Editor’s letter

Welcome to… EDITOR’S CHOICE Three of my top

picks this month…

50

If you’re an enthusiastic
hobbyist or not so far along
your journey as a pro artist, you
may well be wondering how
you can turn your passion into
something that pays the bills Explore a world of unique war machines
Patrick Wagesreither opens the pages of his sketchbook,
and allows you to stay creative. crammed full of odd soldiers and chubby mechs.
This issue we take a look at
how you can sell your work, 58
with stories from those that have done it before
and advice on marketing yourself, as well as a
collection of resources to help you make the most
of taking that leap into the professional world.
But no matter what stage of your career you’re at,
it’s always good to learn some new skills or refresh
those muscle memories. With that in mind, visit
our training section where you can learn how to
use composition to create eye-catching character Paint distinctive character art
art, use lighting effects to add an otherworldly, Discover Yona’s insightful tips and add personality
dreamlike feel, or take out your pens and inks and to your next piece with tricks for dynamic creations.
get traditional by mastering the art of rendering
stunningly detailed drawings. Plus, we review the 92
latest gear and take a look at the best Photoshop
alternatives on the market today.
Enjoy the issue!

Editor Craft intricate fantasy drawings

[email protected] Mateusz Lenart shows you how to make gorgeous
classically inspired illustrations with pen and ink.

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Your art 10 24
10 FXPosé
A round-up of digital art, submitted by you!

22 The Rookies
Up-and-coming talents share their work.

News and events

24 How to sell your artwork
Expert artists share their best advice
for marketing yourself and your art.

30 DC and Sega join forces

Sonic the Hedgehog teams up with the
Justice League for a new comic series.
FXPosé How to sell your artwork
32 Artist in Residence:
Geizi Guevara 40
The illustrator proudly invites us to
explore his colourful home workspace.

38 ImagineFX Art Challenge

We reveal our favourite entries for the
latest, purple-themed community event.

Features
40 The top 19 Photoshop
alternative software
Fancy a change from Photoshop? Check
out our expert guide to find the new best
digital art app for you across all platforms.

50 Sketchbook:
The top 19 Photoshop alternatives
Patrick Wagesreither
Cast your eyes over the concept artist’s
unique doodles of mechanical marvels. 32 50

Reviews
80 Hardware
85 Courses and brushes

Regulars
6 Next month
8 Subscriptions
Artist in Residence: Sketchbook:
39 Letters
Geizi Guevara Patrick Wagesreither
48 Recent editions

4
 Issue 253

64 66 Workshops
58 Paint distinctive character art
Learn how to create striking artwork
brimming with personality thanks to
Yona’s simple composition tricks.

64 Use photo references

Quentin Marsollier explains how he finds
real-life inspiration for his stunning shots.

66 Develop magic portal effects

Use photo references Develop magical portal effects
Dive into Richard Lay’s enchanting scene
and discover all the important techniques
58 behind his fantasy forest environment.

70 Harmonious world design

Discover the quirky cast of animal
characters from Sail Lin’s project.

72 Create ethereal
light and colour
Give your art a true glow-up as Pauline
Voss builds a luminous atmosphere.

78 Kitbash the groundwork

Sebastian Luca doodles his way towards a
sci-fi lemonade stand in a dystopian city.

Traditional Artist
88 Traditional FXPosé
The finest traditional art, sent in by you!
This month we showcase artwork from
Carolina Soares and Faith Schaffer.

92 Craft intricate fantasy

drawings in pen and ink
Paint distinctive character art Follow along as Mateusz Lenart takes his
cues from classical 19th-century artists.

72 98 98 First Impressions:
Tamara Nederkoorn
The artist talks about her lifelong journey
and thoughts on working in the industry.

Create ethereal lighting GET YOUR

RESOURCES
78

1 Go to the website
Type this into your browser’s address bar.
https://ifxm.ag/character-design

2 Click the download link

Find your files ready for download.

Kitbash the groundwork

First Impressions:
Tamara Nederkoorn 3 Download what you need…
Save the files or watch the videos.

5
© Bethesda/id Software
Next month

Editorial
Editor Rob Redman [email protected]
Art Editor Daniel Vincent
Production Editor Henry Burridge
Contributors
Dominic Carter, Tanya Combrinck, Joe Foley, Geizi Guevara,
Ian Dean, Patrick Wagesreither, Yona, Quentin Marsollier,
Richard Lay, Sail Lin, Pauline Voss, Sebastian Luca, Ian
Evenden, Paul Hatton, Mike Griggs, Mateusz Lenart, Gary
Stuckey, Tamara Nederkoorn
Advertising
Chief Revenue Officer Zack Sullivan
UK Group Commercial Director Clare Dove
Advertising Director Matt Johnston
[email protected], 01225 442244
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 1

THE PLACE TO SHARE YOUR DIGITAL ART

Ksenia Kim
LOCATION: The Netherlands MEDIA: Photoshop WEB: www.artstation.com/goldkanet

A character artist and illustrator, Ksenia studied

architecture but turned her passion for gaming and
drawing into a career. She loves dark fantasy and has
worked on Diablo IV and Magic: The Gathering.

2
1 ELF WARRIOR
“Even though I’ve always
loved fantasy, I haven’t
drawn too many elves. This
concept is a rare exception
to that, and I enjoyed every
moment of creating it.”

2 VAMPIRE
“My favourite game is
Vampire: The Masquerade
– Bloodlines, and I couldn’t
resist painting an original
character inspired by it.”

3 KATARINA – LEAGUE
OF LEGENDS FAN ART
“This was done for an
illustration course, where we
had to choose an existing
character for the task. I’ve
always admired Riot Games’
artwork, so I chose Katarina
from League of Legends.”

4 POISON IVY
“This artwork is a tribute
to my childhood dream of
becoming a comic book
artist. I wanted to capture an
iconic character with a more
painterly approach.”

10 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

 4

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 11

 Ar Siu
LOCATION: Hong Kong MEDIA: Clip Studio Paint WEB: www.artstation.com/arsiu

Ar Siu works in the game art industry, primarily designing

concepts for characters and scenes. He’s also been known
to dabble in book design and board game art.

12 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

2

1 CONDOTTIERE CONCEPT
“Here I combined contrasting
elements of classical knights and
2 AVALONIA – REAPER
FACTION CONCEPT ART
“Designs for a board game. As
3 X-MEN IN THE
APOCALYPSE
“As a fan of the X-Men comics,
4 AVALONIA – SAVIOURS
FACTION CONCEPT ART
“Because of my fascination
mechanical technology. I paid well as sci-fi elements, I build I integrated the characters into with post-apocalyptic sci-fi
close attention to the brushwork backgrounds for various races, my fan art. With this piece, I and military aesthetics, I often
in order to give this piece the like heretical cults, and objects wanted to reimagine them living incorporate the two into my
quality of an oil painting.” and colours to represent them.” in a post-apocalyptic world.” work to create a unique style.”

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 13

 Nico Lee Lazarus
LOCATION: Thailand MEDIA: Clip Studio Paint WEB: www.instagram.com/nicoleelazarus

Nico is a concept artist and illustrator for video games and films who is
originally from Johannesburg. He enjoys experimenting with different
styles and constantly considers himself to be a student of art.

1
1 PROJECT PURGE
“A horror-survival project
inspired by a marathon of
The Purge movies.”

2 GROWING CAST
“As part of an original
creation, I wanted to make
additional people that my
character Millia the Mechanic
would meet on her journey.”

3 MILLIA THE MECHANIC

“An original character
that saw me experiment with
new styles to tell the story of
Millia and her two dogs out
on adventures.”

4 CRIMSON
“A parody project where
The Hoods are a mercenary
group inspired by Little Red
Riding Hood.”

2 3

14 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

 5
5 PIRATE
“A demo for a team of
characters that explores how
narratives can push designs and
make them more interesting.”

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 15

 2
Anand Ramcheron
LOCATION: South Africa MEDIA: Procreate WEB: www.instagram.com/anand_ramcheron

Anand is a freelance illustrator and a graduate of

The Kubert School who specialises in illustration,
visual development and comics. His clients include
Marvel, Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix.

1 HUNTER OF IMMORTALS
“A cover designed for WuxiaWorld’s
Hunter of Immortals title. The piece combines
2 LETHAL CHALLENGERS
“This is a cover drawn for an independent
comic. I pushed the cyberpunk aesthetic by
cyberpunk and noir themes with the use of using black more harshly and playing around
heavy blacks and vibrant colours.” with the greyscale values.”

3 GEHENNA
“A pin-up-inspired illustration that was
heavily influenced by the late, great Akira
Toriyama. Vehicles and characters are
particularly fun and challenging for me.”

4 PANZER MOTORS
“This manga-inspired piece began
life as a casual sketch and evolved into a
mock comic cover that experimented with
screentones. Influenced by the works of
Katsuhiro Otomo and Maciej Kuciara.”

16 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

 4

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 17

 Michelle Cheng
LOCATION: US MEDIA: Procreate, Photoshop WEB: www.lemoncholy.net

Michelle is a storyboard and visual development artist

currently working in the games industry. On the side, she
runs a YouTube channel called lemoncholy and creates
illustrations based on her love for travel and history.

1 LATE NIGHT JAZZ

“This is from my formative exchange semester
in Paris. I wanted to remember the wonder I felt in
2 NANJING ROAD
“Shanghai in the 80s, during its economic
boom. I thought about the hope my parents’
a city that was so different from my upbringing generation might have felt at the time. Historical
in gridded North America.” photographs inspired the colour palette.”

18 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

 2

3 SECRET
“We passed a Chinese
guardian lion while driving
through the Californian
desert. The landscape’s
strange beauty reminded
me of the final scene from
In the Mood for Love.”

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 19

Sara Kipin
LOCATION: US MEDIA: Photoshop
WEB: www.sarakipin.com

Sara is an illustrator
and visual developer
currently working at
Nickelodeon Animation
Studio as a character
designer for the
upcoming production
Avatar: Seven Havens.

2 3

1 HARPIES
“An illustration dedicated
to me and my husband’s first
wedding anniversary, this was
inspired by romantic fantasy
illustrations from the late
1800s. Think of the fairy
books by Andrew Lang.”

2 PHANTOM
“A piece created to
celebrate musicals for a
Gallery Nucleus show in
Los Angeles. The Phantom
of the Opera’s gothic tone
has been an inspiration for
me since childhood.”

20
 4

3 DRAGON RIDER
“A personal illustration to celebrate
Valentine’s Day 2022. I wanted to evoke
compositions in Medieval tapestries and
explore complicated botanical borders.”

4 THE HUNT
“An ode to the opening from
The Last Unicorn. I tried to capture the
mood in 1970s animation, particularly in
the backgrounds and character design.”

Do you want to see your art on these pages? Then email five pieces of your work and a short explanation
about each artwork, along with a photo and a few details about yourself, to [email protected]

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 21

 Heart of Darkness SCP
YEAR CREATED: 2024 MEDIA: Photoshop, ZBrush

“This started as a concept for for the Heart of Darkness

a game add-on at a studio. entity to create this concept
They wanted to make some design. I took a model I made
entities inspired by the SCP in ZBrush and painted over
Discover your potential
Foundation, a wiki-based to enhance it in Photoshop,
with The Rookies; the
launchpad for emerging collaborative writing project adding details and texturing,
digital artists. With based on paranormal and adjusting the colour palette,
The Rookies, your work mysterious phenomena, to and painting on dramatic
won’t only be seen, it gets feature in an SCP add-on. I light and shadow to create
noticed and featured, just
like this! Join a community
relied on written descriptions a more ominous mood.”
where your journey from
hobbyist to professional
artist is supported every
step of the way.

WWW.THEROOKIES.CO

Artist
PROFILE
Ava Luening
LOCATION: US
Ava has a passion for exploring
the many possibilities of what life
can look like through creature
design. Using both 3D and 2D
mediums together to create her
concepts, she combines the strengths of the
two forms to bring her ideas to fruition.
www.therookies.co/u/AvaLuening

22
The Rookies

23
ARTIST NEWS, SOFTWARE EVENTS

AT THE CORE OF THE DIGITAL ART COMMUNITY

Kooks says: “Make “Offer something valuable for free to encourage

sure your portfolio people to sign up for your mailing list,” Lisa says.
page has an easily
noticeable contact
email address!”

“My favourite
platform is Bluesky;
I’ve found good

© Lisa Glanz
engagement with
other artists there,”
says Michelle.

How to sell your artwork

Promotion commotion Tanya Combrinck discovers how getting serious about
marketing can pay off and hears advice from artists across a range of industries

The topics of marketing and business struggle to pay their bills because
aren’t natural for the creative soul, they’re afraid to promote their work,
but learning about them in a serious or tried to sell one time and didn’t get
way can make a huge difference if any results and so never tried again.”
you’re not making the income you
want from your work. THINKING POSITIVE
Fortunately, some artists have As Kelsey sees it, taking a different
studied them in depth and devised attitude to selling can change your
ways to apply the business principles life. “There’s this really damaging and
they’ve picked up to the pervasive belief, especially among
art world. One such artist professionally trained artists, that
is Kelsey Rodriguez, a somehow selling compromises your
painter working in oils creative integrity, or it cheapens your
who also offers coaching work. The reality is that after a certain
and resources to artists looking to threshold, your artistic skill has
improve their incomes. basically nothing to do with your “When someone joins producing videos that are both
your email list, they’re
“The big mistake I see creatives financial success, but your confidence expressing a deeper motivating and practical.
making all the time is undervaluing the in selling absolutely does.” interest than just a As a starting point, Kelsey explains
casual follow. These
importance of selling, or avoiding it On her YouTube channel, Kelsey people love what you that thinking carefully about the
do and want to buy
out of feelings of discomfort,” she shares what she has learned about from you,” says Kelsey.
audience or customer for your art will
says. “I’ve worked with artists who running an art business through a help you build the foundation of your
have over 100,000 followers but combination of study, trial and error, business. “You need to have a deep
understanding of the kind of person

There’s this really damaging and your work is for,” she says. “Not just
their demographics, but their values,
pervasive belief that somehow selling what motivates them emotionally,
how your work can impact them,
compromises your creative integrity and how it fits into their lives.

