NO.1 FOR DIGITAL ARTISTS MANGA "" Get better at creating manga characters with legend Ilya Kuvshinov TOWNE) << = features, poses and‘anatomy -~ * —= j > \ EY & q \ f ie ‘NSO NDE BESTARTFROM | AROUND THE WORLD! EVOKE EMOTIONS IN ASA YOUR GOUACHE WORK SY \__ Artist kiDChan reveals her rendering techniques x ee ‘CAMILLA D'ERRICO HER JOURNEY FROM COMICS TO POP SURREALIST QUEEN! aT »XP-PEN’ Pen eee sae GLE abel ea XP-PEN has been a supplier of gi tablets for 14 years. No matter Pees ito Wale RCL TCT a Tem ED Pea eure ce lL XP-PEN Artist Display Lot DECC eee ce} ie) CalEditor's letter a Re ee He 8 Welcometo... WWSiiGzaa Im: LFOR, ag nekX Hello there, I really hope you are well. As I type these words looking out of my window on a cold but bright UK day, I can see the afternoons are slowly getting lighter, which means winter is losing its grip on the calendar and spring will soon nudge its way in. It’s a lovely feeling. ‘Thanks to the incredible Ilya Kuvshinov for creating our smile-inducing cover art. Do you love it? Hlya heads up a glorious issue filled with talented artists both new and established. There's a lot here to keep you inspired! Have you ever wondered why I haven't featured your favourite artist yet, or have you struggled to learn a new technique? Why not drop me a line with your requests? I will endeavour to feature it If you buy a couple of issues of ImagineFX a year Rn, dont walk tothe sketchy red ancl black hatching then it’s worth you looking at our latest print and genius of Spanish artist UK. digital subscriptions deals. There are a plethora of money-savers to choose from, including a new double subscription offer with our friends at 3D World magazine. Turn to page 4 for print and digital bundles, or page 38 for digital editions, The rainbow git! From Fuzzbutts to fine art collection Editor-in-chief Figures of eight n Theep going back to pore over the hauntingly sureal claire @imaginefx.com oil painting from Steven Black. Mesmerising. (olormeeie rat Subscribe Alen . Dea £ facebook.com/imaginefx roles Int -paog— 1-19 [ore Re & http://ifxm.ag/ifxnewsletter $ z treeSubscribe and save! SUBSCRIBE! fa THREE OFFERS T0 ' CHOOSE FROM! P Option 1: Annual print subscription, £65" 4 @13 issues of the ImagineFx print edition @ Exclusive text-free covers Option 2: Annual print + digital subscription £75° @13 issues of the ImagineFX print edition @ Instant access to digital edition Via your iOS or Android device @ Exclusive text-free covers: Option 3: DOUBLE UP! Annual print + digital subscription, £120" @13 issues of both the ImagineFX and 3D World print editions @ Instant access to digital editions jain insights from industry- leading 2D and 3D artists SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE BY VISITING: MYFAVOURITEMAGAZINES.CO.UK/IFX/DBUNDLE Offer available to new subscribers worldwide!arate yaya Aral 7 Z el )Your art 10 FXPosé You submityour work tous and we then show your gorgeous art to the world! News and events 22. Themoderm masters of manga ‘Meet the break-out stars working in the art genre that’ popular the world over 32. Artist in Residence: Peter Brockhammer Discover why the German character designer like to fill his customised ‘workspace with plants and natural light Features 40 Artist Portfolio: Camilla dErrico Weralk to the Canadian artist who's turned her skill with oll paints into a successful creative brand, 50 Studio profile: ‘tomhawk Canada The Vancouver studio is makinga name for itself developing video games concepts. 56 Sketchbook: ZIUK The artis also known as Edu Quiza shows how he faces his fears and visualises his sources of inspiration in his sketchbook. Reviews 92 Hardware 95 Training 96 reer? Editor's letter 4 Printsubscriptons & Resources 38 Digital subscriptions Letters 49. Recent editions 70 Next month Subscribe to ImagineFX and save money! Choose from j three great subscription offers See page 4 fordetails | _Contents Artist CAMILLA DPERRICO “It's endless how much fun I can have with these bees, and it's for a good cause” Camilla on painting Fuzzbutts Een eas Basieees ti eu aeeed Sci-fi horror April 2020 64. Create amazing manga figure art lya Kuvshinov brings a gil and her toy to life, using Photoshop blending modes, 72_18tips on painting manga faces Learn techniques for creating engaging ‘manga characters from Zakary Lee. 80. Core Skills: Flame Painter Harvey Bunda shows you how to make ‘your artworks pop with particle brushes, 84 Newrendering techniques ‘Artist kiDChan uses range of Clip Studio Paints layer modes and her favourite Rainbow brush in her figureart. ou ecu ted 100 Traditional art FXPosé Explore this month’ selection of the finest traditional ar, sent in by you! 104 Workshop: Evoke emotions with pastel shades US artist Ama applies her knowledge of ‘watercolours when using design gouache. TIO Workshop: From science fact to sci-fi horror Steven Black creates an unsettling artwork 114 First impressions: Hikari Shimoda This Japanese artist reflects issues of ‘modern society in her paintings.Resources _@RéSources Getting hold of this issue's video resources is easy. Just visit https://ifxm.ag/amazing185manga Create your best-ever manga figure painting: ‘Watch as Studio Ghibli fn lya Kuvshinovapplies a range of Photoshop blending layer modes to his deceptively simple composition. Then tur to page 64 for more of his art insights TRAINING Discover new ways of Woodland Angel: rendering ‘character art Ink Drawing Seehow kiDChan uses ayer modes in Clip On page 95 we review Jef Miracola latest, Studio Paint Her workshop ison page 84, instructional video on getting started with ink ‘neat enforce. iewursoscovegran/ttre —fereddnganiicintecreThe number one destination for digital art news, views and how-tos Leann ()] CREATIVE BLOO Graphic design | art | Web design | 3D | Digital art www.creativebloq.comPosé THE PLACE TO SHARE YOUR DIGITAL ART Irina French Freelance artist Irina is constantly developing her skills. “One day | hope to produce illustrations for a board game.” She's inspired by D&D and all things fantasy, IREMAGE SEVERED CITY COMMISSION isa book cover commission for “A close-up ofa character fom the Christopher Mitchel depicting his fre fantasy series He's a tough Viking ke mage character: ‘uy twas such fun painting him! ‘THE SEVERED CITY COVER “This another book cover istration | created for Christopher Mitchell showing a crucial part of the story:a g i g i 3FXPosé Zu We Chen LOCATION: Tawan HED\A: Photoshop, Clheme4D,3O-Cot, Octane Reader KeySot WED: wawarsaioncomhentoowe “Concept art is a team sport,” says Zu We Chen, “so I've developed a range of creative skills - including 3D concept design and hand-drawn storyboarding - to provide more visual information to the team.” MOONWALKER "A Rtional, fourlegged walking vehicle that was inspired by avery real source: the CCurisity Rover on Mars.” SCI-FIPARK “This arial view ofa city layout took its inspiration rom the Heads Up Display created by Ash Thorp’ ‘SHELTER “This design was inspired by the shape of, the egg box, combined with techniques from 2 Jama Jurabaey tutor CYBER PARK ‘A matte painting study created with the Cyberpunk minikit rom Kitbash3l I's 2 study of composition, ight ancl mood" SCLFICASTLE “The scence fiction caste was a chance for me to combine traditional elements with modem architecture:‘Want to submit your work? Visit t/tPosé Rachel Walpole England CDI Photoshop, www storyrtistrechelwaletecom ‘ve had a passion for art since | was a child,” says Rachel. “I whisk myself away to huge floating desert islands, angels with a questionable amount of wings, and creatures larger than countries.” RISEN PORTRAIT ‘atthe time ths took far longer than anything had done, and stllstands as one lof the best portraits that Ive painted NOTACAREIN ‘THE WORLD Inspired by Assassin's ‘Cro0d: Origins. wanted to paint how it fying around “free andiuntamed REGAL THRONE “Anillustation of Lil's ‘Throne from the upeoming tabletop role-playing game Theory of Origins, developed by Jordan Campbell”Posé ula MEDIA: Phtesop, Zn, lender, SDCoM WEE: wawateationcomMmratov Timur is a concept designer and illustrator with over five years of professional experience. A big fan of fantasy and robots, the artist strives to tell viewers interesting stories through his work. 4 Timur Kvasov 2] ‘CLOUDFALL, ‘One of the anted to.do something sa I think subject for thi ‘TRIBE OF DAGON “This werk grew out of 2 ch that Ic wre works of HP Lovecraft ang Want to submit your work? Visit it‘VALLEY OF THE GIANT EVILBOOK ‘THEROAM ‘Want to submit your work? Visithits/iPosé Dana Alink This year Dana will be graduating from University of the Arts Utrecht where she’s been studying 2D animation. She aims to graduate as a director and writer. ‘SIREN AIDEN AND EVY NimBus "This Was inspired by Wiliam-Adolphe "Aidén and Evy are a coupe from my ‘Nimbus is part ofthe Stormbound Souguereau's Meditation llove studying the Stormbound book seres. Evy is Lith’ sister universe, She was going to be the focus of my (Old Masters and Ilove mermaids and their story isnt a happy one! ‘graduation project unt my plans changed!