I've decided to monogram the work Queen from the phrase "Yas Queen"

Initial Sketches:

Queen - image 1 - student project

I played around with the letters both keeping in mind I wanted to use a serif or script. I also wanted to play around and experiment with minuscules. I added check marks to the ones I thought were my strongest, most symmetrical and balanced sketches.

Stylizing and Tweaking

Queen - image 2 - student project

Queen - image 3 - student project

Queen - image 4 - student project

In this phase, I attempted to stylize both script and serif monograms. I then created options on a separate sheet of tracing paper in gouache and in pencil. Next up, vectorizing and testing! :)

Back to Square One

After vectorizing the sketch, I realized I wasn't too happy with the decision I had made and instead further explored other type style options. The current sketch was too blocky and it wasn't a good representation of the word. Here is what the initial sketch looks like vectorized:

Queen - image 5 - student project

I decided on using a more decorative approach.

Here is the final sketch:

Queen - image 6 - student project

I'm very happy with this decision. Now it's time to vectorize!

Vectorization

Below is the first phase of the vector monogram.

Queen - image 7 - student project

I then tweaked some letters and strokes. I found the variety of thickness of strokes was a bit too distracting so I tweaked it so that they all were uniform for a more balanced composition. Below is the final comp.

Queen - image 8 - student project

Color and Style

I want to stick to using traditional royal colors, like gold.

Queen - image 9 - student project

I added a little bit of dimensionality to the monogram to help it pop. Below are examples of some flourishes I painted to lay on the design.

Queen - image 10 - student project

Queen - image 11 - student project

After playing around with the flourishes, I decided the second option was the best one to use. I then duplicated and flipped the flourish and masked some parts out to show more of the monogram. After finalizing on the color choices, I then added a texture of a wrinkled paper and added that on top.

Final

(Drum roll please....)

Queen - image 12 - student project

TA-DA! :)

I am very happy with the results! It was definitely a challenge to combine both mediums. It was a good exercise to bring in some organic feels to the piece. Thanks so much! Will be doing this more often!!!!

Diana Corredin

Brooklyn based Graphic Designer

10

39