Does my Art look big in this?

[pineapplehead]

great work!

[Steven Austin]

Thanks Steve, this one used a 3d model blockout for the bridge which was matched to my initial sketch to suit the perspective. The characters were then adjusted to fit the 3d model by redrawing them accurately to fit on the bridge. I found this easier based off the 3d model as it gave me a clearer view of the scene in 3d space.

Recently I'm trying to mix my skillsets using 3d and 2d to make producing images quicker but also allowing more time for art and creative choices.

Good on you Ant, yeah I have toyed with the idea but never actually followed it through. I am not a huge fan of the 3D stuff in strip work as I think it looks too contrived and perfer traditional BUT having said that if you can maintain that lovely style you have there and transfer that across then it would work brilliantly. And as you mention if you can save time too - bonus.

[antodonnell]

Thanks Steve, here are the inks currently. I'm going to get the colouring started and see where I end up.

[Steven Austin]

Oh yeah nice Ant. Am I allowed to make a suggestion? Top line of the cable nearest to us 'I think' should be a lot heavier line wise, you've got three main elements in the foreground , the cable, the guy running and the pipe. To really give a greater sense of depth thicken up the top line of the cable, perhaps starting really thick and then tapering off as it recedes.

[mimikeke]

When you color it, you can also push the atmo perspective by lightening the bg.  Half the time you drive across the golden gate you can't see the top anyways cuz of the fog.  Nice work.

[antodonnell]

Hi,

Both awesome suggestions. Thanks Steve and mimikeke

Line thickening / tapering : I'll do a little of this but currently was mainly focused on line weight defined by light / shade and not by distance. There's a bit of tapering happening on the line work of the cable they're running on I felt it can at times go against "accurate" lighting.

Faded BG : Definitely a good call I was messing with colour holds on the bridges line work and this hint at aerial perspective last night. Will update soon enough.

I was aiming to finish this image ASAP but The Order 1886 dropped in my lap earlier so it's a distraction 

[Jon]

It's interesting stuff.

I'm working on a Dredd strip for Zarjaz currently that heavily features high speed vehicle battles and I built models to help choreograph a lot of it (only after, it must be said, much soul-searching as it still somehow feels like cheating; it's ridiculous how there's a temptation to compartmentalise skill-sets). Anyway, the results relay the action far better than I could've done without.

It's probably an odd point, but I really like the welding on the pipes.

Here's an upgrade on a Hot Dang Doodle, while I'm here;

[antodonnell]

Hi Jon,

I had the same crisis of conscience also but realised I wouldn't hesitate trying new approaches in my day job as the end result more often than not is better. For now I'm using all my various skills and not forcing myself to stick to one.

The scene you described is perfect for the use of 3d. You can solely focus on action flow and consistency over limiting your creativity by avoiding difficult shots.

Thanks for the welding comments. Just a detail I picked from reference shots of the bridge. Research helps.

[Darren Stephens]

Lovely work chaps. Look forward to seeing where you go with the bridge pic, Ant. Looks fantastic so far. Love that wee Beastie, too Jon.

[Darren Stephens]

Excuse the double post. Here are a couple of odd panels from a strip I'm currently drawing for Ben Byrnes NSEW comic.





You can find out more about the project on the NSEW Facebook page right here : https://www.facebook.com/NSEWcomic?fref=ts   

[Steven Austin]

Jon, that's lovely, why have I not seen that before? Tsk. Ant, fair play - I quite like the idea of working with 3D models but wouldn't know where to start so for all intents and purposes will label you both 'cheats'. :p

Darren, lovely panels mate, really nice movement and love the angle of the 2nd one, slightly 'Dutch'. Nice.

[antodonnell]

One thing I can advise on is getting in to 3d so if you have any questions PM me I'd be happy to help. That goes for anyone interested really.

[Darren Stephens]

On a bit of a basic level, I've used Google Sketchup fewcw times to mock up scenes. Would love to use something a little more.....versatile.

[antodonnell]

I've played around with sketchup briefly. I've used Maya the most with Max coming in second. I also have used Zbrush and mudbox a lot but Maya is fine for general blocking out of locations and props.

You could always try Blender it's a free modelling software that is pretty good. I found it less intuitive to use than Maya but maybe that's due to me using that too much.

Blender can be found here: 

http://www.blender.org/


Other software to consider :

http://www.sketchup.com/

http://pixologic.com/sculptris/

http://www.123dapp.com/

[blackmocco]

Spock. 'Nuff said.