This is going to be my final pass at "Old Salt". I'm much happier with it than the previous versions which can be seen here and here. The water was originally a problem for me. I had to remind myself that the new style I'm working on is in a "Cartoon Modern" style. So, I took a design approach to the water. I think it fits the style I'm going for much better and gives the water much more life than it had previously.
At first I wasn't sold on the idea of putting anything additional into the background, but I thought I'd explore it anyway by putting land and a lighthouse in the distance (per the suggestion of a couple comments). I could always take it out if I didn't like it. As it turns out, this was a great suggestion and I think it really helped the piece come together.
I originally colored this illustration with a monochromatic, almost black & white, color scheme is because I wanted to it to feel older than a current illustration. After I had redone the water and added the background, I was fairly happy with the piece. But... it didn't feel "vintage" enough. So, I added a grungy paper texture to it. That sold this piece for me and now I feel confident calling it done.
Thanks again to everyone who helped out with critiques and suggestions! I totally appreciate it!!!
Heck yeah, this is sick! Man, all your work and edits really paid off. The water's great, that lighthouse is great, the texture's great! Wicked.
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool man! Looks really good! And I do feel itgs more finished now than it was before. The cut out look of the waves is really striking but so well contrasted that it doesn't take away frome the main subjects of the illustration. Great work dude!
ReplyDeleteLooks great. I think you're getting a lot more motion and depth out of the waves on this version.
ReplyDeleteI really like the style of this. I could almost see it animated in my mind...
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! Every step in the process was a step in the right direction. I totally agree with Rick. It feels almost animated as it is.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the changes are all for the better. I love that bit of scratchy texture on the image. I wish you posted the two images side-by-side though so you can the way the piece used to look and how you finished it. If you wanted to get all fancy, I've seen people animate the process of making changes to an image, but I'm sure that could be a pain as far as workflow goes.
ReplyDeleteNeatzors!
ReplyDelete