24
DC AND SONIC WORKSPACE PERFECTION
COMIC COMBO WITH VIBES IN PURPLE
Two legendary IPs Step inside the studio We select our favourite
come together for a of manga illustrator artworks submitted for
frenetic comic series! Geizi Guevara, who the latest ImagineFX
Find out more about explains how his huge Art Challenge, which
the brand new release collection of inspiration laid down the task of
in our chat with artist and creative tools set creating with a magical
Adam Bryce Thomas. the mood for his work. purple colour scheme.
Page 30 Page 32 Page 38

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
LESSONS
TO LEARN
Business and marketing
resources for creatives

Inkwell
www.youtube.com/inkwell
Dustin Panzino, a character
and environment artist in the
gaming industry, discusses
his selling strategies, analyses
different income streams, tells
you which artist alleys are best,
and dissects social media. He
also has great guest artists who
provide additional industry
insight and advice.

Brandon Chen
https://bit.ly/42zUFVD
Brandon quit his job in finance
to make manga full-time and
he now has a studio running
multiple projects. Through his
YouTube channel, he explains
how he turned his passion into
a successful business and tells
you everything you need to
know about making comics
and publishing online.

Creative Hive
https://bit.ly/4lznfPy
If you want to sell your work
online, creative Mei Pak has a
solid body of advice based on
her own extensive experience
of running a business selling
art and handmade products.
She gets straight to the point
and dispenses her advice with
great efficiency, so each video
is packed with information.

ArtBusiness subreddit
https://bit.ly/42IYrNq
Sharing your struggles and
successes with other people
in the same boat as you build
your business can be helpful
and motivating. Here you’ll
find moral support and handy
advice from other artists of all
Dominik says: “Do what you love. The fire and stripes trying to carve out a
emotion you put in your work will shine through living from their work.
and spark inspiration and joy in others.”

25
 ImagineNation News

Lisa says: “Building an email

list is one of the best ways
to maintain control over how
you reach your audience.
Having a direct line through
their inbox is absolute gold!”

“Nobody can buy your work if they don’t even

know that it exists,” says Kelsey.

“What problem does your work

solve, or what value does it provide?
Does it bring beauty into their home,
help them express their identity, or
connect them to something in a
meaningful way?
“When you know the answers
to these questions, every single
marketing task becomes so much
easier, from what content to create
and where to share it, to how to talk
about your work. Marketing at its core
isn’t about manipulating someone, it’s
about creating a genuine connection
with the people who already value
the art that you make.”

CREATE WITH PURPOSE

Another good resource is The Honest
Designers Show podcast, which
discusses the business side of making
a living out of creative
work. One of the hosts,

© Lisa Glanz
illustrator Lisa Glanz,
echoes Kelsey’s advice
about the need to build
up a detailed mental image of who solution to a client’s pain point is what an example, if you want to get
is going to pay for your art. makes you valuable.” hired for editorial work, create and
“You need to create work that Dominik says: “Try Lisa recommends concentrating showcase artwork that helps an art
making videos of your
either solves a need or fulfils a process. Maybe you’re your energies on serving a particular director envision your illustrations
purpose for someone else’s project good at one specific audience. “That doesn’t mean in their magazine.”
thing. Let people know
or product,” she explains. “Being the how you do it.” sacrificing your unique style or the At the beginning of your career,
kind of work you genuinely enjoy Lisa advises you to choose your niche
creating; you should still stay true to and stick to it. “Choose a clear path for
what excites you. But having a clear your art and focus on the type of work
understanding of your ideal customer you’d love to be paid to do. Put your
will help you decide what to make, energy into getting really good at that.
from the subject matter to the format Clients and customers are drawn to
or application they’re looking for. As artists with a strong, recognisable

Focusing on the things I was obsessed

with was crucial in terms of developing
my skills and expanding my reach
26
 Artist news, software & events

Michelle has worked full-time as an

artist for well over a decade, but it
took six years of perseverance after
graduating to be able to make a
living from her work.

Kooks says: “Try to find

groups of artists outside of
social media on Discord
servers or forums. These
groups often share work
opportunities, advice, and
current trends and events.”
Universal Pictures courtesy of costume designer Paul Tazewell

and also in expanding reach, back commission can be the turning point
when I was building up a presence that changes everything. Illustrator
on social media.” Michelle Jack, also known
Kooks got their first illustration as WolfSkullJack, whose
jobs when their fan art and personal clients include bands
artworks were noticed through social Metallica and Trivium as
media. These initial commissions then well as game developer
led to further work. “Fan art certainly BioWare, found that to be the case.
has a much higher chance of getting Metallica was her first famous client,
style and a clear area of expertise, so Phillip’s spellbinding noticed, but personal pieces and your and her work for them caught the
costume concept for
lean into the work that reflects your Glinda from Universal’s own stories do build you an invested attention of Wizards of the Coast,
hit film Wicked.
strengths and passions.” audience,” Kooks tells us. which now gives her regular work.
Social media isn’t what it was when “The hardest part is getting those first
LOVE YOUR OBSESSIONS Kooks was starting out, so these days big jobs, and once you can be seen to
The importance of leaning into your it’s more important to have a portfolio work well for others it starts to attract
passions is also important for the on your own website. They add: “Make more of a clientele,” she says.
illustrator known as CoupleOfKooks, it simple but elegant, easy to browse, Once you’re established as an
whose clients include Wizards of the and show only your best work – don’t artist, Phillip Boutté Jr.,
Coast and Dark Horse Comics. “Get make it a blog with everything you’ve a costume and concept
obsessed with it,” Kooks advises. done. Feature the type of illustrations artist in the film industry,
“Focusing on things I was obsessed you’d like to be commissioned for.” explains that you should
with and not on pieces that were It’s important to keep the faith in think about how the skills
‘good for my portfolio’ was crucial, the early stages of your career, as you’ve honed can be transferred to
both in terms of developing my skills often just a single high-profile other areas of work. “It’s important

27
 ImagineNation News

At first, Jessica got

editorial clients by cold
emailing magazines.

Disney/Marvel Studios courtesy of costume designer Ruth E. Carter

for artists to fan out and use their proved to be transformational for
skill sets across multiple different Jessica Roux’s career. An early character concept by
areas of entertainment,” he says. “Working in the publishing Phillip for Marvel’s blockbuster
movie Black Panther.
“Are you good at storyboarding? industry really changed
Then apply those sequential imagery things for me,” she
skills in multiple areas like children’s reflects. “I was finally through that skill has really made all
books, comics, keyframes, editorial, doing what I loved, and I could focus the difference for me.
integrated marketing, music videos, on the subject matter that I’m really “I don’t have to wait and rely on
story art for animation, video games, passionate about. I’ve always had an clients to come my way; instead, I can
and so on. As the market opens and interest in writing, but realising that pitch ideas to publishers and make
broadens worldwide, ditching the I could create projects for myself the things I want to make. While I’ve
‘speciality’ moniker keeps artists always loved illustrating, I feel so much
buoyant and adaptable.”
It’s also good to think about how
Find the right audience more inspired and happier when I get
to follow through with my own ideas
you might be able to combine your
art with other complementary skills.
and search for the places and turn them into finished projects.”

Writing and illustrating her own books where those people go MEET AND GREET
Making connections in the real world
is another avenue that shouldn’t be
overlooked. “Talking to potential
clients face-to-face is always best
as people are much more likely to
remember you if you had
a proper meeting,” says
Dominik Mayer, an art
director and illustrator
in the film and games
industries. To get started, he suggests
going to shows and conventions and
approaching people at their booths.
Dominik also finds it valuable to
exhibit your art in galleries and other
venues that are suitable for your style.
© Lisa Glanz

Lisa and her Honest “I approached a local comic store and

Designers Show asked to exhibit my work there, which
co-hosts regularly share
advice on the podcast. was amazing,” he says. “Try to find the

28
 Artist news, software & events
“Sometimes there are really active
communities on smaller platforms like
Discord where the interaction can be
more direct,” Dominik suggests.

Kooks creates art with

themes of Gothic horror
and witchcraft.

“Finding others in the

same place you are,
with the same levels
of experience, made
the job much easier
and fun,” says Jessica,
on the advantages
of craft shows.
“It’s fellow artists
forming a respectful,
supportive community
that will get us through,”
says Michelle on current
industry conditions.

right audience and search for places

where those people go, then put your
art there for them to see.”
As social media platforms become
less useful for artists, it’s wise to build
up a more direct connection with your
customers. For that task, multiple
artists told us that email is now a
more important tool than ever before.
“Email marketing is one of the most
powerful methods that creatives
can use to both sell their work and
disconnect from social media,” Kelsey
explains. “Ultimately, social media
platforms are a great tool for getting “No matter your
yourself discovered, but the real key medium, having work
displayed in a gallery
to developing a more sustainable is powerful, provides
business is moving your followers context, and helps the
public zero in on our
onto a platform that you control.” craft,” says Phillip.

29
 ImagineNation News

© Sega / DC
Unlikely worlds
meet as Sonic
teams up with
some iconic
DC heroes.

DC and Sega join forces

Comic collaboration Adam Bryce Thomas talks about the challenge of combining
two classic IPs as Sonic partners up with the Justice League for a new adventure

Sonic and the Flash racing? Batman M. Collar with a variant cover created instincts bleed into my franchise work
and Shadow riding together? Fans by Ethan Young. and I like to think the reader response
were in heaven when Sega revealed First announced at Sega’s Sonic to it, combined with reliability on my
the first DC x Sonic the Hedgehog Central livestream event in September end, was key in securing the role. It felt
collab created by writer Ian Flynn, 2024, issue #1 went on sale in March. like my hard work paying off.
artist Adam Bryce Thomas and The story sees DC villain Darkseid “After seeing the final issue #1 with
colourist Matt Herms. cross dimensions to invade Sonic’s full colours and letters, I was excited
A series of five comics has the world. While Sonic has faced mad for the rest of the books to come out
Justice League meet Sonic and friends scientists and ancient spirits, an attack since they were gorgeous with Matt’s
in an unlikely crossover. DC x Sonic the by the forces of Apokolips requires colours, and I believe my work has
Hedgehog #1 sports a cover by Pablo extra help from the Justice League. improved with subsequent issues
having become more familiar with the

There’s a lot going on in DC cast and more ambitious layouts.

The audience reception has been
the book; finding a way to fit stellar, which makes me very happy.”
Adding some of DC’s iconic
everything was engaging characters to the mix meant a fresh
twist for Adam. “My biggest challenge
Having previously worked on was trying to avoid visual disharmony
Sonic comics for IDW, the character with the stylisation,” he says. “I believe
was no stranger to artist I found a decent approach that
Adam Bryce Thomas. “DC appreciates both of the franchises
and Sega selecting me for and unifies the line work.
this role was extremely “DC and Sega were both very
validating – I was thrilled,” accepting. Communication has been
he says. “During my tenure with Sonic smooth and I haven’t gotten too much
I’ve been working hard to establish a criticism on my storytelling, which
© Sega / DC

Speed demons Sonic unique approach to the storytelling means a lot to me. There’s a lot going
and the Flash take on and presentation for my art, especially on in the book, so finding a way to fit
supervillain Darkseid
in the five-issue series. in my personal work. I let those everything in was engaging.”

30
 Artist news, software & events
ImagineFX
quick quiz
Find out if you’re a
digital art brainbox!
1) What is the name of the
animation software launched
by Procreate in 2023?
A) Visions
B) Move
C) Dreams
D) Action

2) The artist Loish was born

in which country?
A) The Netherlands
B) Belgium
C) Germany
D) Luxembourg

3) What colour does the C

in CMYK stand for?
A) Crimson B) Carmine
C) Cerise D) Cyan

4) Which famed artist designed

the xenomorphs for Alien?
A) Ian McQue
B) H.R. Giger
C) Moebius
D) Alan Lee

5) What do you call it when all

your parallel lines meet?
A) Rule of thirds
B) Vanishing point
C) Golden ratio
D) Layer mask

6) What year was the first Sonic

the Hedgehog game released?
A) 1991 B) 1992
C) 1993 D) 1994

7) What art style is made

entirely of dots?
A) Expressionism
B) Spotwork
C) Pointillism
D) Symbolism
© Sega / DC

8) What is the opposite

of landscape orientation?
A) Seascape
The series wasn’t the first time Pablo M. Collar created The comic series will be followed
B) Still life
the cover art for the first C) Portrait
Adam has teamed up with writer Ian issue of the crossover. by a range of merchandise featuring
D) Cloudscape
and colourist Matt. “I’ve worked with toys and collectibles. Toys will include
Ian and Matt for nearly a decade, and Shadow the Hedgehog as Batman,
9) What does the word impasto
they’re both incredible craftsmen,” Knuckles as Superman, Amy Rose as make reference to?
Adam adds. “We take our roles very Wonder Woman, Silver the Hedgehog A) Canvas
seriously to provide fun and engaging as Green Lantern, Tails as Cyborg, and B) Applying thick paint
stories for our audience. It feels like Sonic as the Flash. The first apparel C) Software tool
there’s a lot of trust between us to do celebrating the DC x Sonic collab has D) Mental block
what we believe is right for the work. already launched online through Answers: 1C, 2A, 3D, 4B, 5B, 6A, 7C, 8C, 9B

That respect is always reciprocated.” US store Target.