‘Want to submit your work? Visit it /Posé Rebecca Feneley England D1: Watercolours, goveche,ink Protest WED; wwtrebeceaeneiey com Rebecca balances fashion and fantasy illustration. She branched out from traditional to digital illustration in 2018. Her characters explore her love of the theatrical through portraiture, high fashion and fantasy themes (CREATE AND DESTROY c | wanted to explore how far could go with realist portraiture and oxpiore ferent brushes and techniques: sky ‘This recalls the Feelings | have when | return tomy childhood home. dalways wonder at the beautiful skies 25 the evening drew in JUNGLE wanted to createa soft but playful plece that conveyed a sense (of calm and curiosity:The modern masters of manga Dom Carter meets the break-out stars working in the art genre that's popular the world over ‘What doos manga mean to you? For some people it Conjures up images of emotionally exaggerated ‘characters, while for others I brings back fond memories fof a childhood spent watching outlandish cartoons. Considering that the art form can tract origins back ‘centuries, i's perhaps ne surprise that manga has come to be defined in different ways. The fact that there ae plenty lof genres, each with their own stylistic quis, also plays its partin these various interpretations. (One thing that manga artis and readers can agree on, though, that tcontinves to be ncrechbiy popula. The past two decades in particular have seen the influence of manga spread international, with creators outside of Japan picking up a pen. ink brush or stylus anc ‘experimenting with the medium, ‘With this in mind, we've rounded up five ofthe best contemporary manga artists from around the works that yyouneed to know about SNSBae) oct ore tar of Instagram into her stride Rose Benjamin, known online as Viore, san artist ‘who's found a massive audience for her work on Mb social media. Boasting well ‘ver 150,000 fallowers an Instagram alone, her at features stylised ‘expressiveness and eye-catching colours that captivate her audience London-based Rose's curently working asa freelance ilustrator, and started experimenting with dail art whan she was just eight years old. At the age of 20 her career as an artist has only just begun, but iudaing by the ‘unity ofthe work that she's already produced, we predic big things in the future Im self-taught and learnt by studying the works of my favourite artists online, with many of them being anime artists,” Rose reveals. "Growing Up, Iwas inspired by video game art and reading manga,” she adds, which we can cleary see with character popular anime series such as Saior Moon and Darkstalkers featuring prominent inher portolo, Rose combines classic approaches tomanga with the latest digital tools ‘She uses Photoshop and Paint Too! SA\, along with a Wacom Intuos Pro, an iPad Pro and Procraate ta bring her work to life, And fyou want to see ‘exactly how she does it, subscribers get to watch timelapse videos on her Patreon chaane wwwinstagram.com/viorie I'm self-taught and learnt by studying the works of my favourite artists online 99| ImagineNation NewsArtist news, software & events Toni Infante Heese “1¥e boon obsessed with manga and anime Bi since the 905," saystrelanceilustator Ten Infante, whose work eludes illustrations and cover art for huge varity of cents including ‘Warner Bros, Marvel and Apple. "But no matter thej0b. from the way | draw hair or clothes, to how luse camara angles or even the los Hares, the manga infuence isalways there. ‘Speaking of influences, ragon Balhaca huge imoact 60 Toni, “That show mace me fallin ove with comies and animation, he reveals. "The action scenes and Alira Torivama's art style cuicky got me hooked, and spent ‘most of my childhood just trying to copy his dynamic shapes and poses. Latoron came Akira, Ghost nthe Shall and Evangelion the Japanese fim and animation industry was an endless source of fresh ideas and inspiration for me” Toni doesn't shy anay from the fect that, as an art frm, ‘manga hast limitations and detractors. though he thinks ‘i that attitudes are chenging “If drawing manga was kind of Ue problematic inthe past. barriers between styles are biured iy Pee. owedavs. Drawing manga s no longer ahancicap, anit can take you to working on anything you want:ImagineNation News Linnea Kataja Freelance manga artist inne uses her social media audience to in feedback on her work NYC basedartst Linnea Kataa has been pursuing @ © | coreer in manga istration ped | ecrsneeste resus wlth a BFA in cartooning from the School of Visual Arts. And with the help of strong social media presence Cover 60,000 followers at time of wring), she's opening herselt ‘up to work by showing her audlence the latest developments inher art Hercome, A Mai Story, on honours in loon magazine’ Januory 2019 Comic Grand Prix, The publication. which sone of Japan's leading shoujo menge magazines, also runs 2 manga school programme to help trainartsts who are locking tobe published, of which Linnea sa member 1m drawn to manga because of the Colourful and powerful forininty and cuteness that exists within the Characters ofthe fictional ord" she ‘xpains. "feo! these stand in contrast to the mare masculine and rugged ‘worlds found in American comics Linnaa's dream is to become a publened come artist. A the moment she's working on Unicorn Death, a death metal shoujo manga about cute but deadly uricomn ais. "My biggest influences include shoujo manga artists such as Peach, Keiko Suenobu anc Koge-Donbo, she adds. Although my current favourite ats is Aok Spica, ‘wwrlinneskataje.com I'm drawn to manga because of the colourful and powerful femininity... 9%Artist news, software & eventsImagineNation NewsArtist news, software & events variety of artistic inspirations helped Laia to infuse her manga art with a unique voice Spanish ilstrator Lala Lopez developed her ‘own art style while studying fine ats atthe Unversity of Barcelona. As well as being inspired by watching how the artists sho looks wy upto work Laia aso cites Disney films and ‘anime asthe biggest inluences on her itstrations. “Im also @ hige shovj/slica of Me manga fan” Lala ‘explains, “and fallin love wth how easily tay can portray the emotions and personality ofthe characters simply through ther expressions. "One of my biggest manga influences is Avina Tanemura. ve admired al of her work for voars iw and I™m amazed by all the details she puts into her characters: for example, their hair clothing and big exaggerated eyes “Another one of my favourto manga artist that | lscovered recertlyis [creative duo] Aidalro from Jibaku ‘Shonen Hanako-kun.| completly adore the way they use colour and the thick line-artin thelr art style: ‘Traces ofthese particular manga influences can leary be seen in Lea's work 8s she uses objects andl scenes that catch her eye in everyday ife. "t's not ike one day | woke up ‘and thought, | want to have a manga art style’ though," she ‘2dds. "I thinkitjust kind of happened through my interest: ww instagram.conyitslopezImagineNation B.c.Ny. z_ Like many manga artists, reelance Taiwanese ilstrator Han-Yuan Yu known onine as BLCNy. was inspired by the artform after watching anime and reading manga as a kid ‘And after moving abroad to study ilustration at ‘the Fashion institute of Technology in New York ity, he learnt how to combine academic painting skis with mange My work’s created digital, although | sometimes upload ‘organic brushstrokes to create a more complex and varied look says Han-Yuan. "However the mast important part of anillustrationis the narative, carving information and tolinga story to peopl Han-Yuan creates character ilustrations for ames ‘companies and provides artwork for major comic ‘conventions in Taiwan, His work has also bean exhibited in ‘museums and galleries aroun the worl, and his recognition | includes the World Best CG award from ASIAGRAPH 2014, ‘believe that art shoulan' just be made for galeries though: Han-Yuan ad, “Aris a universal language that ‘canbe used to make everyone happy and smile an | think that manga in particular is one ofthe best ways to deliver ‘thoughts and ideas that have been inspired by our dally lives {and experiences; language that can be used to make efor happy and smile _-)ImagineNation vie Se t } Peter Brockhammer Discover why the German illustrator and character designer likes to fill his customised workspace with plants and natural light. y apartment in the heart my computerand graphic tablet on, RESTING YOUR EYES Pie nae You need to be ambitious mini Mehnsemrs Tousen sonrescestiimots when it Comes to YOUF OWN ___tie«sceenniecwe