If you’ve been following the blog, you know I’ve been doing a lot of drawing experimentation — using different papers, tools, old techniques, new techniques, sketching on the computer, sketching by hand, combining the two, etc.

Here’s a practice project I just did using a combination of techniques that I’m starting to really enjoy. Using a pencil on rough paper, I created a random character sketch, scanned the drawing, edited it in Photoshop, and then integrated it with a loose background that I roughed out on the computer. I’m fond of this approach because it’s still a handmade drawing but also leverages the speed and flexibility of a computer. I find the look and feel very compelling.

Lots of fun trying out these techniques. While The Red Winter’s illustrations will be consistent with previous books (i.e., India ink on hotpress/smooth watercolor paper) my next project will likely use a combination of techniques.