Arteliance

Where It All Began, undated, black and white photo postcard, 5.5 X 3.87 in.

This is where my mom was born.

Kevin Cornell writes about his process creating illustrations for A List Apart.

1. The Message Generally speaking, the process for any illustration begins with determining just what the image is supposed to communicate.

2. The Concept I believe the concept is the most important part of any illustration; or any artistic endeavor, for that matter. Artistic styles go in and out of fashion quick as a rabbit on rockets; the best way to ensure an illustration remains relevant long after its style grows stale is to make sure it’s based on a relevant idea.

• jot down as many illustration ideas as possible
• take the loose visual list and sort out the best ideas.

3. The Rough The Rough Phase requires versatility. I produce my roughs with a pencil because it’s quick, easy to make changes with, and able to get across all the important virtues of the final art — tone, contrast, form, and composition.

4. Final Art

“Dissecting The Process” - A classic Bearskinrug Article.

Standing, 06.02.12, graphite on paper, 11 X 20 in.

Enlarge

Reclining Male, 06.02.12, graphite on paper, 15 X 15 in.

Enlarge

Sometimes I like to just post the drawings and let them speak for themselves, but I’m often asked to justify the way I draw — I draw “messy” because life is messy, complicated, energetic, and interconnected — how could I draw any other way?

In no particular order of importance, I believe artwork can be judged on at least the following criteria:

• Emotional provocation
• “Craftmanship”
• Innovation
• Truth
• Conceptual complexity/quality
• Integrity (or consistency)
• Transcendentalism

Edward_ Winkleman: Truth