mato not beable to tnd the ight typeof : Bae happy tha the window seas facing forsture andthatineededtobrng — FeQuirements in life ‘here have bright surshinein the OF m=.Artist news, software & eventsImagineNation It's important for me to have a workspace in front of a windowArtist news, software & eventsImagineNation Artist in Residence @ After lunch, when the sun is higher in the sky, I can dive into my creative work in front of my computer 9% >> moming. Even when the sunhas | sun|s ising do some paperwork moved further nthe sky, itsreflaction After unch, when the sun higherin stil hits the facade of houses on the the sky, can dive nto my creative ‘other side ofthe stret, flooding the workin front of my computer. room witha lovely warm, indirect ight for the rest of the dy. Luckily the THE BENEFITS OF HOUSEPLANTS. lighting fts in with my daily routine ‘There are days when I can barely leave perfectly. Inthe morning! can start the the house due to my busy workload, day with acup of tea, and while the On these days, mlad to have my plants around me. They bring the space to if, Together with my beloved aroma difuser, stn my ‘environment and remain focused and relaxed. Some people lke to isten to ‘music or put an television shows inthe background wile they work, But | know this would prove a distraction, ‘whichis why my Blustooth speaker is ‘lsewnerein the apartment Tim very happy with how my Zen ‘garden has come together | wouldnt have ttany other way. Peter grow up with Disney, Studio itt ‘and Naoko Takeuchi, bu the Old Masters ‘aks ingtence hs spe. You cam explore Srey elanenc et Peters art at wupietmaen com.Artist news, software & events£2.10 I FOR DIGITAL ARTISTS Our digital editions come with the same resources include ~ 4 the print editic TT Get better at creating \ J manga characters with legend NEW TIPS ON FACES! team crucial sls on facial features, poses and anatomy sree _—", ~ woReSi0P | Aa STUDIO . Se PAINTSKILLS ist KIDChan reveals hhor rendering techniques HER JOURNEY FR www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/digitalLetters YOUR FEEDBACK & OPINIONS Contact the editor, Claire Howlett, on [email protected] or write to ImagineFX, Future Publishing, Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BAL 1UA, England Follow us on Twitter: www:twittercom/imaginetx Find us on Facebook: wwwwfacebook com/imaginefi. Post your art or photos on Instagram: www:instagram.com/imaginefsmagazine On how to win at failure Themain theme of Paulo Coelho’s book The Alchemist is that when you truly ‘want something, the universe conspites tohelp you. fier dealing with acareer setback ately and then wading your latest sue with thearticle How to Win at Pailure 1m staring believe that Tvebeen working nthe animation Industry forthe past seven years. And afer working as. an animator for high profile clients such as Disney and the [BBC, Ive been an animation wear lead and animation director forthe past four ‘years Unfortunately; dueto a downturn. (of workat the studi, such supervisory positions have become limited and competitive. Even afer applying fot other team lead and director roles, ‘gotten rejections each ime and Tv ad {o sep down back intoan animator position forthe nextyearorso.asa result This experience as leftmefeling ddespondent, 2s though Ive ended up falingafier doing so well in my carer. Issie 184 has come ata perfect time, siting me to keep goingand work my hardest to prove mysel. was especially energised by sections ofthat article which aof recognising knowledge ‘gapand even making peace with the fact that you may not have been a good fitfor higher poston at thiscurrent time, but maybe seen asa good fitata later point forsomething else. I gues fl that the hhardest partof ending something was starting again, bat realise now THE PREVIOUS PACKED ISSUE? Dont worry you Cangethollolit achttps/ifm. agibuyissuels4 reg thattisottheend — thestartof another learning experience and adifferentjourney. One New works that have grabbed our attention Sponge ata ped er eft ‘ay te that can take my caeerin a different path, leading to better opportniies and chance to grow and mature ‘Thats why Tim going o take the article tohear forthe nest yearandstrengthen ‘myanimation knowledge, build the _mos impressive shovieel possibly can and give myself the chance to prove myself asa highly capable animation director down this path and wherever leet takes me beyond that. And tm very fortunate and proud to besill be given that opportunity. MK, via email Cave replies fn smyth abut our ‘curent work setback, MK. Hs hartning 0 Pear thao oar came at height tine or exe Degite the pet his has caus yo, nb sla ear at oe making postive moves tour yr nex steps. Noone has aight apd inet sucess. The areas ‘many upon downs, ut they aes appreciate the sucess al he move. Phase Jp itouch wth what happens next fo yu, Artist suggestion Greetings fom my sate penn ‘was beside myself tose that you zy eter inthe Chirstmas sae ~ ies thebest Chiitmas gift ever eve. In yourreply yousaid that ourhope that Tablet find atime and pace to cteate aut Letinetellyou that my ath improved by laps and bounds since ve been locked up. My elismyart studio. Twas eadingthrough an od ise and inyour itor’ eter you asked fordeas cn who ointervew Fike to sigs. Jhonen Vasquez theantst behind the Invader Zim cartoon, Ales, 1S Claire replies Tar jor ou suggsins ‘Ale ako get ar youl oman {ar Fas ether igen fn reader eat howe saul ee or or pois of ew ging the magne oF diet arin gene, 9 peweena your thts maleic.Interview ARTIST PORTFOLIO CAMILLA D’ERRICO Garrick Webster talks to the Canadian artist who's turned her skill with oil paints into a successful creative brand milla e'Esrcois all for sliversty nar. “can't be pigeot-holed and packed away neatly in ‘one box." she says. “I Tove putting my art on lothingand 1nd seeing people tas part of themselves.” 2020, the Vancouver based artist will be earryingright on in that vein with the release of custom handbags featuring her Pop Surrealist manga characters. “I fulfilled a lifelong ambition of creating kimonos in 2019, nd Ii hopingin 2020 to create a line of high-end handbags ~ because Ima total bag-lady!” she laughs, ‘Thelistofitems that Camilla’swork AQUARIUS Figurines, There are the comic books hasappeared onisalongone Her Metmsemaltce where her career began aswel while paintingsareon snowboandsand ——terrarostets’ today she devotes much ofertime © scarves minor andbackpacks, stickers 70555 Gear painting and totes. There are limited edition Infact while Camillais talking to neeklaces lapel pins and lanyards, and us, she's busy preparing fora solo »+ she's written and illustrated how-to art. books as wells graphic novels. Her ‘character designs feature in mang ‘based app games and she's also produced some limited-edition @ I can't be pigeon-holed... I love putting my art on clothing and products 9%CAMILLA D’'ERRICOInterview >> show atthe Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles. Her exhibition starts in. May and will showcase anew approach she's been taking in her art. The series is called The Color Wheel, and withit she places her rainbow dripping effects within wider monotone images. The excitement is ‘building as the show draws nearer. “This sa turning point for me where Fm expressinga lot ofemotion, taking big isk by doing the body of workin greyscale with some rainbow” says Camilla, “The rainbows expres parts of their personality. Usually ifs my characters commanding the attention, but now the separation ofthe colour and combining it with greyscale takes thestage” ‘OVER THE RAINBOW The Color Whee! follows on, sense, from her Rainbow Children seties, produced in 2012. Including images such as Dream Melt and Beyond the Rainbow, it’s the collection that Camilla feels put heron the map in the world offineart, Although she ‘was alteady exhibiting at chat point, requests from galleries had been stiptilating what she should and shouldn't paint. Then, Tara McPherson invited Camilla to create images for the Cotton Candy Machine Gallery in Brooklyn, New York, and everything changed, Tara encouraged Camilla to clings into the art. The esdepicting crying melting rainbow gir While she responds to our questions, Camilla is busy working on a painting ‘which she confirms is destined for The olor Wheel exhibition The sketch is ‘ofan apple with a bite taken out oft, from which a rainbow is dripping, while eight of her ademark Fuzzbutt bees buzz around excitedly. With a loopy rainbow created in Camillas inimitable style and a chorus of furry Dees to accompany it the image couldn't be more iting as she discusses her career @ I'm taking a risk by doing the body of work in greyscale with some rainbow 9% The Fuzzbutts appear ona whole range of Camilla merchandise, from petite at prints to jewellery and from bags to scarves, She sells them