I was tasked with drawing an environment using single-point perspective techniques. Due to inexperience with digital art in the beginning stages of the course, I decided to choose a traditional media as a concept drawing.
I began with drawing in the perspective lines lightly using pencil. I then, using a blue sketch pencil, added more detail. As the drawing started to come together, I marked in the smaller details and major lines. I used a blue pencil as I feel they’re less destructive as a starting point and make scanning the drawing more accurate as the scanner will not detect blue lines.
When happy with the blue lines, I began to go over it with firmer pencil markings to carve out the lines that are permanent and I was confident were not mistakes. The design was then developed by using a fine liner to add contrast to the lines. It was then possible to erase the original pencil lines.
To complete, I used my gradient alcohol markers. I began to shade and highlight the image to highlight the 3D objects and provide a light source. The alcohol markers were easy to apply and give a professional and accurate finish to the design. As I practiced with the markers, the more depth was created within the design.
When reading Chiang’s setup pages, it was clear that in order to have a successful sketch result, it was necessary to have premium paper and markers (Chiang, 2008:14). These allow the artist to experiment with depth and contrast through the layering of objects. There are disadvantages to using physical markers with these types of Science Fiction drawings. If I had of engaged with the concept initially through Photoshop, I would have enjoyed more crisp and consise lines in the drawing. I could edit the gradients to the shading adding more realism.
Chiang, D. (2008) Mechanika: Creating the Art of Science Fiction. Impact Books: Ohio. Edited by Mona Michael. First Edition.