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.
March 28th, 2007 at 2:25 am
Thank you for this. You are lovely to the max.
March 27th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
What tips can you give me on making such precise outlines in Illustrator? I just can’t seem to get the hang of tracing proper curves and paths with that darn pen tool…
March 27th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Beautifull
March 27th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Hello, could you make an Illustrator toturial for beginners? I would be grateful.
March 27th, 2007 at 12:53 am
im starting using Adobe illustrator and it really hepl me thank you.
March 26th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
It is beautiful! I love Phoenix; I actually have a tattoo on my right shoulder of a Blue Phoenix! :-)
March 26th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Wow! again a very nice Tips on gathering ideas before heading on creating a masterpiece!
I always found that the articles included in your site is something x-tra to the designer community! Thanks man!
March 26th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Great,Nice design
March 26th, 2007 at 5:27 am
i am really impressed for your imagination and how to create the illustrator. can you give me a tips to using adobe illustrator …..? =)
March 25th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Hey Nick,
Even your rough sketches look cool! Thanks for this tutorial. I appreciate your ability and willingness to share your knowledge. Your work has inspired me so much. Please ad some more Illustrator tutorials. I simply lov ehat software.
Malini