Leo Richter’s Portrait by Daniel Kehlmann / for Zeit Magazine
This is Part 2 of a small series of posts showing the process and final illustrations for this assignment.
This is my favorite piece from the [Leo Richter’s Portrait] series. I usually get really excited to do spreads, especially when they’re narrative in nature.
In this scene, the main character (our writer from last week’s post) is meeting with an extremely tall old man who can’t stop wheezing and coughing. From events that happen later in the story, I decided he should look somewhat “artsy” and “creepy,” not unlike a certain archetype of design teachers and artsy administrators I recall walking around campus when I was going to school at Art Center (it’s a great school, but a weird place).
At the time of this assignment though, I’d also been watching a lot of CNN while at the gym, specifically Larry King, who inspired the posture and jeans + suspenders look.
I love Larry King Live.
Anyhow, an interesting thing to note about the process of all the Zeit pieces — this one in particular — I had a lot of difficulty putting them down. I kept experimenting with subtle layers, textures, and different colors, trying to push things to the next level all the way until the end when they were due. In the text below the images I’ve talked a bit about some of those things, and I regret not being able to go into more detail because of not exactly knowing what I’m doing with them.
I think that this piece feels very warm and cozy… which I guess is a way of saying it’s not as “slick” as some of my other stuff. I tried to create an environment that the viewer could feel comfortable in. If that does not make sense, I apologize for not being able to describe it more concretely.
More from this assignment:
Part 1 • Part 3
SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS COMPETITION
The Society of Illustrators competition deadline is fast approaching. You have until November 7th to upload and pay for your images. Enter here.
The student competition isn’t for another 5 or so months though, but I highly recommend entering if you’re in school. They give away big cash prizes that can be very helpful. Heck, it even paid for my Powerbook that I got back in the day, which I never could have afforded otherwise.
BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT
A lot of exciting things are taking place in my world right now. I wish I could mention some of them but… I can’t! But I promise you that big stuff is a-coming!
Oh, and lastly I’m going to be out of town next weekend so the next post will be a bit late. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE NEXT TUESDAY!
peace,
Frank
12 Comments
Add Yours →Such character!!
I have seen such interesting looking people as this guy, and when I do I just want to follow them around and draw them.
The gradient adds a nice effect and contrast to the more flat areas.
Is it possible for future posts that you include any reference that you might have been looking at to create the picture?
awesome piece! i dig the artsy dude’s suspenders and converse. great angle and perspective too. looking forward to your big stuff!
Great works! Always improving!
man. i love your stuff. and god damn, they didnt send me the zeit magazine with your illustration, yet.
you rock. best wishes from germany in crappy english =)
I absolutely love it! very inspiring. Just started reading your blog, love your illustrations, and always nice to get a glimpse of the process you go through with them. Great stuff.
Thanks guys.
M – yes I see people like these characters all the time here in NY… but I don’t usually follow them around.
Maybe I’ll do something with reference in the future. I’m a bit self-conscious of how silly I look in these poses.
Do Yeah – Thanks, I’ll announce the big stuff as it becomes official.
abey – thanks, I try.
Oliver – Don’t feel bad, I haven’t seen it yet, either. I’m still waiting for it in the mail.
kenny – glad you like the blog! I enjoy doing it. I’m also glad that I could be helpful to some of you out there.
–frank
Ha ha! That totally feels like Larry King, and thats a good thing. I too have just started reading the blog after my buddy Scott Brundage told me about it. Keep it up; its good readin’!
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
chris-whetzel.com
lol @ larry king
good job frank
-Steve
Yes, funny enough it was the german one, I liked those Illus a lot.
I have to cruise and see if I can catch a ZEIT somewhere. They go fast, even though they are so heavy!.
just amazing work, i been viewing your blog for a while now and i am always amaze. i have to say your colors are amazing and simply genius, i love the way you able to keep your line work still there, i love pen and ink and when i add color, i lose the line work i love so much and you are someone who i look at all the time. can’t wait to see what’s next. bye 4 now
I have to give you lots of credit for inspiring me to continue with illustration. You do amazing work! Also, thanks again for posting regularly, and revealing some of your methods of work.
you are a genious! i always followed your thread on flight forum.
really inspiring!