Hello, I'm very excite to take this class! I have seen illustrations like this before and was always curious about how this particular art style was achieved. I already do a mix of digital and handwritten/inky art, but not like this! So thanks a million!

So, first I hand to come up with an original concept, and like you said, give it a story. The idea of using my day to day items aren't so original, but I knew they would be unique to me because not every art uses the same planner, sketchbook, utensils and pencil case as me. I also thought to make it even personal/add in a story by putting in a potentially spilled over coke bottle, not only is it a go-to, but it shows my messy and playfulness.

A Mess of Tools - image 1 - student project

The sketch above is one of many. I choose to draw on sketching paper because it makes it easier for me to keep, rearrange, and redraw elements without the need for a light table.

Next, of course, I uploaded, retraced and colored as supposed too with the pen tool in photoshop. This by far was the most difficult thing i've learned in a while. The pen tool is so finicky and way more devious than the one in illustrator.

A Mess of Tools - image 2 - student project

Besides, the pen tool being difficult, picking a color was next and I was stumped. I wanted to use a super bright neon green because not only is it my favorite color, but it really represents me as a person...electric, fun, surprising, bright, and different. However, because that color kept giving me the exclamation point, I had change it to something else.....this blue is the result.

A Mess of Tools - image 3 - student project A Mess of Tools - image 4 - student project

Here are the examples of the hand-drawn elements, these are only two sheets of my five. This was tricky too, seeing as though i found it hard to really figure out what blotches, spatters, and any extra element details that i needed to take the illustration to the next level.

Now, this is my final piece! To be honest, i'm not completely thrilled on how this turned out, i feel as though there are things missing, items out of place and just....i don't know. I am proud of myself however.

A Mess of Tools - image 5 - student project

I am very open to any type of criticism, comment, concerns, ect. Thanks for this amazing class!

Morgan Jones

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