The process work and steps involved in my commission for Brutus ♡
Step one: Some sketching and idea brainstorming, I send my favorite sketches to the client and see which one they like best.
Step two: Once I get some feedback from the client I incorporate it into as refined sketch and send it back for approval.
Step three: Once I get the clients approval I move to flat colors. I usually incorporate a gradient on the legs and arms, even knees and elbows. It's a natural darkening point on most skins and adds a level of realism.
Step four: Start defining forms with shading in focal points and using a soft light layer to specify highlights.
Step five: Shading and rendering out flesh, usually the longest step. I take my time using the lasso tool and a very soft round brush to define the shapes. Using a multiply layer helps maintain the flat colors I set earlier while adding depth. For shading a form I try to stick to one brush stroke, and just undo and try again if I don't get it right. Using the smudge brush to adjust the shading of a form almost always ends up just setting me back or ruining the smooth gradient of a single brush stroke.
Step six: Picking a background color that compliments the character and finishing the border and framing of the character. This part is always the most fun, as a simple color background has a huge effect on how the character pops.
Step seven: Send it off to the client ♡