Making Of 'Orc'

Hi everybody!

I like to draw illustrations that explore strength, anatomy, etc., so I decided to draw an Orc because it embodies characteristics. I wanted to explore these elements by showing that even though this warrior is alone he is not intimated by his enemies.

As usual, I started by drawing the background and then moved onto the character (Fig.01). In the beginning I did not concern myself with the details but focused on perspective, anatomy and movement instead. The details were added later, using different colors. 

Fig. 01_draft

Fig. 01_draft

I used the brush in Fig.02 to make a draft image and to work out my color scheme too. I just varied the flow when it was needed.

Fig. 02_brush

Fig. 02_brush

After the draft was done, it was time to start painting! I started by drawing the scenario I'd imagined because I intended to make this the basis for the character. For the sky I used references downloaded from www.cgtexture.org (Fig.03).

Fig. 03_BG

Fig. 03_BG

Drawing the main character is always my favorite part of the work because I like to work on anatomy, and it's also where I spend most of my hours. Fig.04 shows how the muscles and lighting were done. I consider light to be one of the most important factors in an image because if you do a good job with the lighting then the final result is improved. While I was working I noticed that the flag was out of the game context and so I decided to change it, along with a few other details.

Fig. 04_orc_color

Fig. 04_orc_color

Just after I'd finished the illustration I used some blur on the background and on some other areas in order to give more perspective. I also started improving the lighting and used some textures from www.cgtexture.org (Fig.05).

Fig. 05_details

Fig. 05_details

Finally I did some fine tuning in the contrast and color balance all over the illustration in order to have more coherence. I also added some dirt to the Orc's body and this helped to make the illustration more realistic.

And here's the final image (Fig.06).

Fig. 06

Fig. 06

I would like to finish by giving you a quick tip to follow when creating illustrations: Pay attention to the things around you like volumes, textures, lights, shadows and people expressions, etc. All these things could give us some inspiration and help when composing nice illustrations.

I hope I have helped you in some way and if you have doubts then please don't be shy and contact me by email.

Thanks very much and good luck!

Abraão Lucas

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