‘The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.’ But how much detail-orientation does a good illustration require, exactly? Let’s find out together. Our primary focus for this episode will be a pair of glasses. It seems like a very simple object, but it became one of the most important heroes of our most recent product video. In general glasses are a very popular item which is very frequently added to illustrations which include characters. We took a minute to look back and check how we presented them in our older illustrations, what advancements we bring to them in our present projects and how they are portrayed by top design players from around the world. Let’s go!
Prior to discussing glasses, I want to take you behind the scenes of my illustrating process. The creative process begins way before the first line gets down on the artboard. Starting any new project is always very exciting but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin, therefore the first step is always the research. Sometimes inspiration comes straight out of my imagination, but other times I like to explore a variety of sources, whether they come from our older projects or the artists that I look up to. It is crucial to determine what primary message my illustration should convey, who is the target audience, what is the purpose of the work, when is the project due and what style, colors, artwork dimensions I want to use. Once I have answered all the questions, gathered inspiration and discussed ideas with my team, the illustrating process commences.
It’s a known fact that illustrations that are efficient, clear, and direct are easier for viewers’ eyes to digest. Everything in them is there for a reason, and it all has the function of manipulating your focus, attention, and emotional response to what the illustrator intends you to get out of it. My purpose is to create illustrations that are stripped down to the most empirical essential colors, shapes, lines, etc. to get their point across in the most efficient manner.
They need to serve as the impressive visuals to connect the audience to the content. Now let’s move to the main topic of this blog – Glasses. Looking over at our older projects, I came across this portrayal of glasses, which I must indicate, has nothing special about it. There are no shadows, the colors are a bit muddy, and overall – it is just too simple.
The stages of illustrating glasses for the Hoya project is a good example of how a decent artwork can be elevated by adding more details to it. As you can see in the last version, there is a reflection of glasses on the plate and the background has floating cubes that create a better perception of space. These changes, even though minor, make illustration more advanced and delightful to the eye.
And at last, I would like to share one of my favorite demonstrations of glasses from other artists around the world. An illustration from WOAO 3D caught my eye recently, the color palettes that the creator has chosen for glasses fit the overall look of the illustration, which makes it gratifying. In addition, white high voltage symbols in the middle of the glasses make it more impressive and fun to look at.
Here are some of our tips that will allow you to improve your illustration design techniques:
- Do your research! Without a solid idea and inspiration, no brush or design program will help.
- Always try to tell a story in every single frame, leaving the rest to the imagination of the viewer.
- Use a minimal colour palette; this will ensure that the focus of the illustration isn’t lost.
- Work on using layers effectively. Illustration might seem a big job, but in reality it’s just hundreds of small jobs.
- Keep experimenting. You may have a great idea in your head but remember – ideas without action are useless!
There is no doubt that a great deal of success comes when you are detail-oriented. By taking your time, you are one step closer to creating content that is not just good but great; because from fine lines to textures, details help bring the illustration to life. In short, an old adage that the devil is in the details couldn’t be more accurate!