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Collect reference |
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METHODS - Step by Step
Collect (and create) reference materials
Once the basic composition has been approved, I assemble reference material and, if necessary, take photos of models for the main characters. These folks tend to be friends and family members who will be good sports about dressing up in costumes. As you can see, I have also been known to pose myself!
In terms of reference, since I usually take a lot of photographs wherever I travel, I already have various files for things like architectural details, costumes and landscapes that I can draw on for different compositions.
I group photos together on photo boards that will help me determine which details I'll want to include to tighten up my final drawing.
It wasn't necessary for "The Man in the Moon," but in some cases, I've sculpted models in Sculpey for characters, or set up still life arrangements that I can draw to get the background elements to look realistic. I have also purchased a few mannequins that can also be dressed up for reference.
Taking my own photos works well, but nothing really takes the place of drawing from life, under controlled lighting. It's still the best way to really get a feel for what something looks like.
