Hazel & Leo Illustration Process

I wasn't expecting to make an illustration out of this but uhh here we are! For this one it started as a one-off sketch, doodling them while bored and all. Then I tried coloring it and it all spiraled from there. Since I didn't put much effort into the sketch Hazel looked pretty off-model for a while, and this kinda kept into the rendering and layering process. I first started with overlaying some blend modes so I could work with better lighting, mixing them together actually worked quite well which was nice since I'm usually incredibly picky with it and don't always like the effects. I then color-picked the edited sketch and just started going over it again and again with more and more brush strokes. The problem with this method of drawing is it feels like it's never done, it's kind of purgatory actually but it's also the only way to illustrate that makes sense for me anymore.

I thought slide eight was 'done' but I felt off about it so I took a break and left it alone for a while, coming back occasionally to add things and move around proportions. Unfortunately I was a big idiot and merged all of the subsequent layer work I did between slides eight and nine, so I don't have much to show there 💀 Basically I just kept erasing features on Hazel's face until it looked right, experimenting with different mouths and putting more hair everywhere. It felt like something was still missing on her side, so when in doubt place a random hand somewhere to balance the composition! I thought it'd be cute to give her some chipped nail polish too. Despite how bad it is for showing process work I actually love rendering all on one layer because I think I'm going insane. It all started with this one Jinx Arcane fanart I did a little while ago, in trying to achieve that painterly look from the show I accidentally unlocked a new way of illustrating and now I can't go back. It's kind of like traditional art in a weird way for me! Since programs tend to give you limited undo's, not being able to go back super far kind of forces you to work with what you've got and come up with new solutions. Still, I just gotta be more conscious about keeping layers in the future lol.

Then I made another quick drawing of them because I was getting emotional :'D It's really hard to not just show them loving each-other right away, build up is sooo tough but it's gotta happen so the good stuff's got impact. It really did start as just another quickie but I... um... well. I did some proper roughs for that one beforehand, ignore the orange on the final sketch (remember what I said about my tendencies to do everything on one layer rip). I then changed up the colors and stuff, thought to make it more overtly October-themed and all. Lastly the fun part was of course playing with the lighting, and doing a few more edits and adding minor details.

It's funny how Leo barely changed at all, I think that's mainly because he's my favorite to draw and he's been the main star of the comic so far, so lots of practice. I'm sure the other characters will also get to a point where they're more consistent and easy for me, they kinda already are as I'm working on the backlog which is fun! The primary inspiration for these drawings is just being really repressed about the lovey stuff haha. The main draw of the comic for me is building up the characters' relationships and have them naturally become friends, but that of course means they won't be this affectionate with each-other for a while. I eat, sleep and breathe these characters so it's really hard to not spoil literally everything at once and have them be buds right this instant ragh!!! Luckily the upcoming episode (15) is when they finally get the ball rolling there, I'm so excited for people to get more attached to Hazel and Harvey because they are my BABIES and both are very integral to the story (I promise Harvey is not just a third wheel lmao). Can't wait! :9