baby steps

i go through different stages before ending up with the final art.

of course, each project is different. jobs like picture books, chapter books or editorial art are more challenging and take more time. there are other types of work too, but let's stick with this one to keep things simple.

here is one example of a greeting card project for a bay area based client that i regularly work with (pkpress):

1. client samples - not mine. an art director may send sample art to give me a sense of how she wants the project to look like.
2. first sketch: i also use a lot of photo references and do different thumbnail sketches before finishing a tight sketch.

3. revised sketch w/ color sample: i don't usually do this. but if i have time to spare (not often), i like to do color samples and some problem solving -- in this case, the colors are too muted and in need of warm/cool color adjustments.

it also makes it easier for me when i finally do the finish.

4. art director's comments: an example of the client's comments. note the text placement on top. i always have to consider that.

5. final art with revisions: sometimes, there will be more revisions after final art. sometimes, not always.

6. flames spot art: this client requested flame spot art to be placed on the text -- some artists do text art too. i choose not to be one of them.

7. client's 2008 catalog: this product is advertised in the client's catalog and website. my art is on the upper right corner. note that the intitial text "take off" has now been replaced with "rev up!". good move.