31
 ImagineNation Artist in Residence

The wooden hand holding a giant

pencil reminds me that everything
starts with an idea and a line. But it’s
the photos next to it, including my
daughter as a newborn and a snap
of my wife and I with our pups, that
remind me why I create.

This setup is pure

creative fuel. The
marker towers are
my go-to palette,
ready for anything
from speed sketches
to full illustrations.

My first iPad and the reason I

got into Procreate. I don’t use
it to draw anymore, but keep it
close for pulling up reference
images or inspiration.

32
 Artist news, software & events

This portrait was

Where the real painted in 2019 as
work gets done! part of a series I called
From pitch decks Intuition. It was an
to character sheets experimental phase
or packaging, this where I let instinct
setup is built for guide the brush
speed and flexibility. more than usual.

Having images side-by-side on my

Cintiq helps me think about palette
harmony while letting each breathe.
I like setting up my workspace this
way before diving into the colour.

A Ninja Turtles piece illustrated a few

years ago when I got back into 3D as a
tool for finished client work. The base
model was created by my friend Vinicius
Cardoso, and I gave it my own visual twist.

Geizi Guevara
Vibrant harmony Step inside a high-energy art space
packed with gadgets, artbooks and creative chaos

I’ve always believed stacked with tools, lit up with The heart of the studio is my
your workspace personality, or displaying a piece tilted drafting table, where most of
should reflect what of my journey. It’s not a massive my ink work happens. Next to it is a
The first drawing for my fuels your creativity. space, but it’s dialled in to work rainbow tower of markers, always
upcoming artbook Primora.
I wanted to showcase a few Mine is a compact, hard for me, whether I’m inking within arm’s reach. I keep my iPad
of the thumbnail sketches I ever-evolving hub based in Los characters, designing toys, or docked nearby so I can bounce
like to play around with and
framed one of my favourites. Angeles, where every inch is either filming content for a new collab. between digital sketching and

33
 ImagineNation Artist in Residence

This is where I do a lot of

my personal work, usually
after a long day of digital
projects. Sitting down
with my traditional tools
helps me decompress
and reconnect with
the fundamentals.

There was something

about the energy and
viral moment of the
Peaches song that
made me want to
reimagine her in
my style; fierce,
magical and
battle-ready.

The work isn’t always glamorous,

but this area is the engine behind
every project that keeps my
creative career moving forward.

This shelf is a mix of

humour and symbolism
that grounds me. When
the pressure kicks in, I
look over and instantly
remember who I’m
doing all this for.

34
 Artist news, software & events

Every inch is stacked

with tools, lit up with
personality, or showing
a piece of my journey

The Kuta vinyl toy on top of

my marker tower reminds me
of the bold, expressive style of
Sean Galloway, also known as
Cheeks-74, whose character
work continues to be a huge
creative influence for me.

35
 ImagineNation Artist in Residence

This yellow chair is my reset spot. It’s where

I sit when I need to step away from the
screen, flip through artbooks, or sketch just
for fun. My dog often curls up beside me,
making this nook feel like a creative pause
button when the day gets too loud.

My biggest lesson? Create a space you

actually want to come back to, not just
one that looks good for Instagram
traditional textures seamlessly. collaborations. There’s a Wakanda
My workspace blends old-school art Forever print watching over the studio
techniques with today’s modern tools. like a guardian, and a collection of
Sometimes I’ll jump from Photoshop vinyl toys and books that remind me
and Procreate across to traditional where I started out. I’m a morning-to-
red-pencil roughs, depending on the late-night kind of artist, meaning I’ll
mood and the project. often jump into work at sunrise with
I’ve also layered my walls with art a strong coffee in hand and not leave
and inspiration. Some are my own, until my playlist runs out and my
some from artist friends or past Apple Watch tells me that I’ve only
stood up once all day.
The framed Wakanda right – or some retro hip-hop. That
RGB AMBIENCE Forever art is from one
of the last Marvel board first track flips a switch in my brain
Lighting is everything for me. The games I art directed. and suddenly I’m in the zone. I’ve
It’s a visual mantra of
warm glow from my custom LED rig strength, culture and learned to embrace those rituals
legacy that sits above
lets me film content without harsh my desk to remind me
instead of trying to force a routine
shadows, while RGB accent lights shift to lead with purpose. that doesn’t fit with me.
with my vibe. Blue is for focus, and My biggest lesson from working
red when I’m deep in a storytelling here is to create a space you actually
sequence. The studio isn’t perfectly want to come back to, not just one
organised, but that’s intentional. Every that looks good for Instagram. Your
single pen, toy and sketchbook in art will thank you for it.
there has earned its place. Geizi Guevara is an LA-based illustrator
One of the weirdest things about and designer who’s been building worlds
my setup? I can’t jump into a serious and characters for over 16 years, blending
drawing without kicking things off traditional ink with digital tools. He’s all
with music. It’s usually something about staying curious, pushing ideas, and
A trio of DC heroes that was a gift from Warner nostalgic like a video game intro – creating art that sparks something in others.
Bros. Studios during an office visit. I art directed the
visual branding for their 2018-2020 master toy line. The Legend of Zelda always hits just www.instagram.com/ggkoncepts.

36
 Artist news, software & events

This tray holds the

real MVPs, including
mechanical pencils,
brush pens, and a
couple of random
finds. I always reach
for the red pencil first!

The skull was a gift from a friend who

This pen gets more use than any other tool, so it felt right knew I loved studying form and light the
to give it a base that inspires me. The figure was designed old-school way. Beside it is a limited
by Keos Masons, one of my favourite digital sculptors. edition print of a skeletal pencil deity.

This easel holds one of

my proudest moments:
my cover for ImagineFX’s
Sketchbook Special. I
framed the pencils used
with the published
version to honour the
process and the result.
It reminds me how far
I’ve come as an artist.

This corner is a curated

mess of everything I
love: artbooks, graphic
novels, animation bibles
and collectibles. All the
prints are signed pieces
from artists I admire
that I’ve collected over
the years attending Photography has always been one of my favourite creative outlets
conventions and expos. outside of drawing. These lenses aren’t just gear, they’re tools I use
to train my eye, explore light, and practise composition in real life.

37
 ImagineNation News

Purple reign You picked out a mystical colour theme

to test your skills as our Art Challenge returned

Fernando Martín Antón

Web: www.instagram.com/phrenan_illustrations

Eszter Kókainé Budai

Web: www.instagram.com/librae44

Kimmie Fransson Web: www.kimmiefransson.com

Reggie Thomas
Erica Bey Web: www.instagram.com/erica_bey Web: https://bit.ly/4lqKaMY Lou Basali Web: www.instagram.com/loubasali

Challenge accepted Keep an eye on our social media channels for all the latest ImagineFX Art Challenge
details and you could see your art in a future issue! Visit page 3 for all our social details

38
 Letters

New works that have

YOUR FEEDBACK & OPINIONS grabbed our attention
Contact the editor, Rob Redman,
on [email protected] or write
to ImagineFX, Future Publishing,
Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath, BA1 1UA, England
Follow us on X:
x.com/imaginefx
African comics are on the rise! We spoke to eight artists
Find us on Facebook: about their explosive growth in issue 252.
facebook.com/imaginefx
Share your artwork via #imaginefx: Around the world of art
instagram.com/imaginefxmagazine Thank you for the feature you did on
African comics recently. I love travelling
the world and find it inspires new things
in my art all the time. I’ve never been to
Africa though, so learning about the art
and the type of stories that local artists
tell was super interesting. The colours Heather Hattrick
in the artworks you featured were so @heatherhattrick
bold and vibrant too – amazing!
Benny, via email

Rob replies I’ve been very lucky in

that I’ve managed to travel a lot too, and
I completely agree with you Benny. Visiting
new places and discovering how the history
and culture influences local artists can be
fascinating and something we don’t get to
experience when we stay home, or don’t
Bring me to life Simone Ferriero shared
his tips for upping your
take the time to explore, even online. I’m
Hi Rob. I’m a budding comic creator comic game last month. so pleased you enjoyed the feature and art.
but have always struggled with the
storytelling side of things. I know I can That’s a wrap!
draw really well, it’s just adding a dash Hey ImagineFX team. I just wanted to
of personality to the characters and say how much I loved the wraparound
panels that’s always had me stumped. cover you did for your last issue with all HEW Animation
But I’ve been feeling so much better the Marvel Rivals characters on it. So @hewanimation
after reading Simone Ferriero’s advice mega! I’ve been playing the game since
in last month’s ImagineFX. I’ve followed it’s release day (I’m ranked Celestial I,
his tips and now my comics feel way humblebrag!) as I’m a huge geek for
more lively. I’m not quite there yet but anything Marvel. Seeing all of the
I’ll keep practising. Cheers Simone! characters in one place was awesome
Laila, via email and the feature was totally fascinating.
Pierce, via email
Rob replies Thanks for getting in touch
Laila! It’s so lovely to hear from aspiring Rob replies Hi Pierce. Thanks for the
artists who know where their strengths and kind words. We agree, that was a fab cover
weaknesses lie and even better to hear that and really the only way to do justice to a
we’ve helped you take a step towards your universe with such a huge range of iconic
goals. Simone did a great job with that DID YOU MISS characters. Marvel has managed to create
workshop, with some really good advice THE PREVIOUS such a truly immense set of worlds, heroes Erotokritos Papis
to improve this side of the comic creation PACKED ISSUE? and villains that sometimes it doesn’t feel @erikpapis
Don’t worry –
process, and I’m so glad you got something you can get hold right to only feature a single one and Rivals
from it. We try to cover a whole range of of issue 252 really shows the breadth of creativity. Art If you’ve created art that you want us to
skills in the mag, so keep your eyes peeled director Dino Ma and his team did a great shout about simply tag us on X or Instagram,
at ifxm.ag/ and use the hashtag #imaginefx
for more in future issues. single-ifx. job getting the style for Rivals just right.

39
Feature

Confused by the endless

choice of digital art apps on
the market? We’re here to
help with a breakdown of
the best options for you
he leading digital art
software available today

T provides more choice

and variety than ever,
from painting software
that can simulate real physical media
to photo-editing tools that provide the
versatility for all kinds of digital art.
We’ve tested and reviewed a wide
range of art software using real-world
workflows to compare all the options
for different needs. And with all that
experimentation in the bag, we put
together a handy guide to compare and
rate our picks of the very best in terms
of features and tools, versatility, ease of
use, and price.

BRUSH BONANZA
Procreate offers a ton of brushes,
with plenty more to download
for the perfect stroke.

40
 Top Photoshop alternatives
All images © Procreate

APPLE FLAVOURED
Procreate is only available for iPad, though
iPhone users can use Procreate Pocket.

ROCK AND ROLL

For us, there’s no better software than Procreate available
right now when it comes to drawing and painting.

PROCREATE
The powerful iPad software is a fan favourite
with a wealth of brushes for a bargain price
DON’T GET
IN A FLAP
The straightforward
UI in Procreate
makes it a breeze
to get started with.

e still consider Procreate to The size and quality of Procreate’s hundreds of layers, plus masks and

W be the best digital drawing

and painting software that
we’ve tested. It doesn’t have
customisable pre-installed brushes out
of the box is impressive, and now it’s
hired Adobe’s former brush designer
Price £12.99/$12.99
Platform iPadOS
Company Savage
blend modes. While the layers aren’t
as versatile as in Photoshop, they’re
useful for planning projects and going
Interactive
the massive array of features and use Kyle T. Webster that will only grow. back and forth with clients as it’s easy
cases that are provided by Photoshop, There are plenty more Procreate to move elements around and tweak
but what it can boast of are powerful brushes available to download too based on feedback. The typography
brush tools and a smooth UI that have since the app has a strong community. tools add a whole extra layer of
won it a big following among artists. We’ve always found Procreate creative functionality, and Procreate
It also ticks the box for great value as good for more realistic digital painting now has 3D painting features, which
a one-time purchase. and illustration. You can work with we particularly enjoyed testing out.

The size and quality of the

customisable, pre-installed
brushes is impressive
It’s an incredibly approachable
app. It has the simplest UI and menu
structure of any art software we’ve
tried, making it easy and intuitive to
use. Much more so than Adobe Fresco
(page 46), and the audio feedback
makes for a better experience all-in.
Fresco is now free, but after
comparing the two, we still believe
it’s well worth paying for Procreate.
FAMOUS FACES The app is such good value that it’s
Plenty of well-known worth adding to your toolkit even if
artists love Procreate,
including Loish. you already use other software.

