Here's a look of how the cover to Catwoman 29 was made…
This was the start of a new arc - which is just shipping today so I won't go into too many details - so I needed to come up with an idea that set's up this big competition.
My cover sketches I sent to Editor Rachel Gluckstern at DC Comics for approval.
They were
drawn at 2x3 inches in my sketchbook in pencil and Pitt/Pigma pens and Copic Grey Markers and then cleaned up and colored in Photoshop
Rachel had me do a couple more variations based off my initial two ideas and C was picked.
My initial pencils, drawn in Light Blue and HB lead on 12 x 18 Bristol Board.
Finished enough pencils so Rachel Dodson can get moving on the inks
Rachel Dodson's initial inks - using a Windsor Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable #2 Brush and Higgins Black Magic ink, plus a little tech pen and croquille for the straight lines.
I went back in and finished the flowers and the buildings in the background. Then Rachel finished inking.
A detail look at the inks. Do yourself a favor and soon in at the wallet, and the greys in the background behind the wallet to appreciate Rachel's inks!
The art is then scanned and cleaned in Photoshop.
Flats
The first stage of coloring is to have the art "flatted".
Flatting allows the colorist to choose an area to color at any point throughout the coloring process.
I knew pretty well what I wanted this one to look like from the start which is nice..
Initial roughing in of color - I use Photoshop CS3 with a Wacom Intuos Graphics Tablet.
Initial shadows and tweaking colors slightly. Add slight gradients to flat areas.
Getting the colors pretty close.
Start turning the black lines into colors lines - note the flesh lines/etc.
Final colors - corrected Catwoman's hair and added more highlights and shadows and added a cast shadow from Selina's hand and wallet that kinda focus the composition back on the wallet…
Also look at the middle right back part of the composition - who is the grumpy guy drinking his champagne?!
The cover is out in stores starting today!
You can find this comic at your local comic book retailer
And digitally at Comixology
Enjoy!
TD
Selina looks beautiful; well done Mr. Dodson!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteGorgeous dress.
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