I am excited to see how the other Signs are going to turn out! I hope you are too. By the way, I hid a Crab within the painting, did you find it?

What are your thoughts on the new series? I hope this gives you something to look forward to for the next 12 weeks. I know this is helping me to stay in the present day. I hope you stop by on Monday for a chat about what things are going to looking like for us in July. I promise it’ll be better than it sounds like right now. This is our time, let’s make it count!

Until Next Time,

Captain Suzanna 🌙