41
Feature

REBELLE 7
Simulate traditional painting with realistic
AFFINITY PHOTO 2
The best straight-up alternative to Photoshop
watercolour, acrylic, wet and dry media offers options for digital art and photo editing

ooking for desktop erhaps the biggest

L painting software?
Rebelle 7 and Rebelle
7 Pro are great-value
P sticking point with
Photoshop is it’s
recurring cost. If you
alternatives with particular like the idea of Photoshop’s
strengths of their own. They’re versatility for image-editing and
an affordable option, and we digital painting but don’t want
found the Pro version to be a to be stuck with a subscription,
powerhouse for simulating GOING FOR GOLD then Affinity Photo 2 is the best CLOSEST MATCH
Make the step up to Rebelle 7 Pro and you’ll Affinity Photo 2 is the most comparable
natural media. be able to work with metallic paints. alternative. It offers excellent software to Photoshop’s range of use cases.
With over 250 brush presets value and can do a lot of what
included, Rebelle 7 is a highly traced canvases for even more Photoshop can, with a few with super high-resolution files,
impressive digital painting app. realistic results. There are superb added strengths of its own. and the Warp, Liquify and Paint
Accurate blending and paper/ resize and export options along If you’ve already used Mixer Brush tools work well, but
canvas simulation make the Pro with stabilisation and texture Photoshop but want to move it does lack some of Adobe’s
version the best digital art features, as well as powerful away from the subscription most advanced new features.
software we’ve tested Warp and Liquify tools model, you should feel The UI will be
when it comes to ready for action. at home with Affinity familiar to anyone who
Price £77.99/ Price £67.99/
mimicking the way Rebelle 7 is intuitive Photo. Like Adobe’s $69.99 (desktop),
knows Photoshop.
$89.99 (Rebelle 7),
that paint behaves in £129.99 /$149.99 to learn through trial software it’s aimed at £17.99/$18.49 (iPad) There’s a learning curve
the real world. We were (Rebelle 7 Pro) and error, but there are image manipulation as Platform Windows, for those who aren’t, but
Platform macOS, iPadOS
able to create realistic also helpful videos on well as digital art, so that’s something that
Windows, macOS Company Serif
watercolours complete Company YouTube and on its you can add lighting comes with such fully
with edge bleeds that Escape Motions website. We only effects and composite featured software.
respect the laws of struggled when using in the same app as you paint. We were impressed by the
physics, even dripping the Pro version on less- In terms of power and speed and compatibility. Unlike
when we tilted the drawing capable hardware. Those paint performance, we found that Photoshop, we found it worked
tablet. Plus we were able to build simulation tools appear to be Affinity Photo was much on a well on less-capable hardware.
up acrylic or oil textures for quite resource-hungry, slowing par with Photoshop, with some And if you prefer to draw on an
thick impasto effects. down old machines. We’d caveats. It can handle 100-plus iPad, Affinity Photo for iPad is
Our reviewer was also struck recommend using a device with megapixel images, so you don’t also available, as well as the
by the metallic paints and ray- at least 16GB of RAM and a have to worry about working Windows and Mac versions.
good processor. Helpfully, Affinity Photo can
A reasonable one-off price both import and export PSD
makes Rebelle 7 an affordable files, which makes it easy to
alternative to Painter, and there migrate projects and could make
are sometimes discounts to be Affinity an option even if you’re
found. The Pro version is almost working with clients or a team
twice the price but includes the that all use Photoshop. And like
metallic paints and pigments Adobe, Affinity also has a suite
colour mixing. Both are more of apps. If you create vector art,
REALISTIC EFFECTS expensive than Procreate, but COMPLETE SUITE Affinity Designer is a solid
Nothing beats the simulation of traditional Affinity has software that mimics Adobe’s
materials found when using Rebelle 7. can do more for you. Illustrator and InDesign apps. alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

42
 Top Photoshop alternatives

MORE APPS FOR

ANDROID ARTISTS
If you’re on the hunt for
some alternative Android
apps, check these out…

BACK TO SCHOOL
If you find Clip Studio Paint
difficult to get used to, you’ll Sketchbook
find a host of tutorials to get Web www.sketchbook.com
up and running.
Price Free, Premium available

Graphixly
CLIP STUDIO PAINT
A great drawing and painting tool aimed at those
who specialise in creating manga and comic art
Infinite Painter
Web www.infinitestudio.art
Price £8.99/$9.99

lip Studio Paint is one of tools and rulers, but if you just want to

C the very best digital art

programs for comics and
manga art. It’s earned a
Price £42/$58.50
(Pro); £184/$258
(EX) both perpetual
see what it’s all about you can jump in
with Pro to begin.
Clip Studio Paint (CSP) is harder to
Platform Windows,
dedicated community of fans, and pen macOS, iPadOS, get started with than Procreate, which
pressure detection makes drawing feel iOS, Android, is more streamlined. CSP throws a lot
natural if you’re on a graphics tablet. ChromeOS of settings at you, but the setup is
Company Celsys
MediBang
Painter (page 44) has a much fuller customisable and still comfortable to Web https://bit.ly/44idcbd
brush engine, runs a little smoother work in with just the brushes, layers, Price Premium from £2.39/$2.99
and is better suited to simulating colour wheel and preview. There are
traditional art, but Clip Studio Paint lots of tutorials available too.
has most of the tools you need for
comic styles at a fraction of the price.
It comes in two versions: Pro and
Clip Studio Paint has most
EX. Confusingly the Pro version is the
cheaper. If you have the money, EX is
of the tools that you need for
the way to go for more animation creating with comic style
The app has a huge array of pricing ibis Paint X
Web https://ibispaint.com
options. You can get a perpetual
Price Prime £23.49/$27.99 yearly
licence for the full EX version for
£184/$258 or the Pro version for
£42/$58.50. That makes the software
expensive in comparison with an iPad
app like Procreate. But if you only
FIGURE IT OUT want to try it out or use it for a short
Clip Studio Paint comes with period of time, there are also options
3D drawing figures to help
you get anatomy just right. to use it via a monthly subscription.
And if you don’t want to commit any
cash to begin with, both the EX and Bamboo Paper
Pro versions are available on free trials Web https://bit.ly/3RI7vvE
for up to three months, at the time Price Free with in-app purchases
of writing this guide.

43
Feature

MORE APPS FOR

IPAD ARTISTS
There’s a host of software
beyond the big names that
are well worth trying…

Inspire Pro
Web https://snowcanoe.com
Price £9.99/$9.99

MISSING IN ACTION

PAINTER 2023
Updates for Painter have
gone silent, but it remains
a powerful piece of kit.

One of the most complete options for painting,

although updates appear to have gone AWOL Art Set 4
Web https://bit.ly/3XVESPh
e’re not really sure what’s Brush control in Painter can feel Price Free with in-app purchases

W happening with Painter. We

used to get annual updates,
but it’s still on Painter 2023
Price £360/$429
Platform Windows,
macOS
complicated at first given the brush
engine is so dense, but the program’s
layout and workspace customisability
Company Alludo
at the time of writing. Things have make it one of the most flexible we’ve
been quiet since Corel rebranded as used for digital painting. Exporting
Alludo in September 2022, but Painter palettes as BOX files is also handy.
is nevertheless still a well-featured Previous versions had a reputation
program for digital painting. for taxing computer hardware. We
Many are torn between Rebelle and found that largely fixed in the latest ArtStudio Pro
Painter for pure drawing and painting. version, but the lack of hardware Web https://bit.ly/3G5LGnl
The former is more affordable and has acceleration can be taxing, particularly Price £6.99/$6.99 monthly
more realistic natural paint behaviour, at 4K. It can be buggy, and doesn’t
but Painter is the more complete work with Windows Ink, but it’s a
software and customisable for precise good fit for using with a dedicated
control. We haven’t found another drawing tablet. Users have reported a
program that offers as much control
of brushes and texture management.
The 2022 update improved on the
Many are torn between
paint flow and mixing system, and
the Fluid Brush system enables layers
Rebelle and Painter for pure
of paint to be built realistically. drawing and painting iPastels
Web www.ipastels.com
Price Free, Pro upgrade £7/$7
slow response when they’ve contacted
support – and Alludo has deleted its
forums too, consigning a lot of tips
and advice to oblivion.
Painter 2023 has a one-off cost, but
it’s considerably more expensive than
Rebelle or Affinity Photo. That makes
it the most expensive on this list that
doesn’t require a subscription. Brush
packs are expensive too, but they’re Comic Draw
AMPLE OPTIONS good quality. Alludo does occasionally Web https://plasq.com
Use cloning tools and more to offer discounts, so keep your eyes Price £9.99/$9.99
create masterpieces in Painter.
peeled for a good deal.

44
 Top Photoshop alternatives

ARTRAGE VITAE KRITA

The cross-platform painting software
brings a set of realistic tools to the table
It might be a little rough round the edges, but this
open-source software is a strong no-cost option

ndroid devices often e’ve already suggested

A miss out on the best

digital art software,
but ArtRage Vitae
W a strong subscription-
free alternative to
Photoshop in the
is a strong tool that has a loyal form of Affinity Photo. That’s
following among artists and great value, but if you’re looking
illustrators. This natural for free digital art software,
painting app has versions for we’ve found none better than
Mac, Windows, Android and the open-source Krita.
iOS. It provides realistic paint It has been quietly going
texture and colour at a cheaper about its business since releasing FREE RIDE
Krita has been steadily developed for over
price than many of the other in 2004, and is one of the best- two decades as an open-source software.
options on our list. kept secrets in the digital art
Although ArtRage is mainly world. It has a great set of But just like Photoshop
focused on natural media and USER-DEFINED BLENDING mediums for digital painters and Affinity Photo, it can
Make your own colour-mixing profile to
painting, there’s a solid range get the precise palette you desire. and illustrators including handle graphic and photo-
of tools available – pencils, watercolour, editing tasks as well.
brushes, Palette Knife ensures you can focus chalk, charcoal, Unsurprisingly, the
£65/$80 Price Free
and even a Glitter Tube, Price (desktop), £4/$4.99
your attention on the bristles, rollers, retouching, blending
Platform Windows,
and we found it more (Android, iOS) art creation. You can painting knives, macOS, Linux options and filters are
precise than rivals such Platform Windows, get up and running in technical pens and Company not quite as robust
as Art Set 4. You can macOS, iOS, mere minutes, and the plenty more to boot. Krita Foundation as those found in
Android
customise brushes, Company same UI transplants You can import Photoshop. For
record your own Ambient Design to the iPad too, so brushes and texture example, our reviewer
actions and adjust the whether you’re painting packs or create and share your found the Smart Patch Tool slow
look of your canvas. from a desktop or on own, and we also liked the and blurry when compared to
ArtRage Vitae is easy to use your lap, it’s all the same. brush stabiliser, which helps Photoshop’s Healing Brush tool.
overall. The UI may look fairly That said, ArtRage can be achieve perfectly smooth lines. The app has a semi-guerrilla
basic, and a little dated, in more laggy than Procreate, but The range of brush adjustment nature, which means there isn’t
comparison to some of the then Procreate is only available possibilities are immense, and much in the way of customer
software featured here, but it’s for iPad. If you don’t own an the layer functionality proves support, so you may need to
incredibly easy to grasp, which Apple device, ArtRage really is excellent too. consult some online tutorials to
a must-have app. get the most out of it – but our
The cost varies depending on testing found it’s pretty easy and
which version you want. At the fun to learn as you go.
time of writing, the desktop Krita does have its quirks:
software costs $80 (around £65) some find the brush workflow
while the iOS and Android apps a bit awkward compared to
cost just $4.99 (around £4), Photoshop since you can’t
which makes the latter a real quickly change brush without
no-brainer for anyone who clicking on presets, and our
MIRROR IMAGE wants to paint directly on an SNOW BUSINESS reviewer thought previews for
The ArtRage UI is shared between the desktop The app can be used for a variety of art styles,
and iPad versions, making it easy to switch. Android phone or tablet. such as this gorgeous environment by Sad Tea. individual channels were off.

45
Feature

FRESCO
Adobe hopes to reel artists into its
ecosystem with a tidy free offering
DRAWING DESK
One for the kids! Get them started early with
basic lessons including Marvel characters

dobe Fresco is rawing Desk is

A another option for

those looking for free
software. We prefer
D unique on this list as
it’s primarily aimed at
kids to teach them
the workflow and UI offered by the common principles of form,
Procreate for working directly shape and perspective. The app
on iPad, but Fresco has no cost has a clever training mode that
and can be used for vector art as first draws a shape or line that
well as raster images. you then draw over. There’s a SHAPES LIBRARY
You can choose from a range of ready-made
Our highlight of Fresco was degree of snapping to these lines forms to get a head start in Drawing Desk.
its ability to blend vector, live but with enough room for errors
and pixel brushes in a single and artistic licence. Gradually, including Marvel, with more
place, reducing the need to work a sketch begins to take shape in-app purchases on hand.
across different apps. Fresco CHANGE OF HEART with colouring and painting Drawing Desk can also be used
Fresco was a paid-for app before Adobe
automatically picks a new layer decided to make it available for free. done the same way. as a fairly rudimentary digital
for this, handily. We found the Marvel tutorials art app with the core tools you’d
It also has a selection in a lack of variety in fun and engaging, and best of want and a decent simulation
of Live Brushes that Price Free the effects as pressure all it teaches the basic principles of paints and markers, but this
Platform Windows,
aim to replicate real- iOS, iPadOS
was the only element of how to use a digital art app, isn’t its real intent.
world media, but we Company Adobe that had any influence from layers to masks, as well as One thing to note, within
found these to be on the flow of paint. how to build a sketch from Drawing Desk are a number of
disappointingly The interface is primary shapes for perspective sub-apps for digital art, and
synthetic-feeling; they don’t relatively simple and intuitive, and correct form. more, and it can be a
blend, spread and interact with but a little bloated when There are a number Price Free (in-app little confusing as to
the realism of those found in compared to Procreate. That of licensed tutorials, purchases) what’s free and what
ArtRage or Rebelle. The oil said, the UI can be customised. Platform Windows, needs to be purchased.
macOS, Oculus
brushes lacked depth, sheen and Brush panels can be docked TEACHING PLATFORM Company
But stick to the drawing
texture, though the watercolours where you need them, and the Follow the guided tutorials tutorials and this is an
within the app to see artwork 4Axis
were a little more convincing. full-screen mode removes all gradually come to life. excellent teaching tool.
We felt the app was also let distractions from view. Brushes
down by a lack of options for are easy to import, but we felt
canvas texture, which resulted that brush customisation was
easier in Procreate.
Adobe originally charged for
Fresco, but has since made it
free, presumably to entice
people into its wider ecosystem,
which includes Creative Cloud
apps such as Photoshop and
Illustrator. That means Fresco is
worth downloading to see how
MIX AND MATCH it works for you before jumping
The software is a one-stop shop for working
with both vector and raster art. into a subscription package.

