Category: Commissions

Commissions begin with a project brief from the client. In this example I was commissioned to create a political cartoon of a toy train looking like it’s going to jump the tracks with Jeb Bush and Rick Scott in conductor uniforms, Obama in the fuel car, people partying in the third car, and Bill Clinton in the last car with a flag.

1. Thumbnail Rough

This is quick 5 minute rough sketch to plot out the space and composition. Sometimes the client does not need to see this, but it can be a good way to make sure the layout is on track before spending more time on a sketch.

2. The Sketch

The client decided to remove Bill Clinton from the image and wanted children yelling help in the last car. The Illustration has to work at this point or it’s not going to work at all.

3. Inks

Inks are applied to the sketch..

4. Flat Colors

Base colors are applied. Usually they are not so bright but toy trains have bold, bright colors.

5. Finished Art

Any shadows, highlights, text, and other effects are added to complete the artwork. In this piece there are not any highlights or many effects.

A preview is sent to the client, they love it, and final art is sent to them.