on her Bsy store, and at comic book, manga and fantasy events she attends around the world, Her Fuzzbutt bees have appeared ina self published art book land have become a standalone brand. “The Fuzzbuts are a perfect example ‘of merchandising success, and also stand out for me creatively” says ‘Camilla. “I getto have o much fun with these, [did a Bee-rah and Sailor Buzz-inspired one these things are like Aan unstoppable pun force. W's endless how mich fan [ean have with >CAMILLA D’ERRICO MAKING MERCH aan mae at usc ur ee) rer Meri aa tei igs ats>> these bees, and it’s fora good cause, since I donate proceeds ofbee art releases to charities and raise awareness about bee conservation ” GREEN CREDENTIALS ‘One ofthe things not many people know about Camilla is that she's an ‘eco:warrior, She doestt always alk about it butas wellasbee Conservation she focuses an using eco friendly products that don't harm the environment. She recycles her palettes, ‘turning them into merchandisable at, and paints with Holbein Duo Aqua ‘water soluble oils on birchwsood, @ The Renaissance paintings I'm drawn to highlight the softness of the skin and the way the light resonates off them 9% Te fact that Camilla pains with oils, buts inspired by manga, is something thatsetsherapartin the ‘world of fantasy at. While most manga artists today are sing digital tals, Camill’ol paintsalign her rmoee with another of hee great sources ‘of inspiration: Kalian Renaissance portraits Her unique style is based on the talented way she's combined these ‘vo wey diferent influences, “The Renaissance paintings fi. drawn to highlight the softness of the ‘skin and the way the light resonates off them, the artist explains. “And their eyes are so engnging - they hold all > Saney neh 28CAMILLA D’ERRICO> these secrets whieh you, as viewer, want o unravel. Hove the way they're composed, having one main figure with al these litle details around them.” MANGA AESTHETIC To that depth of character, a captured by the Renaissance painters, Camilla aimsto bringa manga aestheticand colour palette, as wells the na side. “Tm creating characters fom my ‘own mind, who have their own personalities, stories and adventures,” she says. "What I'm tying to bring to their eyes isa story thats very complex. Anime and manga are about complex stories, strugales and characters rising from them.” IK April2020 ‘She continues: “They exist in these supernatural, fantastical worlds where girls save the galaxy in skirts and shoot moonbeams out oftheir foreheads. ‘And Llove that! Tha’ why T bring that fantasy element into portraits - its ‘what completes the surrealist part of being pop survealist painter, for me” ‘While ithasnt been easy honing her style and establishing her position in theart world, fresh ideas never stop coming o Camilla Shes passionate about every new venture, and one of @ Ihave to curate my art process and be much more engaged online... 9° the things Camilla has learned while developing her brand and tring her artinto merchandise sthatyou have tobe patient and practical about what ‘you produce, Whether its kimonos or Ihandbags, she has dozens of ideas for each new release, but is careful about ‘how many products she introduces and in what quantities, Furthermore, the landscape she ‘operates in s constantly chat ‘unpredictable. To support her work, Camilla spends alot of time on social media, sharing new imagery and products and engaging with her fans. “ivalkershow I cteate art in the sense that I have to curate my process and be much more engaged online. Which takes up alo of time. So, there seems tobe lesstime to make the art, and. ‘mote time spent online. But theresa good thing that comes fom that, ‘hich is fm connected to peoplein a sway I never was before. I getto ‘experience my art through them, and ‘through their comments, which is te beautiful when you it shesays Perhaps te biggest upside, though, is that Camilla dExrico has managed two design the perfect career for Camil Ervico, She’ always tue to her ‘creative muse, and if she fees it’ time to return to her Helmetgits work, for ‘example, then thats exactly what shell do. So watch this space. A gala Helmetgids graphic novel is nexton her to-do ist... @CAMILLA D’ERRICOComplete your collection! Recent editions Missed an issue? Here's how you can order previous print or digital editions of ImagineFX (aon: ar CUS co es Recent print editions Visit www-bitly/ifxbackissues Apple Newsstand Download us from the Newsstand app on your device or visit http://ifxm.ag/apple-ifx. Android, PC or Mac Pocket mags: www.pocketmags.com/imaginefx Zinio: www.zinio.com/gb/imaginefx-m2956 Other devices We're available via nook on Barnes & Noble and Amazon's range of Fire tablets, PRINT AND DIGITAL BACK ISSUES [alia anscrccenero corinne) | SMSO HRSNE RO METAR ge ane ti Issue 184 Issue 183 Issue 182 Issue 181 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 Christmas 2019 (Cover artist Ramén Nufiez paints Elevate your human and arimal Learn how to paint striking Video game industry proshelp ‘afuncharacter piece for our anatomy sls withthe helo of | fantasy portraits, starting with you to take your 20 and 30 art ‘cover while Antony Watd reveals Oliver Sin and Aaron Blaise, and Fatemeh Haghnejads ethereal kis to thenext level. We explore how to depict wet skin. Pro artist discover new brush techniques _coverart Weinterview Joa Kekai Kotak'sskatchbook, salute tellushow they turned{allures in Procreate 5. Wealsotalkto ‘Burton and Djamnila Knopf, and__ the world's finest concept artists, ses, andwetalkthe MTG: Cynthia Sheppardand find cut what successfulartste and speaktt legendary art lustrator Heikala, ilustrator Anna Dittman have in common, director Robh Ruppel TATA MAL poss te ttl (stgRecent editions RESOURCES ARE INCLUDED WITH PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITIONS* [apna eas irecumrern oe RING FORDIGIIN Issue 180 Issue 179 Issue 178 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 HME YR FORDICUAA AITSTS liad e. a Issue 176 Issue 175 Issue 174 Issue 173 July 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 oeene eel TOS WP SETHE SDE") NET Lea a Issue 172 Issue 171 Issue 170 _ Issue 169 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019i -ATOMHAWK CANADA Tom May reveals how Atomhawk’s Vancouver studio is making a name | for itself creating video games concepts - and wants to expand its team! ‘ong-time Imagine X readers studio in Vancouver, Canada, so we will remember that we figured it was about time we caught up featured Mtomhawicin the with them, too. ‘magazine jusa few years The firs thing studio ago, im issue 138. Butin 2016 the dlicector Chris Rowe ‘company, which provides digital art makes clears that, despite and design services for clients such as having wo branches on { Marvel, only ‘opposite sides of the Atlantic, itsstll very much one ‘Atombhawk. “As one team i finishing year, Mtomhawk launched a brand new — theirday, the other i just starting. so As one team is finishing their day, the other is just starting, so the production ae teams typically do a daily sync upthe production teams typically doa daily syncup on explains. That sad, each studio usually focuses on its own set of projects, and the latest one Chris can talk about is collaboration with Xbox Stutios. “This was also on historically accurate illustrations and ATOMHAWK CANADA paintings being produced" he says. “It required a trly phenomenal effort fom everyone involved, over quitea longstretch of time.” (Other projects launching last year included Mortal Kombat 11 and FIFA 20. And workingon suchi AAA projects certainly helps keep ants happy, Chris stresses, “Mosti CM iitxataryerdetil RUS OP Ne Cath friendly and lively 99 othe gang are gamer themselves, ‘th theirown love and passion for lees them motivated io dle? “To ake one example, senior concept aris Cestlan Vaugue' who specialises in ‘yp uses Modo, PBI Stave and Photoshop s caused about his cent contribution to Moral Kombat 1 My contribution othe MK word was caching” hesays "leaned alotabout implementing new workflows, because That tackle a variety of subjects” ‘That doesnt mean, however, that antstsare overworked, “Production always schedules everything in a way ‘where we have enough time to complete projects, and. don't have to doa EM | overtime or crunch,” stresses intermediate CTOs concept artist rock Grossman, “So weall value our time when wete in the studio, Intermediate concept artist Lauren Nichols started offin the Gateshead studio before moving over to Vancouver. “The energy in both studios is always really friendly and lively.” she says, "We try to organise group activities as much as possible, and often hangout ‘outside of work hours. The work and fun balance here i always equal, and its motivating place tobe” ‘Thomas Stoop, who's also worked at both studios, ows that