El Photoshop experimentos

 

Experimenting with handmaking different backgrounds and all imagery through hands on methods (drawing, collage, paint) then reconstructing in through photoshop. This would save me alot of time whilst working out the composition of each page, colours, etc. The top image is too simple and plain, I much prefer the Aquarius illustration below, I actually really like this image, the colours, and layout and pattern.

 

Aries experiments, I prefer the above type for its delicacy and how it seems to drift across the page, though i prefer the background of the below picture with the diamonds. I included these precious gems as the diamond is aries birthstone.

 

I quite like this background, it is simply paint and coloured pencils, i like the dreaminess and scaliness.

 

Exploring some layouts with type

Beautiful, Divine and Lush Nebula

More character sketches and ideas

 

Cancer girl - Could have an apron on and marigold washing up glove thingy majigs to show Cancerians love of home, family, cooking and nurturing.

Aries girl - Red hair portraying the fireyness of this sign, also red is one of Aries corresponding colours. Head tilted up to show big ego.

Virgo girl - Idea for virgo, use pastel, light colours to show purity and innocence as Virgo is the symbol of the virgin. Could have a halo above her head to also symbolise this purity, angelic.

 

Aquarius girl - Ideas, I like the idea of having her holding a big jug full of water with the water spilling over her body, this is the symbol of The Waterbearer.

Astrology Illustrations from magazines

Trevor Paul - pictures from Marie Claire

I think these two images are beautiful, I love how decorative they are and that his style is distinct and not too digital.






Sarah Hollander - Illustration of Capricorn from a series, this is adorable and charming. I love it!

OOH

                      Illustrated star sign purses, by French Bull

Photoshop experiments

I imported some character designs which are my most preferred out of all the ones I have done and also scanned in different textured backgrounds into Photoshop to try and experiment with creating the final imagery for my book. I love using different surfaces together to get a sense of touch and to add interest. The Pisces image and the two Taurus images have not been digitally enhanced in any way, just constructed by using handmade images then recreating whole images through digital means. I feel like I do not want to lose the handmade quality of my work by going too digital as there is a possibility of losing some of the personal and whimsical quailities which I try to create. On the other hand, the image for Aquarius, the waterbearer, has been played with in ways i've never before explored and I really like the effect. It is like water pouring down upon the female which is a new found way of representing this sign.

Oops

I discovered today how far behind on my blog I am, that is, about 4 weeks behind. So here is me flooding my page of everything I've been doing for my astrology book but not got round to uploading until now!............

Taurus girl sketches

The top image has been created using biro, acrylic and water colour paint. I like combining these two paint mediums as the effect is quite fresh and I like the brush marks which can be acheived more easily. The two bottom images were just ideas to get to the final idea for the Taurus character, I really do not like them, they are quite ugly looking! I have given the girl green clothes and eyelashes as green is one of this signs colours.