46
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49
 Artist
PROFILE
Patrick Wagesreither
LOCATION: Austria

Patrick has tried a lot

of things on his route to
becoming an artist, from
dropping out of school to
military service, and then
studying at university. Nowadays he’s
a part-time high school teacher and
concept art freelancer, but enjoys
sketching and doodling full-time.
www.artstation.com/patso_catso

oncept ar tist shows

ec
iq ue co llection as th nusual soldiers THE ENGINEER
a un achines an
du
Delve into b by w a r m “A sketch of an engineering
mech. I found influences for

off his chu this one by researching

real-life tank parts.”

READY
FOR BATTLE
“A little bit of armed
architecture. It’s a genre
that I really enjoy.” SHIP SHAPE
“I love drawing ships. It’s
just so relaxing to include
all the small details.”

MACCIES
“A sketch of a
Second World War-
era transport that I
turned into a field
McDonald’s.”

50
Sketchbook Patrick Wagesreither
I’ll scan many
of my sketches and
give them a layer of
digital colour

ADDING COLOUR
“I’m always sketching a lot of mechs.
I’ll scan many of my sketches and give
them a digital colour layer, just like
this not-so-ferocious feline.”

51
 INFANTRY
“I’ll sketch the odd
weird animal – armed
of course! They’re
mostly cats though,
not elephants.”

The challenge is
always how to place
the real details onto
a new surface

ROTUND MECH
“I love nothing more than
creating oddly shaped mechs.
They’re the best!”

WAR MACHINE
“A Vietnam-era flying bike
based on American aircraft
from World War II.”

52
 Sketchbook Patrick Wagesreither

GENESTEALER
TRACTOR TESTERS
“This is one of my exploration pages,
“A 1970s German soldier,
reimagined as a Genestealer. I’m
where I usually just draw to familiarise a Warhammer fan, as you
myself with stuff. In this case it was can tell!”
mostly tractors.”

FAT TANK
BOAT BOTS
“My sketchbooks
“Another round vehicle, this
time an AMX-13. The challenge is
are filled with these how to place the real details
kinds of weird mech. on a new surface. “
These ones are inspired
by World War II
battleships.”

53
 LIFE LESSONS
“Even though I love to
sketch science fiction and
military stuff these days, I also
like to draw from real life
every now and again.”

BREEZY PATROL
“Fun sketch concept of a
giant wind-powered mech
THE SKIES
“A flying patrol boat. I often
based on a modern Leopard sketch small views from
battle tank.” different angles as I always
think of the overall
shape.”

I sketch small views from

different angles as I always
think of the overall shape

54
 Sketchbook Patrick Wagesreither
CAFE
DOODLES
“A very authentic
page with a coffee
stain. I sketch in
cafes a lot…”

OLD SCHOOL
“I’ll never become tired of
sketching retro sci-fi
mechs.”

OFF
THE RAILS
“Another wild page
done with a ballpoint.
I sketch a lot when on
the train and use
whatever I have
on me.”

Do you want to share your sketches with your fellow ImagineFX readers? Send us an email with a
selection of your art, captions for each piece and a photo and bio of yourself to [email protected]

55
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56
 GET YOUR
RESOURCES
See page 5 now!

Workshop assets
are available…
Download your resources by turning to
page 5. And if you see the video workshop badge,
you can watch the artist in action, too.

Advice from the world’s best artists

58 64

This issue:
58 Paint distinctive
character artwork
Jump into Yona’s top tips for
developing standout figures
with simple composition tricks.
66 64 Use photo
references
Quentin Marsollier gets his
inspiration from real-life images
as he creates stunning scenes.

66 Develop magical
portal effects
Take a deeper look at Richard
Lay’s fantasy forest scene as he
picks out the key elements.

70 Harmonious
world design
Sail Lin nurtures a battalion
70 72 78 of quirky characters to fit into
his unique concept project.

72 Create ethereal
light and colour
Learn how to paint mysterious
mood with an in-depth guide
from artist Pauline Voss.

78 Kitbash the
groundwork
Starting with a “doodle-fest”,
Sebastian Luca tells us how he
develops an epic sci-fi shot.

57
 Workshops

Artist insight
PAINT DISTINCTIVE
CHARACTER ART
Yona shares his advice for creating powerful, personality-filled
characters using simple and dynamic composition techniques

Artist My focus has always art and focus on the essentials that The key is focusing on the details
PROFILE been to stay true to
my artistic vision. For
my work truly began to resonate
with myself and others.
that really matter and letting go of
any unnecessary elements.
Yona years I tried to follow In this workshop, you’ll learn What I want you to take away is
LOCATION: Uruguay
the “rules” of art, to create characters that don’t need the confidence that sometimes less
Yona is an illustrator hoping to fit into what was supposed busy backgrounds or excessive can be more. You’ll learn to simplify
with a focus on creating
comic covers, characters
to be my style to get work. However, details to stand out. I’ll show you your work without losing power
and game art. He works I realised that this didn’t make me how to strategically use poses, or emotion, and discover how that
across the comics and happy or help me stand out. It was anatomy and composition to create simplicity might be what truly makes
publishing industry.
https://bit.ly/3G1zFzm
only when I decided to simplify my striking and expressive characters. your art stand out.

1 STRIKE THE PERFECT POSE

A character’s pose is essential to express their personality
and emotion without words. Through posture, we can show 2 USE ANATOMY AS A FOUNDATION
action, power or vulnerability. I think about how my characters Anatomy is essential to make your characters feel real. You don’t need
interact with their environment: are they standing tall, in to know every muscle in detail, but understanding how the body works
motion, or relaxed? Sometimes a slight tilt of the head, eyes, is fundamental. I focus on the basics: the bone and muscle structures.
or a hand at a specific angle can say more than a background This allows me to create characters with natural poses, even when I work
full of details. Each pose should tell a story, but what’s key is in a stylised way. I’m not looking for perfect bodies, just believable ones. I
making sure the character’s body speaks for itself, revealing practice constantly and experiment with different positions. This way, I can
their emotional state and role in the story. bring my characters to life while keeping them dynamic and consistent.

58
 Artist insight Striking characters

4 COLOUR AS AN EMOTIONAL TOOL

Colour has a direct impact on the emotion we
want to convey. Warm colours like red or orange
can suggest energy, passion or tension, while cooler
tones like light blue or violet evoke calm, serenity or
mystery. When choosing colours, ask yourself what
you want the character to express. Are they strong
and dynamic, or more calm and reflective? Use
colour to complement the character’s personality,
set the right mood, and reinforce the main emotion
3 REMEMBER THAT LESS IS MORE of the image. Colour is just as important as pose
Simplicity doesn’t make your art less impactful. On the when it comes to what we try to communicate.
contrary, removing details helps your character stand out
more. Using a clean background or a vibrant colour, like a red
circle behind them, focuses the viewer’s attention on what
matters: pose, anatomy and expression. By removing the Simplicity
unnecessary, the visual message becomes stronger. It’s not
about skipping elements, instead it’s about focusing on what has an incredible
really matters. A minimalist design can be just as powerful
as a detailed one if you use it strategically.
power to convey
the emotion in
our artwork
5 HIGHLIGHT THE
PERSONALITY OF
YOUR CHARACTER
To create an effective composition,
focus on keeping things simple. Use 6 GUIDE COMPOSITION
basic shapes and empty space so WITH PATTERNS
the character stands out. It’s not Sometimes using a simple pattern
necessary to fill every single corner in your composition can be every
of the image with details. By keeping bit as effective as any complex
the background clean and placing a background. I use circles or a
few elements strategically, we can repeating shape as a base to direct
highlight what really matters: the the viewer’s attention and give visual
character’s personality. Following flow. Here, I used a circular sequence
this minimalist approach not only of hands as the background. It’s not
makes the image more visually just about drawing a literal figure,
appealing, but it also helps the but creating a structure or cycle that
viewer to focus on exactly what the guides the eye without being too
character in question is expressing, obvious. Experiment with silhouettes
without any distractions. Simplicity or repeating elements and see how
has an incredible power to convey your image gains coherence without
emotion in our work. needing unnecessary details.

59
 Workshops

8 PERFECT LIGHTING
AND CONTRAST
This can completely transform how a
character is perceived. I use light and
shadow not just to define form, but
to create emotion and drama. The
contrast of light and shadow creates
focus and highlights what I want to
be seen. By playing with lighting, you
can give characters a sense of depth
or make them stand out further
against a minimalist background.
Simple shifts in lighting can make the
whole composition more impactful.

9 MOVEMENT BRINGS
CHARACTERS TO LIFE
Adding movement brings energy
to the composition. When I created
a character with the idea of a “leap
of faith,” I thought about how to
express that feeling using the pose.
7 MASTER COMPOSITION direction, or a figure in the Even if the image is static, I can show
When composing an illustration, background illuminated by the motion through the position of the
I think about what’s happening moon can suggest influence arms, the direction of the gaze, or
between the characters. It’s not or importance to the narrative. how the elements are arranged.
just about how they look, but Using composition to show Movement can be subtle or very
also what their posture, gaze and what’s happening between the clear, but always try to include it, as
placement say. A sword dividing characters is a powerful way it helps bring dynamism and gives
the image, a gaze in another to tell a story without words. life to the piece, as if the character
exists beyond the canvas.

60
 Artist insight Striking characters

With a single
change in posture,
we can say a lot
without adding a
single word

10 BODY LANGUAGE
The body also speaks. When I draw,
I pay attention to how the characters
stand, where they look, and what
they do with their hands. A hunched
pose shows insecurity, but a firm one
portrays confidence. With a single
change in posture, we can say a lot
without adding a single word. That
helps the viewer understand the
emotion or intention right away.

61
 Workshops

11 GIVE YOUR CHARACTERS CHARISMA

Delivering a touch of personality can make artwork truly stand out

Sketch the energy Clean up and shadows Add the colour,

A Start with a simple sketch where
B Begin cleaning up the sketch,
C depth and attitude
you define the pose, space and energy of defining the silhouette and volumes. I With the colour and inking done, we can
the character. If the sketch conveys what use shadows as a tool to create depth define the layers. For me that’s her shadow
you want to say, the rest will flow. Focus on and direct attention toward the character. and the zombie hands in the background,
making sure the character’s attitude feels Even if I’m still in the pre-inking phase, I’m the character, and a green foreground mist.
strong from the very first line, which should already building the mood that I want to The environment adds tension, but the
help it continue throughout. reinforce later with the colours. scene revolves around her confidence.

Using fewer
elements, but with
intention, makes
everything carry
more weight

12 FOCUS THE
VIEWER’S GAZE
When I start out on an
illustration, I always think
about which part I want
the audience’s eyes to
see first. Use contrast,
lines or gesture direction
to guide the gaze. For
example, if I want them
to notice an intense
expression, I’ll make sure
there are no distractions
nearby. The clearer its
focus, the stronger an
impact it makes.

62
 Artist insight Striking characters

13 BALANCE THE VISUAL RHYTHM

I like to give the character space to breathe. If everything is filled with detail,
the image feels crowded. That’s why it’s good to alternate busy zones with
simple ones, like flat shadows or clean backgrounds. This creates a balance
between chaos and order, and makes the character stand out much more.

14 CREATE DETAILS THAT TELL STORIES

Don’t draw details for the sake of it. Every accessory, scar or
torn garment says something about the character. Sometimes
a single object tells their whole story. Try to choose carefully
what to show and what to leave out. Fewer elements, but with
intention, make everything carry more weight.

15 IF THE SILHOUETTE READS, IT WORKS

Many times my characters start from shapes. I always try to
give each one a clear silhouette that works even in shadow.
Play with proportions, angles and poses to break repetition.
Varying the silhouettes keeps everything feeling fresh and
helps each design have its own identity.

63
 Workshops

Artist
PROFILE
Quentin
Marsollier
LOCATION: Canada

Quentin is a French visual

development artist and
senior matt painter in
the animation industry.
He loves developing
2D environments and
is passionate about
creating stories through
colourful images.
https://bit.ly/4leP27v

64
Tech Focus Reference study

Technique focus
USE PHOTO
REFERENCES
Quentin Marsollier studies images
to get inspired for striking scenes
“These studies are based on photos, which
were good opportunities to explore new
techniques. For the two men arguing
next to a car [inset left], I tested out new
brushes. This lets me make technical
progress and work faster on a production. For the street
study with the cat, I used the photo’s fantastic lighting
to create a graphic illustration. Before painting, I always
try to analyse the strong points of an image as much
as possible, for example: how can the lighting help the
composition? Then I can have fun and paint.”

