My basic method for creating cartoon illustrations
This was a question I recently received via email:
Q: Can you tell me what process is good to use to get some fine color like yours in my work?
A: Basically, this is what I do:
All linework is inked on Vellum Bristol board.
The artwork is scanned as a black and white bitmap at 600 dpi.
In Photoshop I work in RGB and color the image with anti-aliasing turned off. Up close the artwork will have very clearly defined pixelation along the black lines but that will be unnoticable when printed or reduced for web use.
I generally work in a single layer as much as possible but sometimes do a shading layer or add layers for special effects.
Most blending is done with the brush tool using a round setting. I don’t go much for odd-shaped brushes.
I do test prints to see if my colors are coming out the way I want. Red, green and blue seem to have the most variation from screen to print and almost always look much darker when printed.
That’s it. A lot of it is just trial and error and figuring out what works best for you.
Hey Kevin,
Love your new book. I have been keeping myself up to speed on all your work through the years. You are more awesome then ever! I still have your warped no1 and no2 along with your I don’t care bears. I am so happy I got those when I did who would of known you would of become so famous .. I am back in school finishing up my degree. Maybe by the time I am 100 years old I will be working haahaa. ok Well Hope you and your family have a wonderful summer.
T
Comment by Theresa Carr — August 13, 2010 @ 10:59 am
Wow, that’s vintage stuff. I still have a few boxes of the Warped books. I actually got a “cease and desist” notice from the owners of the “Care Bears” and had to stop publishing my satire.
Comment by kev — August 13, 2010 @ 4:59 pm