This project was done in Digital Illustration, and the project parameters were to find a photograph of someone we admire and to create a portrait illustration. We could include quotes and add a creative background if we wanted.
I chose to illustrate one of my biggest creative inspirations; Jim Henson. I chose a photo that also included what he was best known for, Kermit the Frog of the Muppets, whom Henson voiced and operated on the Muppet Show and in the Muppet movies. It was certainly an interesting experience, breaking down a photo into simplified layers of shapes-on-shapes, colors-on-colors; thinking of the entire thing as a big paper craft or collage definitely helped me enter this mentality. I didn't know at first what to do about a background, since the original photo just had a blank blue gradient. Rather than make something complex and intricate that would distract from the portrait, I instead chose to go the simple route and added a rainbow, which Jim and Kermit were famous for singing about.
Changes I made based on the peer review were fairly minor, such as some clean up around some of the edges and making the text larger and more readable (this is one of my favorite quotes, as well as my basic motto in life). The only thing I was not able to change was the fact that the blue, while it looks fine digitally, is different when printed; it's darker and more "purple-y." Unfortunately, with the file cabinet being locked with the Pantone color books inside, I couldn't access any color codes to get the desired shades of blue in print during the rework process; hopefully I can find access to one before the final print.
Other than that, I'm fairly happy with it as is, but I am definitely open to any other suggestions; this was one of my favorite pieces, and I want it to be as good as I can make it.
Hi Tom with glasses
ReplyDeleteLike I had said before this illustrated image of Henson and Kermit the frog is extraordinary you should be very proud. I do not think I could add any comments that could improve your work. Great Job!!!!
Tom with glasses – the illustration is done. I agree that you might not be doen with the background color yet. FYI – using a PMS color will not allow you to control it when the printer is actually a cmyk printer. So… I’m wondering why not keep the color space in cymk? Then… I encourage you to find a more neutral color for the background – one that doesn’t want to compete with your great artwork as I believe this blue does. I see some blue/greys in his shirt that might work quite well – give it a try and see what you think. Also – Henderson’s byline is sitting on the rainbow (which actually reads as a smear of color because of that royal blue background). It shouldn’t be sitting there, crowding the arc of color. I’m going to encourage you to use more expressive typography, which will change the shape of that text block up there – and give you more options in that space. What words should be larger and emphasized? Which ones can be smaller? Colors? Font contrast? Don’t hesitate to allow this type to “wrap” around his figure on the right side – done right, the type can sit on top of the rainbow and create a shape that has more of a relationship with his silhouette.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the assessment that the illustration is finished, and its quite beautiful. I like the quote you selected to add to it. I think the only thing I'd ask is whether the outline on the type is necessary. The typeface you chose is very thin, and while I like it, the white outline makes it sort of vibrate when I look at it.
ReplyDeleteTom H,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great illustration, such good feelings come from looking at this. How can one not be happy after looking at this! The illustration itself is certainly finished, but I might agree with Coni that the type could use a bit of work. The choice of quote and the font support the Jim Henson's illustration as well as his ambiance. I think what it needs is, for the quote to be utilized in a way that reflects the spirit of Jim Henson as well. As for the background, I like the blue color and feel that it works with his bluish shirt and green of Kermit. The color also feels a little retro, which I think works with Jim Henson.