65
 Workshops

Photoshop
DEVELOP MAGICAL
PORTAL EFFECTS
Richard Lay gives us the lowdown on all the key details and
techniques that went in to creating his spellbinding scene

66
 For this piece I wanted needed. The answer was simple: let’s movement is happening within
Artist to create a scene where add a giant portal! It’s a great way the portal as it spirals, leaving the
PROFILE a mysterious event to have a clear focal point and bring creatures in the scene transfixed.
Richard Lay was happening in the additional colour diversity into the A running theme you can find in
LOCATION: US
forest. It originally piece, while also blending it with the a lot of my artworks are these very
Richard was born and started life as an older illustration, scene using some vegetation growing centric compositions. I enjoy finding
raised in California and where I decided to expand on the out of the edges. ways to guide the viewer’s attention
grew up watching anime
and other entertainment.
original composition to create a I also added a few lizards as a towards my main subjects. In my
That was the inspiration little more visual interest. contrasting element to the scene to experience, the easiest way is using
and motivation to create Although I liked the original create a more playful, whimsical a variety of artistic techniques,
his unique art, which
captivates thousands design I’d created, I felt as though vibe, plus some plants and insects for including the shape design, colour,
of followers across his the scene was too small and the a sensation of calmness. Every major values, flow and so on. But there are
social media accounts.
https://bit.ly/3RhYMjR
characters didn’t have enough about element you see is in a state of near advanced tools in Photoshop that
them to occupy the space that I stillness, while almost all the can build the magic too.

67
 Workshops

ENTER THE PORTAL

Thinking big and small

When creating a large-scale piece, it’s important to keep track of all the smaller elements
used within the scene. Micro-composition can sometimes tell a story or serve as its own side
narrative within a larger piece. For this one, I created some visual framing by carefully placing
elements around the scene to guide the viewer’s eyes into this smaller area of composition.

How I create…
AN ENCHANTING
FANTASY FOREST
Initial ideas
1 My starting point is often very different from the
end, which a bad habit of mine. I start with a more muted
palette and add colours for contrast and saturation as I
progress. Here the people started out as monks, but later
became more wizard-like as the scene began to get more
fantastical while I developed the narrative.

68
 Dynamic dragon
This dragon is ready to jump while
almost everything else is still. This is
one more ratio to consider: the energy
and movement within a piece. As the
character is the only one jumping, it
creates that sense of imbalance and
also offers a hint of dynamism.

Create an organic feeling

Play with your ratios so that they’re never 50:50 or 100 per
cent. Having a bit of imbalance and imperfection can add to
this effect. In the first image, most of the creatures and other
elements are pointing towards the portal with a couple facing
away, while in the second shot everything is mostly blue and
green with bits of violet for contrast. When your ratios become
too even it gives a sense of balance and perfection that can
make an image feel artificial. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing
depending on what you’re going for, but keep in mind that
nature is more organic and imperfect – why not play into that.

PHOTOSHOP
CUSTOM BRUSHES:
RAKE BRUSH

Used mainly for the

portal and hatching out
Distortion effects some thin unified strands
The spiral can be achieved by laying Shared elements within the piece.
down an assortment of base colours. The textures on the lizard
My choice was for complementary blues, and the tree are from the same
SCALE BRUSH
which I adjusted to my liking with the stamp brush. This can be used
Hue sliders. Under the Distort tool you as a subtle way to show the
can select Twirl to create the effect, while relationship between the
the haze was created with the Ocean portal and the animals, as you This was a stamp brush
Ripple filter. When you combine these can see on zooming out that used on the lizards and
distortions together, it can create plenty only the lizards are really the portal tree, along
of unique effects, so experiment! looking towards the portal. with the Warp tool.

Evolve the narrative

2 The story that I wanted to
tell wasn’t clear from a narrative
standpoint. Part of me liked the way
the piece was with that feeling of
ambiguity, though over time I felt a
clear message was more appropriate
and changed the composition. I Choose a colour combination
didn’t completely remove the story,
3 At this stage the final composition has been
but added to it, making some events established. I pushed the colour saturation enough to not
in the scene more of a side story. The break the flow and picked an 80:20 ratio with my colour
main narrative would be the portal, scheme, favouring an 80 per cent blue composition with
which was more simple and clear. small accents of violet and pink for more visual interest.

69
 Workshops

Artist
PROFILE
Sail Lin
LOCATION: China

Sail is a senior game

concept designer who
has been a part of
projects such as Delta
Force and FragPunk. He
is currently the head of
the firearms design team
for the game Strinova.
https://bit.ly/42hKogi

70
 Tech Focus Worldbuilding

Technique focus
HARMONIOUS
WORLD DESIGN
Sail Lin takes the battle to the vegetable plot
with an army of carefully crafted characters

“These guns are a set Meanwhile, the shape of the food

of personal conceptual dictates the weapon, so a long spring
artworks. They belong onion becomes a sniper rifle, and
to animals who fight a corn cob lends itself well to being a
against villains with submachine gun. Once the firearms
weaponry made from different types were made I began to create the cute
of fruit and vegetables. characters that would wield them,
Each gun is tailored to a different which in turn helped me to construct
animal, for example the gun made the world they live in and the stories
from carrots is used by a little rabbit. that I could tell within it.”

71
 Workshops

Procreate
CREATE ETHEREAL
LIGHT AND COLOUR
Pauline Voss shares her approach to crafting luminous, mystical
lighting and using layered colours for atmospheric characters

Artist For me, light and effects. It’s an organic process rather effects available to achieve that
PROFILE colour are everything.
They define the mood,
than a fixed method, which means
there is always room to play and
glowing, dreamlike effect.
This process helps me retain
Pauline Voss depth, and emotional discover happy accidents, too. But control while allowing for creative
LOCATION: Germany
core of an artwork. for this breakdown I’ll try my best to discovery. Whether you’re new to
Pauline is a freelance Over the years, I’ve developed my give a more structured explanation digital painting or looking to refine
concept artist and
illustrator specialising in
own approach to creating ethereal, that will help get you started. your colour and lighting skills, this
creating strong female glowing light effects, which I’ll be The tutorial follows my core method might help you push the
characters and magical breaking down in this tutorial. workflow: sketching and refining depth and luminosity of your work.
themes. Her previous
clients include Wizards
I build my lighting up gradually, line work; laying down flat colours; I’ll be using my custom Procreate
of the Coast, Disney and layer-by-layer, playing with various gradually building shadows and brush pack throughout this tutorial,
HarperCollins. blending modes, opacity and subtle highlights; and experimenting with which you can find all the details for
www.skadivore.com
erasing to create soft, semi-realistic layer blending and all the different at the bottom-left of this page.

PROCREATE
CUSTOM BRUSHES:
SMOOTH SKETCH

Perfect for smooth lines

with a flowing taper for
any line work.

MESSY BLUR FUSH

This brush makes use of

Procreate’s blur feature.

HARD BASE

A more organic custom

version of the standard
brush. I use it for flat
colours or lines with
a small stroke size.

FUSCH SMUDGE

Block in the image

Used for satisfying,
2 Create a new layer underneath the sketch and block
textured smudging. It Sketch the foundation in a flat base of any colour for the character. This isn’t
can be used softly and
powdery, or strong.
1 Before diving into colours, establish a solid base about shading yet, just defining the shape that will serve
sketch. This step focuses on defining proportions, gesture as a base for all different kinds of elements, materials and
You can purchase
Pauline’s brush set for and composition to create a strong foundation. Keep your the light effects later. Since the lighting will play a major
this tutorial by visiting lines loose and organic at first, then refine them until role, you should also think about where the different
http://cbr.sh/van78q
you’re happy with the level of detail. light sources might come from at this stage.

72
In depth Ethereal atmosphere

73
 Workshops

Organise with masks

Set the mood 4 Using clipping masks all based on the base shape
3To establish the overall mood and lighting, add a gradient layer on top of a layer, separate different elements of the painting – the
solid background. This helps to give a sense of depth and atmosphere. You can also materials, details and so on – to keep things organised.
add a gradient transparency using layer mask on the shape layer, establishing the This step ensures easy control of colour adjustments and
ethereal elements early in the process. On top of that, using a Clipping Mask, place blending modes without affecting the entire canvas. I
a gradient that becomes lighter in an upper corner, which also acts as a rough find using crazy colours helps keep myself entertained
orientation and direction for the overall lighting decisions going forward. during the process and stops my eyes getting tired.

Fine-tune your colour palette

5At this stage, tweak hue, saturation and brightness to bring the local colours closer to your vision. They don’t have to be perfect yet, but I
prefer keeping them cohesive unless I’m introducing a deliberate pop of contrast. A monochromatic palette is often the key to a moody look.

74
 In depth Ethereal atmosphere

Prepare for lighting with shadows

6 Before adding light, first darken the overall scene to make room for contrast. This pulls the scene together and brings the colours
even closer. Since the upcoming lighting will be the main focus, this step ensures the highlights pop more dramatically later on.

Introduce a secondary light

Define the primary light source 8 To add more depth and richness, add a secondary
7 Now establish the main light source that will drive the composition. I paint light source to the image. This could be reflected light
it in with a hard brush and blend with my messy blur brush, usually to an extreme from the environment or an intentional effect such as
degree and in an inaccurate colour to later pull back and colour correct, making it magical fairy dust or an unseen source of energy. It adds
easier to see where the light goes. Next consider the light’s direction, intensity and interest to the storytelling, but also colour variation, and
temperature; is it a warm sunset glow, cold moonlight or magical artificial light? makes the scene feel more immersive.

75
 Workshops

Enhance the glow 10 Subsurface scattering

For organic elements such as skin, fabric or leaves,
9 Use a soft airbrush to selectively improve the glowing effects, emphasising introduce subsurface scattering; the way light passes
the luminous areas. Elements such as butterflies get a boost with the Add blending through semi-transparent materials. A bright red/orange
mode, which is one of my favourites. Experiment with the Screen, Add and Colour accent can be added to the ears and fingers, and a neon
Dodge modes to increase brightness without overexposing details. This step is green to leaves to make them appear both more lifelike
what gives the image its otherworldly, dreamlike quality. and magical at the same time.

Increase the depth in your shadows

11 The impression of shadows automatically happens when we paint in the light and leave out certain areas. But to add more depth to
the painting I usually add a layer of ambient occlusion set to Multiply. Just like after each step, I’ll go in with strong contrast and then after
finishing with the painting, adjust the layer to a softer version by adding saturation and lessening the intensity.

76
 In depth Ethereal atmosphere

12 Refine the lighting and go through each layer again

With a layer mask on the main light layer, carve out shapes created by leaves and other objects in the way of the light. This means erasing
or masking areas to create sharper edges, glow breaks and silhouettes. On some materials, especially skin, it can be interesting to hem those
shapes with a reddish/orange as subsurface scattering. Go through each layer, retouching blending modes, hue, and so on to see what works.

14 Final tweaks and post-production

At this stage, I step away for a while before making last changes. Staring at
a piece for hours can make it hard to spot mistakes, so a fresh perspective helps.
Merge the layers and make Flipping the canvas also reveals imbalances. Make a final colour grading pass,
13 adjustments to proportions adjusting brightness, contrast and saturation to unify the painting. Sometimes
With most of the elements in place, you can reduce the I add a subtle vignette to guide focus towards the subject, while I also love using
opacity of the line work and merge the layers for a final chromatic aberration; it reminds me of looking at the moon through binoculars.
proportion check. This is where I subtly tweak details like Lastly, clean up the remaining line work and add final storytelling elements;
the head shape, arm length or pose, ensuring the overall perhaps glowing flower pistils, enchanted eyes, or in my case even a whole tree
flow and composition feel balanced. to add more context, bringing everything together in a magical, cohesive way.

77
 Workshops

Technique focus
KITBASH THE
GROUNDWORK
Sebastian Luca reveals the process that
resulted in his dystopian lemonade stand

“This piece started as a chill doodle-fest where I kitbash shapes

and ideas until something vaguely coherent emerges. That’s how
I ended up with an overly ambitious lemonade stand floating in
a dystopian cityscape. The process itself is straightforward: I grab
generic models from the market, kitbash them into something
larger, and model the custom details myself using 3DCoat and
Blender. For this sketch, I rendered everything in KeyShot, though
Unreal Engine is usually my go-to. I’d recommend kitbashing
everything, as it skips the technical drudgery and leaves you
with more brainpower for the fun, creative stuff .”

78
Tech Focus Kitbashing

Artist
PROFILE
Sebastian
Luca
LOCATION: Romania

Sebastian is a senior
concept artist who treats
kitbashing like a sport
by throwing together
models, sculpts and wild
ideas until something
cool sticks. Sometimes
his technique works, and
the rest of the time the
results are abstract.
https://bit.ly/3R3mY9u

79
 Artist’s
The latest digital art resources are put Choice Award
Art resources with a five-star

to the test by the ImagineFX team… rating receive the ImagineFX

Artist’s Choice award!

© Huawei
The PaperMatte screen provides
a nice sensation while drawing.

Huawei MatePad
Pro 13.2 (2025)
APPLICATION CONUNDRUM The updated tablet is
Disconnecting
the keyboard can
be a finicky process.
still a baffling combination of hardware and software
Price From £1,000/$1,300 Company Huawei Web www.huawei.com

e’ve had our hands on a point – make sure the apps you want other 13-inch tablets such as the iPad

W couple of Huawei tablets

before, finding them to
be perfectly respectable
to use are supported first.

