My Process (part 2)
In part one of my process, I talked about how I go about forming my ideas and getting them down as a basic outline sketch, whether that’s on paper or the iPad. Now it’s time to get into the part I enjoy the most, bringing it all to life through inking and colour.
Step 3: Inking and Lining
This is probably my favourite part of the process but also the most time-consuming. I ink everything digitally using Procreate on the iPad, and this is where most of the detail comes to life.
My style leans into using bold and heavy lines, with deep blacks and sharp contrast. I also like to start incorporating shading during this stage, especially in the darkest areas. The amount of black I use can depend on how many colours the design will have (especially if there are printing limitations), so I always check that before I begin this step.
Step 4: Colouring
Once I’m happy with the linework, it’s time for colour which is hands down the most satisfying part. For my style I use a cell shading approach, which means I layer solid colours without blending between them. It gives everything a clean and punchy look.
I’m a big fan of limited colour palettes. I’ll often stick to a monochromatic base and throw in one bright, contrasting colour to make the design pop. It’s a method that keeps things visually strong and striking, especially when the artwork ends up on merch like t-shirts.
Step 5: Final Tweaks & Adjustments
Once the design is complete, I go through a final round of tweaks. This includes small adjustments to the colors, refining line work, and making sure the design fits the band’s overall aesthetic. I’ll also check with the band to see if they’re happy with the design or if they’d like any changes.
At this stage, it’s all about fine-tuning and making sure everything aligns with the vision I have for the piece, while also making sure it feels true to the band’s style.
And that’s pretty much my process from start to finish. Hopefully, you found it interesting or it gave you a better understanding of what goes into creating a design. If you’re a band, a brand, or someone who just enjoys this kind of work, feel free to get in touch or follow along for more behind-the-scenes content.
See you next time!
