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AlexGarner — Psylocke Cover Process
Published: 2008-12-16 21:54:23 +0000 UTC; Views: 54621; Favourites: 1606; Downloads: 0
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Just thought I'd show some of the process for this cover. I begin with the traditionally done pencil sketch submitted to Marvel for approval, then I work on the values and lighting in grayscale, and finally I add color and texture. In this particular case, with just a single character close-up, it wasn't very painstaking.I adjust and tweak the structure as I paint. If you have the luxury of time, you can assess flaws much more objectively by setting the work aside and not looking at it for a few days.
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Comments: 168
So when you move from the grayscale to the color, are you "colorizing" the image, and then adding highlights over top? Or are you adding transparency and overlay layers above the grayscale layer? I am looking to experiment with some different techniques in photoshop. I really Love your style, and have been a huge fan since Gen13. Keep up the amazing work, I think you are one of the best in the biz.
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Thanks so much! I've actually reversed my process. I now add light and shadow layers on top of color. Can be overlays, multiplies, screens... whatever works. Experimentation is the whole shebang. Just takes time and practice to find your technique.
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Thank YOU. That's interesting. I guess it's time to experiment!
Keep up the inspiring work!
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Oooouuuaah very good!! sincerely I think this is one of the most beatiful drawing I have ever seen 
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Thanks for showing the process. Love this kind of stuff.
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Hey, since you are a famous comic artist umm.....how much would it cost a commoner like myself to hire you to do a comic cover art portrait like that for someone I know?
a million bucks?
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You make it seem so easy... lol. You are awesome.
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DO you have a how to book? or Video how-to section some where?
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Not yet. I've only been doing this for a few years so I've got a lot to figure out still. Maybe someday though
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do you use a customized set of brushes? do you mind telling what program you use? thanks a lot!
by the way, your art is so cool. it inspires me
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Thanks! I started out with some brush sets from artists on the web and tweaked them for my needs. I also have a lot of custom self-made brushes as well. I use Photoshop & Painter.
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It is freaking ridiculous how amazing of a difference it is from A to B. The most basic of all outlines, turns out to be a freaking masterpiece. Great job. What did you use to do the grayscales?
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Thanks! I use Photoshop and Painter for everything after the pencil stage.
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Wow. I guess working in pencils at first really does help. I've been doing all of mine from scratch in colour, and I think that's the reason sometimes I mess up the lighting and stuff. I'll give the grayscale thing a go!
oh, and thanks for sharing!
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Honestly, I could probably skip the pencil stage and got straight to painting. The only real reason I do it is because I have to submit sketches for editorial approval. It's a shame I feel I don't need to. I miss using real media like pencil and ink.
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Real nice construction from simple to intrinsic!!line art is timeless.well done.
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Wow! Your lines are just as breath taking as the coloured versions. This is hands down my favorite Psylocke pic ever. Every month you do a cover I'm eXcited. I hope one day you move to a book worthy of your talent; the likes of Astonishing X-Men, X-Men Legacy, or New Mutants.
My only request is that you post the images in you gallery a bit larger while maintaining the high quality. Keep updating as well. (pretty please)
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Thanks! I'll see what I can do! However, I've been alerted to a few people illegally selling prints of my work, so I have to keep the resolution to a minimum. The only alternative is water-marking over the art and I hate that stuff. Sorry about that.
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love seeing the grey scale versions along with the final color illustrations. You're making that photoshop sing man
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I've self-taught myself to just go straight to color, but I think I might try this next time. I also use many layers and masks overtop eachother.
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I go straight to color these days, but the grayscale was a helpful learning tool. I still use tons of layer masks.
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.....wow !!! This really amazing! From the flat drawing, you created a wonderful and dimensional artwork. Never new how much grayscale can do to drawing.
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I work directly with color but, sometimes, I wonder if doing a grayscale first wouldn't be a timesaver when establishing light and shadow contrast. I think I'll give it a try.
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I'm actually going straight to color now as it enables me to skip a step, but I would say Grayscale is a helpful process to really get values in line.
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thanks for this post. Im taken back by how the process of original line->end product. there pretty different.
Ive learned some thangs just by lookin at it. nicely done.
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I sure wish to become this good someday.
How much does MARVEL pay?
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Thanks. Marvel determines rates by a committee.
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I'm 16 and I've been thinking of joining MARVEL as a writer and penciler, my art on this place isn't fancy but when I want I can draw realistic to toon in no time flat.
I want to inspire other to use their imaginations.
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Cool! Just keep working hard at it!
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Fantastic descriptions! Thanks! One quick question: After getting the values adjusted with grayscale, do you then add colors using something like the overlay layer method (if using Photoshop)? I'm trying to get better at digital painting, and I think that asking the greats (such as yourself) is a good way to go!
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I use a combo of methods, usually layer upon layer upon layer of them. I use color layers, color balance layer masks, gradient map layer masks, etc, to add color and then adjustment layer masks on top of those to fine-tune. It can get complicated, but you get used to it after a while. It's different every time. My advice is to experiment with everything and eventually you'll find how to incorporate the useful stuff into your work.
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Wow! Thank you so much for the useful advice! I greatly appreciate it, and look forward to seeing more of your art!
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The lineart itself is gorgeous here, and let alone coloring! Really awesome work! 
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