Kevin Cornell Dissects his Process

March 20, 2006

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.