the Gateshead > one fs much bigger, "0 it naturally hasa wider JS) variety of artists and social activites going on. ‘Whereas the newerATOMHAWK CANADA perros GROSSMAN the same project. There's often @ lot of callaborating and up:a good learning: How would you describe your Personal style? ‘What software and hardware {do you use in your work? It depends en what tm doing, but 90 per cent oF the time i's Blender and Phatashoo. Blender ‘What's it tke working at ‘Atomhawk Vancouver? ‘What advice would you give to {2 young artist wishing to workda bit more casual wworkhand and delivergreat ar.” {fall that piques your interest, be aware that Atomhawrk Vancouver is now recruiting, “We want to add five new artists tothe Vancouver studio in 2020, and our focus son juniorand | | : 7 | | | | | | | | : We're looking for bright and talented people who live and breathe art and design lnermediate anists,” says Chris. ‘We're Jooking for bright ana talented people ‘who live and breathe act and design, and have an interest in video games nd popular culture. To support this, to collaborate with several ian schools and colleges to ‘create an internship and feeder programme for those who excel and are hungry to become professional ‘concept ats: “To anyone who wishes to work here, Cristian has this advice, "Focus your ‘energy in what drives you in artand follow that path," he suggests. “Good arttakes timeand seeing how you get tothe inal producti very valuable, ‘especialy here at Atomhawk. Weall have diferent specialties, but well ‘want to make awesomn Lauren takes a similar line, “Work. ‘on a range of projects and styles, even inyourown time,’ she says. “Show that you can be flexible and shaze your process, Dont underestimate the importance of showing how you work through a problem, as Atomhawk really values th wing the business. “In 2020 alone we Doth studios moving into fantastic new office spaces, each ofthe teams grow with new talent. and a number of our ‘existing projects launch to gamers worldwide,” he says. “On top of that, ‘wete curtently in discussions on several awesome new next-gen projects know everyone on the team willbe pumped to work on, So theres never been a better time to join us and becomea ‘Hawk’ATOMHAWK CANADAee oh. ~~? @In the end he just jp 7 EYA mixture of animals and bon it all makes sense in, my head! Xx= : <<This is my particular vision of the death ofDo you want to share your sketches with your fellow ImagineFX readers? Send us an email with a selection of yourart, captions for each piece and a photo and bio of yourself to sketchbook @imaginefx.comPRINT & DIGITAL EDITION Discover the no.1 choice for web designers and developers. Each issue is packed with the latest trends, technologies and techniques, plus exclusive video tutorials. Don’t miss it! PRINT: myfavouritemagazines.co.UK/NETMAGI6 iPAD: netm.ag/net-ipad-Uk OR netm.ag/net-ipad-us fag nook Kjpocketmags® Workshops assets magi ll ne Workshops : eo Advice from the world’s best artists Create amazing manga figure art Ilya Kuvshinov brings a get and hertoy tol, using Photoshop blending layer modes, 15 tips on painting manga faces Learn techniques for creating engaging manga characters explained by Zakary Le Core Skills: Flame Painter Harvey Bunda shows you how tomake your artwork pop with Flame Painters particle brushes New rendering techniques kiDChan uses a range of Clip Studio Paints layer modes and her favourite Rainbow brush.Workshops Procreate & Photoshop CREATE AMAZIN cis MANGA FIGURE ART Manga and anime character artist Ilya Kuvshinov brings to life a girl and her toy Totoro, using a range of Photoshop blending layer modes T Adecade spentin art ‘ education, fled by y another 10 paling techniques have enabled me to identify the diferent says of appro ‘commercial work and heed me to uncover new ways af expressing my ideas in my personal ant {usually work in Procreateon an iPad, and Photoshop onan iMac Pro, switching hetween both applications eine pen skeiches on an iPad and finished the piece in Photoshop, taking advantage ‘ofthe bigger screen size and the program’ larger range of tools. You'll see how even basic effets such as. Lighten, Darken and Color Bur nd modes, Gaussian blur iquify can help you to create those pro-evel finishing touches Digital art tools ether attempt to imitate the effects of vaditional ‘media, or take a painting approach thar, forthe most part, is far removed ble a ‘rea’ painting at luring the early sketch stages, and when shadows and background, Instead, I rely on Photoshop to enhance parts ofthe mage as go: first by developing the ‘mood ofthe artwork and then adding details throughout the seene, Iisa totally different approach to working in traditional media. Hete, Te used vivid colours, light looms and gentle rendering to express my. For this workshop I created the fiom real-world processes, My work love forthe films of Studio Ghibli eee INU gs LS) Altering the character's age ts decided that should proceed with sketch ‘number one. However, [need to make the gr look much older— between 12 and 18 years old. This means I need to change the size and proportions of her head and facial features, making he nd eyes smaller, the cheeks less chubby, and increasing the length of her aris. >> Generate rough sketches The ImagineFX team’s idea forthe cover is “a gel hugging plush toy, maybe a Totoro one 50 I start by creating four sketches in Procreate: three with Totoro and. ‘one with a shark plush toy. m minal ofthe caver layout, so the face ofthe gil an her soft toy should roughly be inthe middle of the composition, MIE eoIn depth Manga figure art —Workshops Line-art time star inking on top ofthe sketch, fxingany ‘Create a line-art layer snistakes on the ly. Technically, working digitally means ake the sketch into Photoshop and roughly double the imagesize. justin Ian comtectertors even at alla stage in the painting, so «ase we need to crop the image to make the cover more effective. Before starting don't worry about making mistakes as I draw the line-art. inking, erate anew Lighten blend layer fille with jut blue (pres AltsDel to ill However, for guidance tad structural sketches forthe ‘the layer to differentiate the rough sketch from the line ar. Birls ead and craw Totoro with violet and red lines Blocking in my colours regularly lip the image horizontally, finding and fixing more mistakes as go along, [finish the fineartin about an hous, and after another hour my colours have been blocked in. The brush Ii using forthe lineart ‘makes it difficult to block the colours withthe Magic ‘Wand tool, so have todo this stage by hand, ‘Amending the face T now decide to make some changes tothe face, ng full use ofthe Liquify tool, and cutting out the eyes and moving them around. als fx the shape ofthe hhead and width ofthe armsand waist. Ibe backto fix the face later on in the painting proces, though,In depth Manga figure art fechniques E colour oughly add shadows —_—— Mulipiy lye Developing a cel-shade look ith Gaussian Bla on tp. This Tse dark vi anges the opacity ofboth iershadow effec. ly Gaussian Blur to itand change Ending modeto Color Bur, Thi generates with the initial Fine-art Layers noticeable as theyWorkshops Use the Liquify tool to achieve the right shape of eyes ruse the Lasso tool to quickly select the eyes again, before cutting and pasting them onto a new layer. Then use the Liquify tool t edt theirshape unil im happy with their appearance. [usually spend a lot of time fine-tuning the face on every portait piece | paint. Bringing in more details using Lighten and Darken layers During this stage Tadd details (mostly to the face) usinga lot of Parken blending layers. rather than painting over the dark par of the piece. [also do the same with Lighten layers as well, which enables you to patially se the layers underneath. For me, this is the fun part ofthe process!In depth Manga figure art Paint and then enhance the background roughly paint in the background. I then copy it, blur itand change the blending mode ofthe blurred layer to Lighten, which generates a ‘depth of field effect while keeping the details visible. then create a Color Dodge layer and generate some hazy bloom effects with the Ai Brush Pushing the bloom effect To reduce the contrast ofthe ink shadows, Ladd ‘more red with a Lighten layer. I now copy the whole ‘character layer (elippingitto the main layer), blurit, Lighten it and erase the parts where I want the details to be sill visible, Some colour corrections with the Curves and Selective Color tools and 'm finished... of am I? ‘Spotting and fixing an error at the last minute ‘Soon after I start to write this workshop I notice one more mistake. The left part of Totore’s body is on tp ofthe girs eft hand, which would be physically ‘impossible, [need to fix this ASAP because I've already sent the ImagineFX team the final