I'm really glad to see everyone is sharing technique tips and tricks. I think that's probably one of the most valuable things a board service can do; all of us around the globe showing our work and talking about our craft.

re: good books, I know I may have said this quite a few times, so forgive me, but for those who want to grow, I really do recommend "How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way by Stan Lee and (master artist!!!) John Buscema". (contains plenty of Kirby, Colan, Romita sr., and Buscema classic work samples). I have so much respect for the craftsmanship these great modern masters. If you get it-- you won't regret it!!

New subject- Step-by-Step

Since lately many of us are in the subject of our creation process, I wanted to share with you how I created collateral work for the GSPO. Some of you have wondered how I produce from start to final. here'a a sampling:

Subject: GSPO's summer patriotic symphony concert, Star And Stripes.

Images to be used for Key/Poster/Collateral/Program Books:

As creative director for the show, I discussed the theme with GSPO's conductor, Steve Fox. I proposed we have an old-style look to this program, taking art, logos, design elements and fonts that were used during the Revolutionary War. Basic 18th Century design. For every production, I try to resolve the design questions- Is it in tone with the subject? Is it evocative? Is there enough visual resonance? This is where the thinking process counts-solidifying the concept.

He liked my idea and I went ahead with the process:

1) Thumbnail skectches- this is invaluable because it gives you a quick snapshot of the main concept.

2) Gathering materials- This was a long but necessary involving process of obtaining reference material for the flag; the signatures of Franklin, Adams and Jefferson; aged paper; creating the logo, selecting the art, and working with GSPO to make sure we have all the words for the program book. I really wanted this to look good, so I did my research. For the logo itself, I found a quill font that I liked, but it was not aged, so I went into Photoshop and hand-aged my hi-res logo myself.

3) Poster art- I based my poster on an old painting by Jean Leon Jerome Ferris' "Drafting The Declaration Of Independence". First, I did a Photoshop watercolor wash of the painting; I pencilled and inked the 3 figures; I then aged the colors making it more yellowy, and finally, I added the other poster elements like the flag scans, logo and signatures.

*** FINAL ART ***

Official poster for the GSPO "Stars, Stipes & POPS" concert by George Edwards

Flier art

Program Book

From concept, resources, crafting to completion, producing these materials took about 5 days of long hard work-- but it was a lot of fun- and I liked doing every step of the process. As the creative director, I serve the subject (Am I being respectful to the source material?) and the concert audience (are they getting the best possible art to help set the mood for the show?).

Well, that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed my step-to-step process. Keep up the great work everyone!

Best Wishes,

GE