Experimentation - Traditional to Digital Style

I've wanted to experiment with my digital drawing style for a while, to try and achieve a similar feel to my traditional pieces; sketchy, textured and layered. I started by watching some tutorials on adding texture, and researching the ways other peoples work looks.

I know I didn't particularly need to purchase any special digital pens, but played around with various built in ones to see what effects I could get, particularly focus on with layering colours and filling in colour with a sketchy feel. The 6B Pencil worked exactly how I wanted it to.

I bought myself a package of 'Paper Textures' too, combined with the pencil I loved how it looked, and really feel like I have a great starting point to create digital pieces that match my style better.

Next, I'll redraw my first page of A Walk to a Waterfall using these techniques. 

Visual Identity - Logo Experimentation

I used the above two (free) fonts and combined them, using elements from both styles to create something unique. I then played around with layout, gradients and colour until I settled on something I liked. Detailed below:

Adding the final logo to be website header:

Visual Identity - Creating a Digital Portfolio

After seeing the simplicity of others portfolios, I decided to purchase a domain and go ahead and build a website. I wanted it to be really clear, with only a couple of links at this stage to find more information about me, and my contact details.

Below are some screen caps of the final page, which you can visit here: okaychloegreen.com

I'm using the"okay" prefix on my name as Chloe Green is quite a common name, its my current social media handle too so bringing a consistent brand. I've added the link into my social media profiles too.

The first page is a gallery of some of my favourite pieces, including scans, photos and digital pieces too. As you can see there is then only two extra pages, the about me section goes into detail about my influences, and also details some of my experiences.

Digital Portfolio Hosting - Casestudies

From my perspective of curator at Thought Bubble Comic Convention I always take note of beautiful, clear portfolios that are easy to find online. This is definitely something that I want so I wanted to do further research into them; including looking at layouts, hosts, and overall branding.

Naomi Tipping

A really clear, simple portfolio that shows Naomi's work really well. There are clear links to find more information about her, her shop and (really importantly) contact information!

Kristyna Bacynski

Kristyna has a really distinct style that she carries on into her website and portfolio. Again a really clear page, with her image gallery taking up most of the space. Really clear links to find specific work of hers, more about her, her shop and contact info.

Charlot Kristensen

Charlots portfolio is again full of images, that are clear in style and colour palette. The page is very simple in layout, with links to find more information about them, buy their books and art, as well as individual links to find them on social media, and email!

Digital Presence - Case Studies

Lesley Imgart

Lesley is an illustrator, artist and writer. She has a really great following on social media, posting almost daily (although not always brand new work!). She has a really clear website with about me section which also covers contact information, an online shop (hosted by Bigcartel) and portfolio; which is really in-depth, shows a lot of past work, names/brands of who she has created work for. 

Hannah Hillam

Hannah is an illustrator and comic book artist. With a HUGE following on social media. She posts on her instagram daily, although again, it's not always new work but often referring to her online shop. She hosts her online show (via Squarespace), and she also hosts her portfolio on the same site. I noted Hannahs portfolio was mostly in her distinct style drawings, with no specific details of client work, however, she does have an agent which she refers to often, with contact information!

Emma Carlisle 

Emma is an artist and picture book maker. She has a really nice online following, although is not a frequent poster! She also has a really successful Patreon; with a great community behind it. Her website is really clear and full of examples of her work, but no specific portfolio, but it all really does add up to one. She hosts an online show with Shopify, and h as a mixtures of self-published books, published books, prints and original work.

Practise - Landscape Reference

I wanted to do a full piece in the mottled landscape/green-pink colour scheme, using a reference photo I book in Settle, I cropped into a piece that I really enjoyed (focusing on a little building and tower.) and changed the perspective slightly to make the most of the landscape. I love the way this came out, I really like the simplicity of the building, using only a brush pen for shadow. And the way the mottled pencil gives really depth to the landscape itself.

Update: I shared this piece online, and it got a really great reception!

 

A Walk to a Waterfall - Page 1

 I spent today drawing out the full first page of A Walk to a Waterfall, using the colours and style that I've been practising over the last few weeks, rather than a "real" colour pallet. 

Having the first page done makes me feel like I've set the tone for the entire book and I'm looking forward to creating more pages along this line.

This page is the only time you see the full me, after this is goes fully POV.