high-res file Phew, that was too close for comfort! @Next month ImaginelXx It’s time for animation art! We celebrate the very best artists working in animation - you won't want to miss it! ras ae How to plan out The artist at Blue Artist Prem Sai GS __ Follow David Matte painting masterclass scenes with advice Sky Studios talks gives tips on Paget's step-by-step from story artist about drawing for _ adding gesture to creating this Mark Evan Lim. films and beyond. | and movement. matte painting. ISSUE 186 ON SALE IN THE UK 20 March 2Artist Insight Artist insight Manga faces 15 TIPS ON PAINTING MANGA FACES Collateral Damage Studios’ Zakary Lee reveals his techniques for creating engaging manga characters, using a painting-based approach "began my drawing careerby learning how to draw manga, During this time [purchased many how-to guides for creating this dlistincive at style, and discovered thatthe drawing methods were similar to those of westeen comic art Essentially, you'd usea pencil to ‘draw the head shape ancl then add Fore gey lines to indicate the eye postion and centre ofthe face. Once this construction sketch is complete the final linearis created usin followed the same dr method swhen I fist explored digital art with a Wacom Graphire that a friend gave to me. Yet couldn't get ry hand-drawn line-art wo look right and [had to use the Pen tool The resulting ine-art was clean, butt elt lifeless and lacked the energy that would have wanted in the draving. Afier years of practice | gradually changed my method of drawing characters. Instead of working from a sketch and then moving tofine-att before adding colours, paint in greyscale then adjust values and ‘apply coloues until im happy with the dravving. So here are some of my tips for drawing manga faces digitally LEXP PEN [aterm esa oN eR oan ES Raa SI a 1GET SET UP FOR DRAWING FACES. Spend afew minutes configuring your drawing tools before you get stuck into the creative process. For example, tablets have Pen Pressure set to maximum by default Youll have to press down hard with the pen onthe tablets surface tohit maximum output. Drawing with the maximum Pressure and Threshold settings can resutin wobbly nes, By adjusting my Pressure Threshold and reducing the maximum output Threshold to about 60 per cent ofthe Pressure, can create steady lines without worrying about making my lines look consistent. For Wacom products this setting is accessed through Wacom Tablet Properties, while for XP-PEN products access the Pen\Wiry/Mac driver @ eo @ wn Nest Quer t aaety 2 USE AN ARROW TO PLACE KEY FACIAL FEATURES After blocking out the head (A) I decide which direction the character facing, Treating the head asa 30 shape, | draw a horizontal line that curves ‘along the surface. When | craw this ine bear in mind whether the heads tited upwards or downwards, or facing lft or right. To fix the direction ofthe head then I'l draw an upwards pointing arrow (B). This helps me locate where ‘the nose bridge meets the root ofthe nose. Once ths key location ofthe face hasbeen identified, I can quickly paint and sketen inthe centeline fr the face, eyes, eyebrows, mouth and chin (©). >Workshops ee eee e > ‘3 USE A PAINTING APPROACH WHEN SKETCHING HEADS. Tpaint my sketch instead of drawing them with fine lies (A). use abig brush with about 60 to 80 percent values to lockin the head (B). Next, Using a darker value llcutine the head and paint key features (€). Il fine-tune the expression of the mouth and ayes by colour picking the grey tone and painting over the line (D) Finally il efine the hai to get a sense ofits shape, panting ver lines to achieve the shape that | want (), @ The key expressive features of the human face comprise the mouth, eyebrows and eyes 9 The key expressive features of the human face comprise the mouth, ‘eyebrows and eyes. When | draw a figure that has a particular emotion Il first doodle a cartoon-like image of the expression that | have in mind. After this sketch is complete, IIL try to pick out certain facial aspects within the expression. Is the mouth open? Are the teeth clenched? What do the eyebrows look like in the simple expression? Ill take note of those features and keep them in mind while I draw a refined version of the character's, design on top of the initial sketch. @ 81. 5 DRAWING FORMS AND DESIGNING WITH SHAPES Here area collection of shapes (A). Drawing ane across these shapes will ve a sense ‘of deptn tothe object, turing it into a 3D form (B). After sketching the shape design, | think of them as forms so that lean shade accordinaly tothe alrection of lightin the ‘composition. This is good practice when drawing cifferent-shaped heads,Artist insight Manga faces e 6 HEAD MEASUREMENTS ‘the braincase (A) and the facial bones (B) in Manga characters tend to have exaggerated proportion with each other. Compare this to a features such as big eyes and tiny noses, but More ‘manga’ head and you can see that the | feel that the profile of the skull should stillbe proportions are pretty similar. The ears still sit on consistent with the measurements of the human the vertical half of the braincase, while the brow skull. Above is a simplified drawing of a skull, with _ [ine lies on the horizontal half of the braincase. 7 TEETH DON’T NEED TO BE PERFECT Teeth are one ofthe things that | really keto draw, and | don't usually craw perfectly straight teth, Some manga or anime characters have ‘ute ite fangs” that ove them a sense of unconventional cuteness. | incorporate this look into some of my characters, although Il mix things upby painting crooked teeth, some teth that are pushed to the back and canine teeth that are pushed tothe front. >>NTLE sored 8 USE LIGHT OR SHADOW TO INDICATE THE NOSE BRIDGE INSTEAD OF A LINE ‘The nose bridge area of the face is actually a slope, and the protrusion would be less pronounced on a manga-styled character. Instead of drawing a hard line to indicate the nose bridge, | use the shadow or highlights with a sharp edge alongside the nose, which highlights the form of the nose bridge. ‘9 HOW TO DRAW FRONTAL HEAD TILTS “Try veualisng the head tit from the profile view. Using a circle and a box, can visualise what the head tit willlook like from the sie, draw vertical lines extending from key features such asthe chin, centre of the braincase, ears and the top of the head, This enables me to see what Il need to paint when attempting to draw the head from the front. Above are examples of a mange character’ head tied Up and down, Remember to draw the underside ofthe jaw when drawing a titec-up heed, anc! the crown when drawing ahead that’s tited own,10 USE A SWIMMING CAP FOR HEAD ANGLES Drawing a swimming cap can help youto determine the ange ofthe head, Visualisea swimming cap with 2 seamin the middle and put that on your character. By covering all your character's hair an ears, you can ‘row focus on drawing the facial features. Furthermore, youcan use the cap’s edge as the hairline, and because swimming caps cover the ‘ars, can draw the oars bohind this ledge with confidence, thus placing them inte right position. Artist insight Manga faces TIKEEP THE DRAWING OF THE EYES SIMPLE The curvature of the eyeball makes it complicated to draw at an angle and symmetrically, so keeping it simple willimprove your skill at drawing realistic eyes quickly and relatively easly. Furthormor, tako rote ofthe shape af your character's ayes. Does the eye have an inwarc or downward tit? fs the ins ‘ormally smallor large? Thase wil help you sketch your characters eyes at more complex angles. I recommend drawing hair as groups of shapes % ‘12 DRAW HAIR IN CLUMPS: You don't have to draw every single strand of hair. Instead, | recommend drawing hair as groups of shapes. Start with big shapes such as the whole fringe, back of the head and any ponytails or pigtails that the character might have. Break those big shapes down into medium-sized shapes and then into smaller clumps of hair. You can then add single strands of hair afterwards for added detail. »»Workshops 13 TECHNIQUES FOR PAINTING EYES LPI oN aoa a eC Role Mo flo NN) onl ale Ae ee etd Sere Penna eee nny peter a eee willhelp make the sizes of oth ers ‘also makes it easier to compare and peer ere ees r fl a 3 eas ete a} Pet pee re Upper and lower eyelids. Because eee ees ena ee ac Pee) the lower eyelids ina lighter value ick an iris colour that’s based on the rest of the composition ee eer ere eter et rert tet airy sed and then decide what colour th irs ofthe character shouldbe. Because the painting features predominantly red colours, | decide to go with a green colour forthe eyes. also savermy white re gneve ai Ng OP Dr eNOS14 USE SHAPES IN YOUR CHARACTER DESIGNS Whenever I've run into a brick walll when attempting {0 design an original outfit for a character, my solution is to duplicate a character's head a few