Design Process of Phoenix Illustration
March 23rd, 2007 Filed in: Design, Tricks & Tips Jump to comments
Numbers of people have asked me how to do the phoenix illustration on my site. Was it vector? Did I use Illustrator or Photoshop? Well, here I will tell you my design process from concept sketch to final illustration. Hope you will find this useful.
1. Concept Sketch
Like most other designers, I like to brainstorm and sketch out my ideas.
2. Research
Then I will go to Google image search to get design inspiration. Notice the color theme used on my site is very similar to the images that I found?
3. Tracing
Normally I will do a fine sketch and import it in Illustrator for tracing purpose. Check out my Illustrator vector tracing tutorial. Here I experimented with different color variation.
4. Illustrator Files
Here are the Illustrator files that I traced from sketches. These vector illustrations then imported into Photoshop for composition.
5. Effects
I used Photoshop to add FX effects like: rainbow, glow, particles, and gradient. One of the frequently asked questions is how to do the particles effect on the tails and flowers. To make the particles, just set the layer’s blending mode to "dissolve".
6. Final
Here is the final illustration. Download the full size wallpaper.
April 29th, 2007 at 6:29 am
I have been experimenting a bit with photoshop, but i must admit the idea of illustrator is a bit daunting. Illustrator really needs the artistic insight, which you definitely have. Thanks for sharing this step by step overview of how you built your design.
I absolutely love it!
April 28th, 2007 at 7:25 am
WOW, this is fantastic!
April 26th, 2007 at 3:11 am
wow
April 25th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Great designs!
April 25th, 2007 at 2:18 am
I love the outcome and your work. Keep it up.
BTW, where did the forum go?
April 25th, 2007 at 1:06 am
I learn new in illustrator u have any photoshop class site informe.
April 25th, 2007 at 12:07 am
impressed!
Just wonder how the color mixed.
nice job!
April 24th, 2007 at 3:00 am
great technique dude! your so skillful..
nice website for designers! cheers!
April 23rd, 2007 at 3:00 am
i am new illustrator user, and
i was totally amazed by your art works.
you are a real artistic designer. awesome!
fyi, i had learned a lot from this web,
since last two weeks.
hope for more tutorials from you.
thx a lot!
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:01 am
Super cool dude., you are my next inspiration