Reflection of the art process

The process outlined in the project assignments usually goes research, choose client, incubation, concept, proof, final. My own process generally goes the same way with a few exceptions. To me, the client is generally more important than the inspiration. I think this is closer to the real world because generally one gets a job from a client rather than getting an inspirational idea first and then finding a client. To me, the client is the framework for the whole project, and I probably spend more time investigating the subject or client for inspiration more than other artists.

               When I investigate other artists, it is generally for an inspiration in style. I don’t spend as much time researching artists because I know what I like when I see it, and once I see something I like, I stick with it. At this point I don’t really care how complicated the style is or how I will do it.

               At the sketching point, depending on the project, I may have one or two ideas or several ideas. I generally don’t make that many sketches because I usually find a good idea that might develop further. At this point I am already looking at reference images. Rather than have an idea in mind and then find reference photos to fulfill that vision, I usually have a combination of being inspired by my own thoughts and images I see. Each is a spring board for the next idea or image search. I don’t think I ever have to make 10 sketches, because like I said, my first or third idea is usually my favorite.

At the concept stage, I begin working at the computer by scanning in my best sketch or hand-tracing reference images or sketches (using a tablet). I generally don’t stray from my intentions or inspiration, except when playing with font or copy placement after the illustration is done.

For my final drafts, I take feedback very seriously. I generally try all suggestions and keep them unless there is something, in my opinion, which does not work as well. But, I try not to leave any “stone unturned” so to speak. Often times I will go back to an image days or weeks later and find something I will want to change. But in the end, it's up to the client, isn't it?