EXCELLENT DESIGN
Pro. The next is the screen, which is
a 16:9 OLED with Huawei’s lovely
PaperMatte coating that successfully
hardware often let down by their The first thing you’ll notice upon cuts down on reflections and feels
software. This new model, with a picking up the MatePad Pro is that it’s nice to run your finger over. Huawei
13.2-inch OLED screen and both a nice and light, especially compared to calls the screen a ‘flexible OLED’, but
stylus and a keyboard case in the there’s no flexibility to the tablet at all:
box, aims to be an even more made from plastic and metal, it’s thin
tempting offering from the Chinese but stiff and feels sturdy.
brand, though it’s not substantially As a 13.2-inch tablet, it’s the same
different to the previous release. size as many laptops, especially if you
Once again we find potentially great slot it into the keyboard case that
hardware with a software offering comes in the box. This is a two-part
that’s hard to get along with, though operation involving a magnet, and
improving. So if you do find yourself while it may feel flimsy at first, it’s a
considering the MatePad Pro as a simple process and a flap folds out
tablet to sling in your bag, and even from the back to provide support,
do some work on – and there are much like some Surface devices.
© Huawei

plenty of other options among the The bundled stylus is The lock switch is nicely recessed so
comfortable and well
best tablets for drawing at this price designed overall. it won’t get pushed accidentally too

80
 Art tools Hardware

© Huawei
Reflections are cut down courtesy
of the coating used on the display.

The rear camera features 50MP and 8MP lenses.

Not award-winning, but likely rarely used.

Mail, Notes, and all the usual things

you’d expect from a tablet, though not
necessarily under names familiar from
Android. So far, so good.
If you want to install something not
© Huawei

covered by the AppGallery, it will still

appear in a search, and direct you to
an APK site to download it. Given all
the warnings we get from our mobile
devices about not installing apps from
unknown sources, there’s a degree of
trust required here. It’s not in Huawei’s
interests to direct you to malware-
riddled APKs, and there were no
problems we know of with the apps
Weighing in at 580g, the MatePad we installed this way. But it still feels a
Pro 13.2 is light and easy to handle.
long way from the simplicity of Google
Play or the App Store.
many times and the front camera is and you’ve got a responsive drawing We installed Microsoft Teams and
capable of facial recognition to get tablet to use with whatever painting Amazon Kindle as APKs, from two
you up and running quickly. It resumes app you can get to work. Krita and different download sources, and while
from sleep almost instantly, and the Infinite Painter installed and worked, Kindle worked okay, Teams wouldn’t
keyboard has a touchpad that not only while HiPaint was on the AppGallery sign in properly. The Geekbench app
allows you to move a mouse pointer and GoPaint was pre-installed. The we use for comparing performance on
on-screen, but sketch out gestures stylus is comfortable to use despite phones and tablets wouldn’t install at
too. One thing we discovered is that being hard plastic, has a flat edge to all, despite us downloading the APK
the tablet doesn’t notice when the magnetically snap to the tablet and
VERDICT twice. The CPU is hardly flagship-level,
Huawei makes great
keyboard has been detached, leaving stop it rolling away, and doesn’t lag. tablets – this slightly but clearly has enough oomph in its
you unable to use the on-screen matt screen is great eight cores to make apps responsive,
keyboard. We ended up disabling LESS THAN APPY to read from and draw
on – and comes with helped by the 12GB of RAM.
useful accessories.
NearLink to disconnect it, just so we A tablet is nothing without some Sadly, its software lets
Anything can run web apps.
could search the web. software to run on it, and even though it down as the app What we want from a £1,000 tablet
service just isn’t as
On the back, there’s a circular HarmonyOS is built on Android, instant as other app
is a smooth experience, and Huawei
camera bulge. You’d never guess there Huawei doesn’t have access to the stores. It is improving, hasn’t quite got there yet, though it
however, and with
are four microphones and six speakers Google Play Store. There’s the Huawei stylus response and has improved. If you’re a heavy user
buried in the chassis, while Bluetooth AppGallery, which should be your first screen quality like this of Google services this isn’t the tablet
one, you still might
means you’ll be able to connect a port of call, and there are plenty of love it if you can find for you. CorelDraw Go wouldn’t work
the right apps.
headset, as there’s no headphone jack. apps on there, including the Opera at all – the Edge browser looked like it
The OLED screen shines out of the and Edge browsers if you don’t like Pros was going to manage it, but errored
Excellent screen
front of the MatePad Pro and is a the built-in one, and Microsoft 365 if Keyboard and
after a while. The web version of
marvellous, HDR-compatible display. you’re an Office/OneDrive user. stylus in the box Photoshop didn’t want to work in
Feels snappy to use
Unpack the pressure-sensitive stylus GoPaint is pre-installed, as are Maps, the mobile browser but would in
Cons
Android without Edge, while Photopea worked in all

If you do find yourself considering

the Google bits
the browsers. Perhaps there’s hope
Installing apps not
always simple for it yet if there’s a software update
the MatePad Pro, make sure the apps Rating on the horizon; a desktop-class
browser would be a big step.
you want to use are supported first Ian Evenden

81
 Reviews

Acer DS2 Series Pro

Barely bigger than a USB flash drive, this
slimline SSD is quick, tough and portable.

NEW DIMENSION The monitor delivers eye-boggling 3D

SpatialLabs technology, but comes at a significant price
Price £3,000/$3,400 Company Acer Web www.acer.com

hether or not the dedicated The 3D technology

used is impressive,

W 3D visual technology in
the Acer DS2 Series Pro
SpatialLabs monitor will
but may not yet
have broad appeal.

appeal to a broad enough market is

yet to be seen, but the tech is still
impressive nonetheless.
The 27-inch display itself is 4K Seagate Ultra
resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Compact SSD
The display itself is fairly standard but
it’s the multiple cameras at the top tech to view stereoscopic output SPEEDY STORAGE
and the bottom-mounted speakers without the need for glasses. In the Small on the outside,
that first catch the attention. same vein, the Acer SteamVR Bridge gigantic on the inside
The overall design is rather boxy transforms virtual reality creations into
and dated with few curves to speak high-resolution, glasses-free visuals. Price From £110/$90
of. There’s a sizeable amount of tech Despite arguably aiming at a very VERDICT Company Seagate
packed into the case that means the niche market, the DS2 Series Pro This monitor is a Web www.seagate.com
dedicated solution
base is larger than we would have actually performs well. Through the for 3D developers
RATING
liked. This results in the display panel SpatialLabs software you have access who don’t want to
mess around with
sitting almost flush with the front of to SpatialLabs Go, SpatialLabs Model additional hardware
when testing. The
the base, protruding uncomfortably Viewer and SpatialLabs Player. These The Seagate Ultra Compact drive
movement from 2D
far onto the desk. tools provide everything required to to 3D viewing is pretty lives up to its name. It’s tiny, for an
seamless, but at the
The display offers an unbelievable turn 2D content into 3D in real-time, price it’s difficult for
SSD, and also noticeably smaller
level of adjustment. This is evidenced as well as watch side-by-side videos many people to justify. than the other portable SSDs
It may push out the
by the fact the swivel goes up to 45 in stereoscopic 3D. boundaries of what is we’ve reviewed in recent issues.
degrees in both directions, while the The monitor does an admirable job possible, but whether At 24g it’s also very light, and is
there’s a market to
tilt ranges from -7 to 33 degrees, of converting 2D data into viewable justify it is another made from aluminium. There’s a
question entirely.
which is significant flexibility. This 3D data courtesy of its pair of eye- rubber cap to go over the USB-C
continues with the height adjustment, tracking cameras and dedicated 3D Pros plug, which isn’t retractable, and a
4K resolution
which goes up to 150mm. lens. You can do away with those Switch between
silicone sock to protect most of the
Using SpatialLabs Experience 3D glasses you paid good money 2D and 3D modes rest of the drive. This sock is soft
No need for
Center Pro, users can take advantage for. It’s still a more than capable VR goggles and almost sticky, and will attract
of specific tools including SpatialLabs 2D offering too. The DS2 Series Pro Cons dust and bits of fluff easily.
Seriously expensive
Model Viewer and software add-ons. delivers outstanding colour quality The USB-C plug rather than a
Large base
These are designed to accelerate and depth, with impressive levels of Dated design port for a cable gives the drive
workflows and capture audiences. contrast when working on image Rating extra usefulness, as you can plug it
Users of Unreal Engine and Unity both editing or watching videos. straight into your phone or tablet if
can harness Acer and SpatialLabs Paul Hatton you need to; it comes formatted as
exFAT so is pretty universal. It’s also
durably built, with a 3m drop rating
and IP54 dust and rain resistance.
Inside the drive you get 1TB or
2TB of flash – there are no other
capacities available at the time of
writing. Seagate advertises a
transfer rate of 1,000MB/s and
that’s exactly what we get. In the
CrystalDiskMark benchmark it
posted a read figure of 1,053 MB/s
and a write speed of 1,027 MB/s.
This drive won’t keep up with the
new generation of Thunderbolt 5
Harsh lines and angles SSDs starting to emerge, but it’s
don’t make for any The speakers hang from still an affordable, portable unit.
aesthetic goodness. the bottom of the display.
Ian Evenden

82
MASTER THE TECHNIQUES YOU NEED
TO CREATE YOUR BEST FANTASY ART
Let the industry experts at ImagineFX be your guide as you dive into a wealth
of tips, tricks and techniques for incredible fantasy art, from how-to guides to
programs from Photoshop to Krita, to in-depth technique masterclasses

ON SALE
NOW

Ordering is easy. Go online at:

Or get it from selected supermarkets & newsagents

 Reviews

The Zenbook Duo unravels The screen flips out on a top-mounted

into a portable two-screen hinge, making it easier to work with.
laptop setup.

Revopoint Miraco
Plus 3D scanner
YES WE SCAN! This
impressive device sets
a high bar for its rivals
Price £1,725/$1,800
Company Revopoint
Web https://bit.ly/4lf25G5
RATING

ASUS Zenbook Duo Time and time again Revopoint

has led the charge of what’s
possible when using portable
DOUBLE TROUBLE We love the 2025 update of the dual-screened 3D scanners, and they’ve done it
laptop, but it still hasn’t managed to shift its one disappointing flaw again here. Despite being almost
identical to the original Miraco, the
Price £2,100/$1,700 Company ASUS Web www.asus.com inclusion of a photogrammetric
metrology kit (PMK) enables users
he ASUS Zenbook Duo decent colour reproduction, showing to create incredibly accurate scans

T was a portable revelation

when it first dropped.
How was it possible not to
our colorimeter a good time.
The screens are touch-sensitive
and there’s an optional stylus, the
of large objects.
The Miraco Plus is super portable
and can be held in one hand, being
adore such a mad, brilliant piece of ASUS Pen 2.0, you can use for digital something of a cross between a
PC engineering? Two OLED screens painting. It’s made from black plastic traditional DSLR, minus the lens,
and a wireless keyboard that can be that’s almost, but not quite, soft to the and a smartphone. Scanned data
put together in a way that resembles touch. There are two buttons on the is visible on a six-inch 2K AMOLED
a traditional laptop, then unfurled side of the shaft where your index touchscreen. It’s sizeable enough
into a glorious portable workstation finger can reach them, and another to see what you’re scanning and
with no shortage of screen space. at the end where the eraser would be. VERDICT even provides multiple views of
It was an excellent machine, and Arrow Lake processors give a ASUS’ gorgeous
what the various scanner cameras
continues to be one in this 2025 decent speed bump, but CPU power two-screened laptop are recording at once.
returns for a 2025
refresh, which ups the CPU to an Intel isn’t the problem. If only ASUS had refresh and is as good
The scanner offers a variety
Core Ultra 9 Arrow Lake model. That been able to put a separate GPU chip as ever. That comes of adjustable settings before
with a caveat though:
said, it still lacks a proper GPU, relying into the Duo. That’s not to say you there’s still no discrete performing a scan. The first is to
on Intel integrated graphics to push can’t run creative apps – you can graphics chip. If you choose between the far and near
can live with that then
both 2.8K displays. Those are better absolutely build up intricately layered the Duo is a great modes; the former is ideal for large
laptop experience.
than most laptop screens and have creations in Photoshop and lots more objects such as cars and people,
besides – it’ll just take a little longer Pros while the latter is best for small
Nippy CPU
than something with an Nvidia chip. performance
objects or detailed areas.
Little has changed on the outside. Good keyboard It comes into its own in terms
Two OLED screens
That’s because it ain’t broke. The of accuracy for large objects. The
Cons
keyboard is thin and can feel a little QUses integrated PMK contains a range of markers
Intel graphics
flimsy on its own, especially as it lacks that are quick and easy to apply to
QAttracts attention
feet underneath to adjust its position. QLacking in ports objects, with the magnetic coded
It’s a full chiclet keyboard though, with Rating targets ideal for using with steel,
good key travel, and is nice to type on. iron and stainless steel.
Open the clever pop-up port to reveal the ASUS
Pen 2.0’s hidden USB-C charging port. Ian Evenden Paul Hatton

84
 Art tools Courses and brushes
Brushing up…
We put three packs through
their paces to find out whether
they’re worth downloading

Sierra Noir
Artist G.A.R.M
Software Procreate
Brushes 20 Price £17/$22
Even Amundsen shares his
masterful skills across all Rating
bases of the 2D process.
For Procreate artists looking for a
1950s futuristic aesthetic, this set offers

Concept Art: Character 20 brushes comprising pens and filler

brushes, along with colour palettes to
maximise their retro cool. The brushes
can be bought for a suite of apps.