times and then doodle whatever shape that comes. to my mind alongside each ‘one. So Ill focus ona single shape ~ a crescent or triangle, say- and then design a costume which resembles that shape. This method works with hairstyles, too, Artist insight Manga faces 15 TRY DIFFERENT METHODS TO SUIT YOUR ART Above i a method of constructing the head with arounded-edge box instead ofthe traditional egg shape (A) ~ (also use the same ‘method to draw three fantasy characters skew and manipulate the human sl proportions to fit fantastical characters, Make the eves smaller, the jaw bigger, or even enlarge the nose. You can use cifferent Construction methods to either draw people ina similar style or craw >Deciding on the colour and mood of the illustration Somerimes I'l colour the background firs, so that ll know what the col e. Any colouring brushes are ¢-wedownloaded alot of my favourite brushes from the Clip Studio Paint Assets site (https; |/assets.lip-studio.com). Once ve chosen the background colour ll create new layers to paint the character, based on the overall colour scheme. Tm aware this may change during the course of the painting I use a brush with a soft edge fortis base colour step. Because my line-art i textured I don't want the shape of the base looking too sharp, The solution is to select the same brush that l used forthe line-art and paint the area nearest tothe lines. Begin rendering the artwork The drawing looks rather flat sol add some light reflections, chen focus on rendering beatin mind those ‘Adding shadows areas that are lit, and those that remain untouched by ck the layers pixels so that I can colour within the base, usingadarker light. When blending ll use the same brush - sometimes colour to paint the basic shadows. also work on other parts ofthe drawing, adding the Soft Airbrush but on a lower Opacity ~ and then pick layers of fallen leaves. Imosty use Clip Studio Paints default brushes, along with the i-beeween colourand start blending, also use the ‘the Hue/Saturation and Color Ralance tools. By colouring the shape of my basic ‘Blending 100 my favourite brush is Running Color on shadows, the rendering process becomes much Fiber because it blends well while leaving a nice texture.In depth Rendering techniques Developing colours and textures ruses the Rainbow brush all over the developing Punching up the colours illustration, inchading the hair and reflections. [ha -The colours are looking rather flat and I want introduce subtle ints of idea what o do with the flowers, so use the Rainbow brighter colours, so [select the Rainbow brush (its one of my favoutites) and paintbrush to create colour blends | uses the Real Pencil brush na Lighten layer. Next blend my colours using the Blending tool. Akernatively, on the character's har to create texture, while smoothing Til use the Selection Pen tool to selec a particular area that needs improving, then some strands of hai using the Blending tool. thinkyoa! adjust the colours using the Iue/Saturation of Color Balance tools repeat this can create interesting results with the Rainbow brush in process several times during this stage areas between shadows and light, too, Colouring the water and adjusting the overall image to suit ‘decide to make the water blue to contrast with the warm yello/brovin atmosphere of the illustration then have to adjust the colours of the surrounding area so that it matches the water's colour: the colours of submerged clothing and leaves, for example. The clothing colours too similar the skin, so T make anew layer and change the layer mode 19 Darken, because this layer mode will only affect ight areas, clip itt the clothing area, ill t witha dark colour and use the Hie/Saturation tool to ensure the elothing matches the co| Increasing the level of detail in the mechanical heart The door tothe mechanical heart needs more details, Usually, create a new layer, set itt Lighten mode, Is. But I need to make the heat darker and havea sens < ith the overall colour n tion tool until fm happy with the results Then I'll ads the colour withthe Hue) Enhancing the clothing and lighting “The characte’sclothing looks rather plain. The solution iso give the cloth some pattems, s0 I eeate some Normal layers clip them to the clothingarea and then draw some pattems. Sometimes Il ‘the patter layer paint theshadows and light, oust ereate a Muleply layer, clip ton top and paint with a very light colour ‘When developing the lighting lean choose fom either Se Lighten, Overlay or Add{ low) layer modes. The later two la =F HAE. Ap itto the ayerin question itand then use alight ip it and fill it with colour. of depth, so I create a Multiply layer, ‘modes can create very bright and harsh results so need to reduce the layer’s Opacity. notice that the shadows ae lat so L mixin olours that are similarto them. For example the character's neck is very close to the waterso I paint areas of his skin with colours found in the water. The Flame brush i ideal for painting the waters reflections and ripples. However, because the brush has very sharp edges I soften itsstrokes using the Blending tool also apply the Rainbow brush frequently to cteate subtle hints of colours during this stagsIn depth Rendering techniques Recreate the look of batik ‘The cloth-dyeing technique of batkis popular in “Malaysia, my home country: Wax is used to create the inricate pattern on the cloth, and want to replicate this look digially on the flowers. I create a new layer on top of all the layers and draw the lne-att using ave brash, {control the thickness ofthe lines by regulating how much pressure fm applying with my styls. Then {adjust the colours using the Hue/Saturation tool ‘Making final adjustments and adding textures decide to play around with the colour mood again, First, create a new layer and select Hatching> Ga of textures, [then lock the layer and paint it with colours that ae how much Hove using happy with the ove folder and met layers, select Fil face because I want this: Generate colour moods with the Gradient Map tool Tseleet Layer and Gradient Map sak using the Color Balance the origina layers. A Gradient Map layer creates Js, and is fun wo use with different layer modes. Once Fim Il colour mood, I place all the uplicate the soft look, so duplicate the merged aussian Blur, adjust the Opacity and erase the area around the tothe focal point of the illustration, lout mos it. I want to give my artwork: Cloud brash to create the illusion to theareas I wanted itto blend in. And voila 'm done! Now you know a. Fite up your copy of Clip Studio Paint and give itaSign up for the In 1 FOR DIGITAL mekX newsletter today! Get weekly news, reviews, tips & inspiration Out every Tuesday As a thank you, receive a free 148-page Animation Artist eBook when you sign up to our newsletter SIGN UP NOW! “https://ifxm. ag/ifxnewsletterI FOR DIGITAL ARTISTS ine 3 ReviewS = The latest art resources are put to the test by the ImagineFX team... #) HARDWARE iMac Pro Apple’ latest iMac certainly looks the business, but is this the ultimate all-in-one workstation for professional artists? ‘TRAINING Woodland Angel: Ink Drawing Rick and Morty: Faniasy atist Jeff Miracola helpsyouget_ Show Me What You Got started withthe inking process in ashort Revisit memorable moments and but comprehensive taining video. characters from the animated sc- series. BOOsE, ‘Making Call of Duty: The Art of Frozen 2 Modern Warfare Discover the art secrets behind the magical Explote how the ceative team breathed world of azen and its characters, new life into the iconic first-person shooter. RATINGS EXPLAINED 40K 90% tO tek kk *iMac Pro se It certainly looks the part, but is it worth shelling out for Apple's latest all-in-one workstation that's targeted at creatives pple released theiMac Pro for mainstream consumers. If you do ‘even further, picking any combination ‘asthe most powerful Mac _ nave the funds, though that base ‘of storage amount, processor and ‘model is more than enough for many ‘graphics card type. and memory size Inclined to agree. This all= creative endeavours, t touts an 27- ‘that will full your needs and budget In-one packs a punch that’s Inch $k Retina display. an elght-core ‘considerably heftier than that of the Intel Xeon W processor, AMD Radeon COMPUTER OR CAR? IMac 2017 and even theiMac 2019. Vega 55 (8GB) graphics, 3268 of| ‘The specs and high price alone wil Yet the iMac Pro doosn'tjust have errorcorrecting code (ECC) momory ‘ive you an idea of whother or not the sheer power forthe sake oft.This anda TTBsole-statecrve. ‘Mac Pro ight for you. It spending ‘workstation is designed for creative You can max out the iMac Pro with ‘almost as muchas anew car on a _ professionals, finaly tuned to {an 18-core Intel Xeon W chip, 668 ‘computer Seems extreme, then look revolutionise any creative workflow. of RAM, ATR of SD