Had a couple quick turnaround assignments this week, in addition to the book projects I’m currently working on (detailed in the last post). A series of three illustrations for the American Bar Association (client since 1997, and thanks so much for the assignments over the years!), and a graduation themed illustration for Delaware Today (client since 1999, and a big thank you to them as well, especially for all the work during these past two years).
Portrait of Lincoln at his desk, an assignment from the American Bar Association. Been reading the Lincoln biography by David Herbert Donald, and last night we watched the D.W. Griffith 1930 Abraham Lincoln biopic starring Walter Huston (very corny, and not very kind to Mary Todd).
Finished up an ABA illustration this morning. While working on it, I saved various ‘in progress’ versions to share here, and give a little insight into my working methods. Below is step one, the rough sketch (after showing it to the AD, she suggested making some of the ‘arms’ clad in orange prison garb, which I did in the final version)
The first step I usually take is drawing the entire thing as a black and white scratchboard, and then the next step is coloring and texturizing some of the solid black lines (which helps to soften up the hard edges and gives a little more depth). Then the final step is the actual coloring of the piece, which I usually do on a separate layer, usually in watercolor, or something similar. I usually leave any lettering until last, and in this case, added the wording “Habeas Corpus” using photoshop.
Working on rough sketches today. Above is an upcoming illustration for the ABA, and below are some revisions to the AHMM cover that I submitted earlier in the week, after some comments from the editors. Will be going to finish on probably both of these next week.
An illustration I did this morning for the American Bar Association. Been doing work for this client since 1995, and their jobs always keep me on my toes with their wide range of possible subject matter.