This tutorial focuses on applying several brush textures to an illustration. Using simple brush techniques it encourages the reader to create texture and depth in their images.
Initial Ideas and Sketch.
With any illustration work my first port of call is my sketchbook, a blank piece of paper, or a post it note - basically anything I can draw on. I start sketching and writing down ideas about what my illustration will be about and how it might take shape. After filling several pieces of paper I select the strongest elements from each sketch and scan them in.
Character Breakdown.
I start with the Shapes tool to break the cat down into simple, separate shapes. For the body I use the same approach as I did for the head, breaking it down into separate elements again using the Shapes tool and Pen tool when necessary.
Adding Colour.
I approach the umbrella, squid and the fish in the same way using the method above. Once happy with the composition I can start changing the colour of the stroke and the fills to bring the scene to life.
Adding Brushstrokes.
I replace the smooth magenta lines with textured brush strokes to give the cats character and depth.
Adding Texture.
Bringing in scans of aged paper, crinkled paper, and using custom patterns or grain effects all help to give the illustration extra texture and depth.
Finished Article.
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