Thanks for sharing your process Magoz 🙏🏼

I find getting the raw idea or initial rough the hardest part. I’ve been going back and forth between analog or digital first sketch, but, invariably my idea is better if I start analog (as you do). I’ll generally use photo booth (a Mac preinstalled app) and toss the sketch on a layer. I too don’t trace this but keep toggling it on and off to ensure my digital sketch hasn’t strayed from the initial “magic”.

I’m liberal with opening new tabs to work on individual elements e.g. a sea turtle for an underwater ocean scene I just did. I find that building an element in an outside tab then dragging it back in to my main composition somehow relieves a lot of stress for me.

If I need a grid I’ve lately been using Object Blend with steps in AI and then copy that back in to photoshop. Guide guide sounds much more efficient! Did you write that article yet Magoz??

I tend to do a lot of scenic illustrations like seascapes landscapes etc., so I’ve been recently copying over elements like trees, buildings, plants etc. into an elements psd for later use works well (it’s very easy to remix these elements by painting atop, changing the color, etc., but it saves time if I already have a fern available and don’t have to build it from scratch).

I find that if I do an iteration then quick export and email myself, I can send back replies with bullet points on what it needs e.g. crop, add shadow and highlight to the focal elements, more foliage .. yada yada

So, I just ordered this Intuos Pro Paper Edition (large) with the hopes that I can start my process in what feels like analog but have that generate some workable digital roughs. I’m hopeful it’s gonna really help!