Design & Worldbuilding https://bit.ly/4iYONMz

LEADING LIGHT Want to learn how professional worldbuilders

think? Even Amundsen’s course has all the answers you need
Publisher Domestika Price £40/$50 Format Online Length 3hr 46min Web www.domestika.org

ood concept artists spend Course teacher Even

has created art for a

G as much time researching

and thinking as they do
drawing, and that point is
number of huge names
in the industry, plus his
own series of books.
Free Christmas
Brushes Set
embedded throughout this fantastic Artist @di_syukov
course by Even Amundsen, who has Software Procreate
worked for the likes of Blizzard, Riot Brushes 18 Price Free
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86
Traditional Artist
Inspiration and advice from the best pro artists

92 98

This issue:
88 Traditional FXPosé
88 Discover this month’s selection
of the finest traditional art,
which has been sent in by you!
92 Craft intricate
fantasy drawings
Mateusz Lenart channels the
style of 19th-century masters
in his spectacular illustration.
98 First Impressions:
Tamara Nederkoorn
Discover the creative sparks that
fuel the artist’s work and her long
journey of development.

87
 Traditional Artist FXPosé

SHOWCASING THE FINEST TRADITIONAL ARTISTS

Carolina Soares
LOCATION: Portugal MEDIA: Coloured pencil, alcohol markers, ink
WEB: www.carolemellow.com

Freelance artist Carolina explores magical themes

and stories through her artwork by combining
colour and whimsy to express her thoughts.

1 HER FLOWERS
“In this illustration, I was inspired by
the peaceful feeling that only nature
2 NIGHTMARE KEEPER
“A whimsical illustration behind
my fictional concept: the Nightmare
3

can bring. The colours and shapes Keeper. This creature takes away
actually soothed some of my anxiety people’s nightmares, relieving them
while I was creating it!” of their fears until the morning comes.”

3 NO SORROWS
“This is a piece of hope, illustrating the story of an
angel holding on to her music, content with it being the
last little thing that no one can take away from her.”

4 BRIGHT
“This piece was an explosion of colours that taught
me how embracing the chaos and being more playful
when using my alcohol markers can actually bring so
much more life to my illustrations.”

88 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

 Inspirational art

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 89

 Traditional Artist FXPosé

Faith Schaffer
LOCATION: US MEDIA: Watercolour, ink, gold paint WEB: www.faithschaffer.com

Faith works in animation, illustration and publishing, with her backgrounds

appearing in shows such as Amphibia and The Owl House. She’s inspired
by turn-of-the-century illustration, medieval art and folklore.

1 DIPTYCH OF SOLDIERS
“My favourite part of painting this diptych was
continuing the background elements across each
2

piece to make a single, unified image. The gold

background is reminiscent of medieval diptychs.”

3
2 A NEST OF
SILVER TWIGS
“As a background designer,
I love drawing trees. There’s
so much fun you can have
composing an illustration
with their organic, gnarly
shapes. This piece just
stemmed from wanting to
draw a really satisfying tree!”

3 THE STAND-OFF
“I usually use a brush
pen for line work but recently
I’ve been experimenting with
ballpoint pens. I love the
thinner, scratchy line quality
I can get with them and the
way I can use the line-art to
create value.”

90 Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx

 Inspirational art

4 THROUGH THE FAE WOOD

“This piece is a love letter to all the fairy tales
I grew up with. I wanted to capture the mystery
and energy of a fairy tale forest, an ever-important
magical setting where anything can happen.”

Want to submit your work? Visit http://ifxm.ag/getinifx 91

 Traditional Artist Workshop

92
 In depth Fantasy illustration

GET YOUR
RESOURCES
See page 5 now!

Ink

CRAFT INTRICATE
FANTASY DRAWINGS
MATEUSZ LENART outlines his workflow for creating dynamic
pen and ink art in the classical style of 19th-century masters

he best illustration isn’t MATERIALS dynamic, allowed me to play with techniques to bring a little organic
just about craft – it’s about the scale, tension and the viewer’s energy to the page.
storytelling, rhythm and expectations, while still staying You’ll see how different textures
intention. In this tutorial, grounded in traditional methods. require different tools and strokes.
I’ll walk you through an Pen and ink is a demanding, often I’ll discuss how to maintain a sense
illustration from concept to final unforgiving medium. Every line of depth, light and composition
touches. The goal is to share not only counts and there’s no undo button, while keeping the line work alive
techniques, but also the reasoning so each mark must serve the bigger and dynamic. Throughout, I focus
and philosophy behind each step. picture. That’s why I emphasise on clarity, contrast and pacing,
The subject I chose, a reversal of planning and structure from the making sure the viewer’s eye flows
the classic knight-versus-monster very beginning; sketching, studying where I want it to go.
values, and understanding how line I hope this workshop helps you
direction can enhance form. look at ink not just as a tool, but as
While I draw inspiration from a language – one that you can bend,
19th-century masters such as break and master.
Franklin Booth and Gustave Doré, Mateusz Lenart has over
as well as more modern artists like 18 years of experience
Bernie Wrightson, I also experiment working in the video games
with tools, combining my precise industry and is the creative
technical pens with expressive brush director of the Silent Hill 2 remake.
pens, and even some dry brush https://linktr.ee/mateusz_lenart.

93
 Traditional Artist Workshop

Gustave Doré /Public Domain

Gustave Doré /Public Domain

Abraham Bosse/Public Domain/Metmuseum

Franklin Booth/Public Domain

Anton Robert Leinweber /Public Domain

Choose the subject

Every compelling illustration begins with a strong
concept. I aimed to subvert expectations by flipping the Learn from the masters
classic hero in peril narrative, playing with scale and We’re all students of the great masters, and there’s no better way to
perspective. The key is to build a story within the image, improve our skills than by studying the works of our idols. My series draws its
encouraging the viewer to pause, reflect, and imagine inspiration from 19th-century pen and ink techniques. I reference classical masters
the events that preceded or will follow this moment. I such as Franklin Booth, Gustave Doré, Bernie Wrightson and Joseph Clement Coll,
chose to explore the classic knight-versus-giant trope. analysing their line work and shading to achieve a traditional style.

Plan early and sketch the composition

Planning starts with quick sketches to explore impactful compositions.
The goal is to direct the viewer’s attention through lines and energy. I aimed to
place the knight in a challenging situation, highlighting the contrast with the
giant. Ultimately, the giant’s gaze and hand guide the audience’s focus towards
the knight, with the tree directions further steering the eye.

94
 In depth Fantasy illustration

Understand values
At the sketching stage, it’s important to test how
light and shadow will distribute across the image. Playing Refine the sketch
with the values is key to creating depth and realism. Once the composition is in place, it’s time to refine
By balancing light and dark areas we can enhance the the sketch. At this stage, lightly block in the line work and
composition, which draws attention to the image’s focal shapes. I use horizontal lines for the ground, vertical ones
points. The giant and knight should emerge from the for the trees, and organic forms for the giant in order to
dark background with the giant in half shadow to direct provide a solid foundation for building the piece while
the focus onto the knight in the light. helping with the visual balance of the scene.

Micron Zebra FD-502 Dry brush Pentel Sign Pen

Establish shapes with ink

Begin blocking in the shapes of the image using
a brush pen to solidify the structure. It’s important not Stone surface detailing
to commit too heavily to dark tones too soon, as it will I like to vary tools depending on the part of the illustration I’m working on.
limit your flexibility. Gradually introducing darker areas For stones and hard surfaces I often switch techniques, using firmer tools like a
as we progress keeps the artwork fresh and allows for Micron pen. Start with the darkest areas, working from dark to light, and maintain
adjustments to be made in terms of light and shadow, horizontal lines as this anchors the composition, stabilising the image while
which create the depth in our image. differentiating the stone texture from the other elements.

95
 Traditional Artist Workshop

Use the dry brush technique

Ink is an unforgiving medium; without water,
every mark is permanent and bold. By adjusting line
thickness and density we can suggest tone. The dry
Depict the vegetation brush technique, when used well, breaks traditional
This requires a softer touch, so I often use dry brush techniques for the pen and ink rules by creating soft, pencil-like greyscale
grass to allow for a delicate, windswept look. The brush should be slightly worn textures. It takes a light, fast touch to avoid harsh strokes
for subtler lines, which creates a more fluid and natural effect. This technique and keep the effect subtle. I’d recommend using a
helps the plants to feel dynamic, adding life to the composition. slightly worn-out brush for this purpose.

Detail the trees

For the trees, I employ a combination of Micron
pen and fine brush techniques. For the barks, I’m using
vertical lines in particular, as these marks bring out the
Block out the entire illustration texture and help create a natural flow in the illustration.
At this stage, move through the entire image to refine the blockout and add For the leaves I use an ultra-fine brush pen from Pentel,
layers. I keep whites intact for a long time to maintain flexibility for adjustments. creating loose, organic lines. This section is where I can
Make sure to leave room to darken areas where necessary to strengthen focus. allow myself more freedom and let the lines flow in
You’ll also start to see which areas are supposed to be filled with solid blacks. various directions without a rigid structure.

96
 In depth Fantasy illustration

Control line work with a brush pen

Brush pens are also great for creating the detailed
line work, as they offer you excellent control over the Follow the anatomy
thickness of the lines. This is especially useful for delicate When inking organic forms like the body, it’s crucial to follow the muscle
areas such as the skin. For the shading on my giant, I shapes with line direction. Plan out your line flow before shading to maintain
used a softer tool in the FD-502 Double Tip Brush Pen structure and visual continuity. It’s almost like tracing a dense 3D wireframe, using
from Zebra to create finer, subtler lines that enhance lines to build the illusion of volume and form. With the pen and ink technique it’s
texture and depth within the character. also good to keep the balanced rhythm of the entire image.

Evaluate the illustration

This is the moment for a critical review. Assess
whether certain areas need further darkening to enhance
tonal transitions and the focus points. A good practice
here is to apply principles used in black-and-white Wrapping up
photography, balancing the full greyscale spectrum The final step is refining the smaller details – adding fine lines, textures,
to avoid over-contrasting the image. Taking a break to subtle touches and so on to bring it all together. I try to avoid using white ink in
let the image rest before returning with fresh eyes often this kind of work, but occasionally I allow myself to add a hint of dust or glint.
leads to better decisions during this phase. Finally, sign your piece, and the illustration is complete.

97
 Traditional Artist Interview

First Impressions
Tamara Nederkoorn It’s only in the last few months
The Dutch artist tells I’ve started to earn a little money
from my art, though it’s far from
us all about forging making a full living. My husband
her own path works a full-time job to support us,
which allows me to focus on my art
without worrying about financial
Where did your instability. I’m extremely grateful
journey start? for that. I hope, one day, I’ll be able
I’ve drawn my whole to earn enough through my art to
life, starting at age make it my full-time career.
three. I think the
passion for art has been passed If you were starting now, what
down through the generations, as advice would you most appreciate?
my father and grandpa also drew. How to find your own style. It takes
They were great at landscapes, while time, and for me it took over 37
I’ve always had more of an interest years to truly discover what feels
in portraits, so I had to shape my right. At about 12 years old, I first
own creative journey. felt the pressure to conform to
expectations and began pushing
What’s your main source of to find a style others would like.
artistic inspiration? Since then, I’ve constantly been
I find inspiration in almost searching and experimenting, and
everything. It’s fascinating how you with the rise of the internet things
can find little sparks of creativity became even more complicated.
in the world around you. Nature
MOJITO BREEZE The more I tried to fit into a mould,
I created a girl with lime colours, fresh
especially is a significant source ingredients in her hair, and Ohuhu-logo the further I drifted from my true
leaves to symbolise summer’s refreshing vibe.
of inspiration, like springtime with self. It was only after stepping into
its abundant growth and renewal, my comfort zone that I finally
plus all the feathers, branches and
colours, especially the pastel tones
It’s fascinating how you can found my personal style.

that nature offers. The emotions I’m

feeling also often have an influence
find little sparks of creativity How has the art industry changed
for the better since you started?
on my artwork. Then of course there in the world around you In the past, my reach was limited to
are holidays, each with their own people who knew me or saw me at
seasonal elements. What plays in the background fairs. Thanks to social media, I have
while you work? the opportunity to connect with
I find myself mostly listening to people all over the world. While this
RAVEN ‘trailer’ music, or epic music like is exciting, it has its challenges: the
Made for the Purple ImagineFX
Art Challenge. I immediately Two Steps From Hell and Thomas constant changes in algorithms, and
associated the colour with a Bergersen. It gives such great energy. there being so many talented artists.
raven, so I blended feathers
into her hair and dress. It can feel overwhelming and hard
Is making a living as an artist all to get noticed.
you thought it would be?
I knew it was hard to make a living What’s your next step in art or life?
as an artist. My parents didn’t want I hope to stay close to myself as an
me to go to art school; they knew artist. I’m looking forward exploring
how difficult it could be to make a new media, like watercolour, and
living from art, so I followed the thinking about creating acrylics on
traditional path. But it’s hard not to larger canvases again. I look forward
do what you love. I kept drawing to where my art will take me next.
and, especially over the past seven Self-taught artist Tamara Nederkoorn
VALORA’S ARROW years, I’ve dedicated nearly all my explores warriors, mystical beings and
Inspired by a Draw This In Your Style challenge,
this helped me break through an art block and
time to creating art, and developing ethereal figures in her work, created with
pushed me to explore new designs. my skills and style. alcohol markers. https://bit.ly/3G9zG46

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