My artwork is drawn traditionally by hand using pen and ink. Each piece starts as a loose idea and gradually develops through research, thumbnail sketches, pencil underdrawing, and finally the inking process. This is what my typical workflow looks like from the first idea to the final digital files.

Idea

Everything starts with the idea. I might get inspired by a horror video game, a movie, or some other artist like Mark Riddick or Chris Moyen. Sometimes I might just have an idea that I want to draw skulls in space, and it goes from there. I try to create some interesting compositions from that initial idea. Once something catches my attention, I go and develop that further.

Study & Thumbnails

After the idea stage, I draw a bunch of thumbnail pencil sketches on simple copy paper to find the composition I like. Sometimes I also need to practise something in order to be able to implement that idea. For example, I might need to practise how to draw an open skull jaw, particularly the teeth, since they can be quite challenging. So I study that in parallel with the thumbnail sketches, kind of preparing myself for the execution of the drawing.

Pencil Underdrawing

Once I am happy with the thumbnail sketch, I move to a big A4 sheet of paper and start drawing the pencil underdrawing there. I try to build from basic geometric shapes and common composition rules like the golden ratio, rule of thirds, and compound curves. Getting the pencil sketch right is crucial since it is the entire foundation for the inking that goes on top, so it makes sense to spend the time here and make sure the anatomy, composition, values, and everything else are right before starting the inking.

Inking

Once the foundational pencil underdrawing is done, I start inking the drawing. The inking process is not simply tracing over the pencil sketch. I make decisions about line weight, contrast, texture, and where to leave areas of space as I work. Some parts of the drawing change or develop further during the inking stage.

I use Sakura Pigma Microns, brushes, and Gelly Roll white pens. Sometimes I use Indian calligraphy black ink and a brush to cover some larger areas in black.

Finishing Touches

Once the drawing is almost done, I usually add some white marks with a Gelly Roll pen to basically add some final touches, maybe push some areas, add some contrast, or fix some minor mistakes if possible.

Digitizing & Preparing Deliverables

The final step, once I am happy with the ink drawing, is to scan it into the computer so I can have a digital copy of it and prepare the delivery files for the customer. I prepare high-resolution transparent PNGs, SVG vector files, and others. On some rare occasions, I do touch up the artwork slightly with digital inking using a graphics tablet, just to fix some mistakes, push some areas if needed, or maybe add some texture in places. 

Once the drawing is finished and digitized, digital version can be used for commercial licensing, prints, merchandise, or other applications depending on the project.

Interested? See already created artworks available to use for your heavy metal band, alt fashion clothing brand or your other project here.