Regardless of the subject matter, almost every Kelly Finan illustration project happens in three discrete steps, outlined below. You, the client, will have the opportunity to provide feedback after each stage in order to guide the design process as it happens. This means that there are never any surprises at the end of the project!
The first step is a sketch. A sketch is rough because its purpose is simply to get an idea on paper. Sometimes a project (like this concert poster) will require many ideas, which are manifested in several different sketches to choose from. Most scientific illustrations only require one sketch, simply to confirm that I am interpreting the science correctly.
The second step is a preliminary drawing. A preliminary drawing looks identical to the final illustration, but drawn in simple pencil lines without any color. The preliminary drawing is always accompanied by a color swatch that acts as a preview of what the final piece will look like once colored.
The third step is the final illustration. This is usually a digital file or a high-resolution scan of a physical piece of art that is transmitted though email, though many clients buy the physical piece of art and have it mailed to them, too. If you are interested in owning the physical piece of art, please let me know before I begin the project. You’re all set!