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…

READ MORE

EVERYDAY ORIGINAL

Nocturne

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…

READ MORE

POSTS BY CATEGORY

ART

ARTICLES

EDUCATION

EVENTS

INSPIRATION

INTERVIEWS

REVIEWS

RECENT COMMENTS

Recent Comments

  • mugs on 15 Types of CompositionYour efforts are truly appreciated. You have made a real difference in the lives of many people.
  • tenues on 15 Types of Compositionnow I will visit your site often and add new information to myself
  • Gamcore on 15 Types of CompositionThis blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks!
  • Dunk City Dynasty on Drawing FeetWow, this is super helpful! I always struggle with drawing feet, especially getting the perspective right. The door wedge tip is genius…
  • ruby8000 on 15 Types of Compositionwow! good article! but i just wanna show you the best sites to play online games and get profit on the same times! check this on Google…
  • Carson Edwards on 10 THINGS…HORIZON LINE●I’m making over $13k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided t…
  • Carson Edwards on Art Documentaries: Waldemar Januszczak●I’m making over $13k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided t…

ABOUT MUDDY COLORS

Muddy Colors is a collective of more than 20 artists, dedicated to providing a free, online resource for aspiring and professional artists alike.

With a library of thousands of articles, and a new one being posted each day, Muddy Colors is the largest educational website dedicated to the Fantastic Arts.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON

We are using Patreon as an opportunity to ask our readers for support in our endeavors.

These funds will be used to provide better content for our readers, maintain website expenses, and support aspiring artists through Muddy Colors programs and scholarships.