storage andthe clsewnere. Ifyou seldom use graphic- Ie’shighly configurable, enabling you same AMD Radeon Vega 64X GPU for intensive programs, and you wouldn't § to curate the perfectiMac Profor your £15,269. That's a substantial know what to do with a GPU with @GB needs, as well as your wallet. investment, but with it oure getting a let alone 1668 of HBM2 memory, The base mode! goes for £4,899, ot of power and storage. You can asa then you're better off with a less: 5 which admittedly is prety expensive fine-tune each ofthese configurations ‘powerful but more afferdable machine ME cate ncfrom the Apple ine or beyond However, the cost willbe watranted if ‘you've found yoursel killing time wating while your current computer renders 30 images, compiles code and rondors videos agonisinaly slow. Spending thiskind of cash to Significantly drop that downtime is an easy selforthe right buyer. ‘With the sheer power behind the Imac Pro, particulary next to the regular iMac, Apple has outdone itself, allthe while maintaining the desion of the alhin-one machine, All those powerful internal componnts are tucked away behind the 27-inch display. resulting inasleok machine that looks attractive in any ofice studio. t's aso astonishingly aut How the display performs wil be of keen interest to artists, professional photographers, and video or image tedtors, The 27-inch Sk screen was declared by Apple as its best ever boasting 500 nits af brightness, an Apple’s macOS High Sierra feels incredibly smooth and snappy, thanks to that SSD increase of 43 per cent over previous iMacs brightness. The 512032,880 resolution is just as dalightful here asit ison high-end iMacs, which also come ‘ith this resolution. In adation, the improverent over standard 4 resolution means video editors can work on 4k video at fullesolution ana still ave space for ther editing toa's, browser or amusic player. COLOUR CONSIDERATIONS Because the Mac Pro has been created for professionals, colour reproduction needs to be as accurate {28 possibie, To this end, the display supports the PS wide-gamut colour space, an RGB colour space that's widely used in digital fm production DETAILS Hardware ‘While PSs wider than sRGB, R'snot as wide ae Adobe RGB. If Adobe RGB is {essential to your work - for example, you workin print and publishing = then you might be frustrated bythe lack of ‘Adobe RGB support. For many people, however the PS color space willmore than sutfie, not to mention a big improvement over sRGB. There are plenty of connectivity options on offer You get a 85mm headphone jack, SDXC card slo, four fullsize USS 30 ports, four ‘Thunderbolt $ USB-C ports and a 10Gb Ethernet port. The four USB 3.0 ports are pertect for older peripherals and dovices, while the Thunderbolt $ USB-C ports support Thunderbolt USB 31 devices as well as devices with Upto 40Gbps data transfers. The Thunderbolt 3 ports can also be used toconnect to additional displays, such as two 5K external displays at 6OHz, oF four 4K UHD displays at 602 ‘Apple's macOS High Sierra Fee's inereaibly smooth and snappy, thanks tothat SSD, and the desktop looks stunning on the 27-inch display. But of course, youre not sheling outa fortune on an iMac Pro just to admire your desktop wallpaper or play a couple of casual games. I's how the computer handles rigorous workloads thats key, and in that regard, the iMac Pro's formidable. ‘Apple's all-in-one packs a punch while inheriting that sim design and build quality that Macs aro famous for Obviously, because ofits high-end [power (and price, the Mac Pro isn't the best choles forthe general ‘consumer. For day-to-day tasks, and ‘even casual painting oF video editing, Its enormous power is overkill. On the other hand. if youuse a umber of ‘demanding creative applications for work and you need ther to run faster and smoother than ever, hen the workstation-arade powerhouse IMac Prais well worth considering,Subscribe and save! 3 FOR 3 OFFER! Get your first 3 issues of any of our design titles for just £3, $3 or €3 SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE BY VISITING: PF VAL MORITA Offer available to new subscribers worldwide!Inspiration Training y 6, = : Woodland Angel: Ink Drawing MAKING YOUR MARK Fantasy artist Jeff Miracola helps you get started with the inking process in a short but comprehensive training video ven In this age of digital ‘media, we still thinkin terms of an inking stage to propery finish an init drawing. While Jeff Miracola is more usually associated with epic fantasy paintings, he's a prolific user of black ink to create artwork on a more Intimate scale. In contrast to the mult-hour DVDs Jeff has been recording to show his Painting techniques, Woodland Ange! isa brisk overview that’s all over in ess than 45 minutes, However, it provides a thoroush grounding i the subject. especialy ifinking a drawing isa Jeff surveys the tools and materials youneed and makes some recommendations before diving into the heart ofthe video: practical ‘guide to mark-marking that relates technique to creative decisions. For example, as well stalling about the process of spoitina blacks, he presents inked drawings that use blacks asa compositional aie, placed to attract the viewer’ eye to what's important ‘There ae plenty of nuts-and-bolts tips including which parts ofthe hand ‘and arm to employ for cifferent stroke Sizes, nd how to avoid splatters when youre using ani. Jeff also goesin-depth on some of the diferent textures youre likely to ‘raw regula, rom the minimal tine he Uses forthe female form in his drawing, tothe shimmer inher hair and the roughness of her feathers ~ plus abl of white-nk splattering for some controlled ranclomnness and mystique. Experienced inkers wil appreciate a llimpse ata process Jeff has taken years to hone, but the real benef of this video sto novice artists who rmight have been araid to commit to the idea of working over a pene drawing in sucha permanent way. @ ARTIST PROFILE mutACOLA Jeffatended the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design before embarking on a freelance career that would lead him to work on, Magic: the Gathering and other card games such as Shadowrun, Battletech, Rage and Judge Dredd. Book covers and magazines ‘would follow, as well as toy concepts for Batman Beyond and Animorphs. Jefthasslovsly shifted hisstyle of artashe's tackled children’s books, editorial work and video game graphics. nieThe Art of Frozen 2 There's more to the magical world of Frozen than we thought, as this stunning art book for the sequel reveals ‘even years have passed since audiences were frst captivated by Disney's Frozen. A lot has changed Inthat time, both in terms of the characters and the behind-the- scones wizardry used to bring them tollfe. And as we see In this art book forthe follow-up film, Anna thelr world have matured Considerably since we last saw them. ‘Thisisa wise move on the part of Frozen 2: after alla good sequel shouldnt simply retread familar ‘ground, The fist Frozen film took ts inspiration from Hans Christian ‘Andersen's fairytale The Snow Gueen, but Frozen 2 looked further afield Eee taking ts cues tram Seandinavian folklore and Old Norse mythology it ‘also keeps cinemagoers on thelr toes by switching up the seasons and matting away the snowy vistas thet defined Frozen, To explain how these tales shaped ‘the autumnal ook and fee of Frozen 2, this magnificent art book features ‘observations from the director and lead creatives. Together they guide readers through chapters covering This magnificent art book features observations from the director and lead creatives characters locations, and the four ‘elements of earth, ar. fre and water that underpin the plot and visual essence ofthe film. Were also presented with words of wisdom from visual effects supervisors, visual evelopment artists, look development supervisors and many moreto give usa comorehensive insight into how Frozen 2 came tobe. Just tke the Frozen fms themselves, ‘Anna and Elsa are the stars ofthe show here. A generous part of the book's set aside to detaing how their appearances have evolved, with reams ‘of fascinating artwork tracking their development from inital sketches through tothe refined character designs we see on seraen. Character artists wil also appreciate the level of dotall that's gone into their ‘costumes and how their mat relate tothe storyline, Together the pair area imastercass of storyteling from the biggest studio on the planet. ‘While the development of settings, supporting characters and spits are touched on more briefly, they're not ‘underserved. Each is explained wth concept art from every stage of the pipeline and artists areca hand to etal how they refined thelr ideas From the careful onstruction of forests to the refreshing takes on anthronomorphisation, there’ panty hereto inspire artistic readers. FO I