Breaking down the art process

Breaking down the art process (so I don’t have a breakdown instead)

Make a detailed outline of the process so I can focus on one thing at a time

This is an iterative process, and no two processes look the same. Steps may be repeated, or skipped altogether. Also, this process is very much subject to change.

The most difficult part by far is the foundation. Before the foundation is established, the idea is shrouded in uncertainty. I need something concrete I can work with before I can proceed to the next steps.

What is the best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

1. Declare the idea
1. Provided by commissioner
2. Selected from roster
3. Spontaneous idea
2. Explore
1. Conceptual ideas: Free doodling
2. Abstract ideas: Free writing
3. There are no rules. Draw or write whatever comes to mind. Worry about filtering later.
3. Reflection
1. What do I like about what I drew/wrote?
2. Where do I want to go from here?
4. Thumbnails
1. What am I trying to say?
2. Reduce to abstractions. Simplify as much as possible
5. Research
1. Now that I know what I want to say, how will I say it? 
2. Collect reference material
6. Zero Sketch
1. Laying down the foundational framework. Reduced to simple, abstract shapes that act as placeholders
2. Scan and fine-tune if necessary
3. Print out zero sketch so that it can be drawn over (but the goal is to not need this step)
7. First sketch
1. This is when to start adding the most important details
2. This is very important. Print out again. Have fun adding details.
8. Lineart
1. Start with the thickest line weight first, to get the essential outline. The silhouette should be recognizable from far away.
2. Move on to smaller line weights to add in details
9. Coloring
1. Block in colors
2. Plan and adjust colors
3. The best part: Coloring!!!!
10. Fine-tuning
1. Add details that are easier to include after the image has been flattened to one layer.