Illustration is driven by storytelling, and stories are built up with certain artistic “building blocks” such as motifs, symbolism, gestures, poses and so on. In this workshop I want to express the characteristics of the Greek gods Hypnos and Thanatos, using colour to set the tone, lighting to direct the focus of the story and more, all while retaining their personalities. As with many of the gods from antiquity, certain symbols are associated with each one. They’re specific enough to enable the viewer to identify them using a single icon.
I’ll be explaining the processes I use to create an illustration, as well as giving tips and techniques that I find useful to my artistic practice. Since many of the symbols have already been established throughout history, as an artist I’m able to use my preferences and abilities to piece together a new story from these older structures.
In my effort to create a memorable piece of art that’s also recognisable to those familiar with the mythological figures, simplicity is the key to understanding what’s taking place in the piece. Therefore, I’ve chosen to illustrate universal symbols for what each god represents. This makes my job as an artist easier, and also enables the viewer to quickly grasp the theme of my artwork.
1 Testing out my ideas
When coming up with a sketch, I’m less concerned with the aesthetics of neat lines. I usually start with straighter and more rigid lines that are borne out of quick movements, because I’ve found that this helps me to decide if I’m on the right track. I don’t want to waste time guessing what I’ve just drawn.
RESOURCES
PAINT TOOL SAI
CUSTOM BRUSHES: PEN
This story is from the August 2021 edition of ImagineFX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2021 edition of ImagineFX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
First Impressions - Glenn Arthur
Influences from Disneyland shape the artist’s work
THE ART OF BRIAN SUM
Dominic Carter talks to the mech master about honing his cyberpunk visions, character designs, and his new artbook
Karla Diaz
Clean and cosy Discover a studio of two halves as the Chilean comic artist gives us the grand tour
A day in the life of...Daniel Hyun Lim
Learn smart The illustrator and storyboard artist opens up on his non-stop schedule, and explains why new graduates need to spend their time wisely
MATTAHAN
Dominic Carter talks to the EarthNight artist about making art for video games and how he keeps his creativity sharp
Technique focus: FIND THE RIGHT TOOLS
LEONARDO GONZALEZ explains why specific pens and pencils are so important to his creative process, including his Pokémon fan art
FXPosé
SHOWCASING THE FINEST TRADITIONAL ARTISTS
Technique focus: EMBRACE REFERENCES
Alone Lee explores being inspired by emotions, observations, and imagination
Procreate: CREATE A BOLD FAN ART PORTRAIT
Bo Feng Lin shares the process behind his quirky Wednesday Addams painting, which features suitably abstract elements
Emily Chapman
My aesthetic A personal haven where bloomcore meets splashes of boho, pastel and RGB