TODAY'S FEATURED POST

The Book As Object

Rovina Cai

As image-makers we naturally focus on the 2D picture plane, contemplating the arrangement of elements on the page, the subject matter, and creating the illusion of 3D space. Rarely do we need to think beyond the boundaries of the picture's edge. However, a new world opens up if we consider the context in which our images appear, and this is especially true for book illustration. The physical form of the book, from things like paper…

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EVERYDAY ORIGINAL

Portrait of an Elf

YESTERDAY’S POST

Image

The Power of Preliminary Studies

Julie Beck

May 16, 2025 - Preliminary studies are crucial to my process. Each artist approaches prep work different but as someone who teaches both technical skills as well as the importance of design and composition, I emphasize the importance of massaging the design before you get into the nitty gritty. Preliminary thumbnails help in a multitude of ways: Planning: Sketches help you organize ideas and create a clear roadmap, saving time and reducing frustration. Problem Solving: They allow you to identify and fix issues early, ensuring a more polished final piece. Creativity: Experimenting in sketches encourages creative exploration and innovative solutions. Confidence: Working through uncertainties in sketches builds confidence for the final execution. Cohesion: Planning ensures all elements work harmoniously, resulting in a unified piece. Efficiency: Resolving issues on paper or digitally saves time AND money. I mean, time IS…

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