Ron Mulvey✏️

Create Your First Illustration With Character Design

Hi Mariya, Julius Caesar's mission statement was, "Veni, Vidi, Vici - I came, I saw, I conquered. For the artist it is I came, I saw, I captured ... and then I designed. All visual artists need to design. We are not taking pictures or painting pictures we are building them. Our building blocks are elements and principles of design. First at the post is Seeing them. The real progress in our 'design' development is studying our work after it is done. Let's take a look at a really fine photograph that exhibits many of the elements and principles of design. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/a84516cb" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="a84516cb" /> Here is what your average viewer will go over in their mind as they look at your photo. What do I like about it? Does it remind me of somewhere I have been? Does it intrigue me and excite me? Do I like the colors? There will be no analysis of the picture. They will either like it or not like it. Average time spent looking at a photo is 3 to 6 seconds. Here is how you can grab their attention even more. Why this picture grabs you. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/e84e5d7a" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="e84e5d7a" /> White dot is the middle of a well constructed rectangle that is divided into thirds. The three section rectangle was used by Leonardo all the time as well as countless generations of visual artists, designers and architects. It is a great place to start with your design.  Start with the circle and construct a square around it. Extend line to corners and then add the 'third' on the left side. I left the lines extending in places to show you how. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/295b88c5" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="295b88c5" /> Here is a cleaned up version. Notice how the pyramid shaped landform is right in line with the grid line. THIS IS NO ACCIDENT. It was designed, We may design by intuition and get lucky once and a while but knowing design principles will produce the grab factor every time. That particular spot is the sweet spot for a picture.It can be in any of these4 spots in the 4 corner sections. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/3ddcb3a3" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="3ddcb3a3" /> #1 Design Principle that works every time. Papa, Momma, and Baby Bear The big landform is dominant. The building on far right is next in size and visibility. Baby bear is sticking out near eye level in the mid-ground. Three sizes of text are always going to work, three shapes or colors will always work well on a plate of food, three always works ...but one must be dominant. Big, smaller, smallest always works because it grabs. The red oblique lines indicate a treed area which provides a contrast to all the architectural shapes. Contrast is a very important design principle. Big, smaller,and smallest is basically 'contrast'. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/f42206f5" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="f42206f5" /> Scattered darks make a good design. I intensified the hues to show the dark pattern. The red lines show the three different sizes of the thrusting obliques. Long one, shorter one, and smallest one. The coloured lines along the four sides shows how the picture is divided into sections of unequal weight. Even, or formal design, can be boring at times. Now go back and look at the original picture and see what you can see. Hopefully you will see more and enjoy more.

Wow, Ron you never cease to amaze! This is so well put together. I like looking at the pictures afterwards, thinking what is wrong and was was right with it, but never to such a deep level. And you are so right that with some practice it will be easier to actually implement those design techniques before the shot is made. I will definitely think more about composing the picture now.
Once again, you made my day, thank you so much! 

Would like to use some of this material for the class if that would be ok with you. It would be great collaborating.

Sure, do you need it in higher quality? Do you need other types of pictures (like still life)?

No the 1260 format you have used is great. most students are using portable devices and the quality is wasted.

Still life YES, Lets do the first part with about 5 photos of your choice. I'll explain why they work etc.

Have you done any graphic design with text?

Hi Mariya, So happy to get your photo and got right to it this morning. This is a perfect 'model' photo to work with as it is a work in the rough. We painters would call it a sketch, a rough, or a quick dash. I realize you know all about Leonado's thirds and those golden means our Greek friends developed. This exercise is about us learning and helping each other look, and find Design Elements and then apply Design Principles. This untampered Photo is going to be perfect to demonstrate this procedure. Lets examine the Design Elements first. These are the lines, shapes, and moods that are already in the picture. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/e0b326f1" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="e0b326f1" /> As I looked and found these Design Elements I was always drawn to the shape that was different - the dome. That red tiled dome kept begging for attention. The verticals are all over and you almost do not see them since there are so many. (can't see the people for the crowd) We call them vertical thrusts and they definitely dominate. Obviously the foreground is too heavy and the tonality (overall color dominance of atmosphere) is very somber and dark. Now I get the idea from Rembrant that lots of grey will make a color POP so i make a note to up the Red saturation on the dome. ( Very tastefully of course) The curve is the most compelling shape that exists. We have two: the road and the dome. Now we get to designing as we have discovered the Elements of Design we now move to the Principles of Design - the editing tools for creativity! Here are 4 choices I cropped out. I chose the bottom left  because of the dome, the bench , and the umbrellas. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/9d77bf32" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="9d77bf32" /> Here it is enlarged and I am stating to see that the umbrellas would be much more effective it one to two were down or missing. That would create an incident along that white line which is a great design principle  that alleviates boredom. Of course that would require some photoshopping. The hills in the background end up at the same height as the momma bear tower. We could adjust that easily with our digital wizard. Or in future take three pictures from three viewpoints. So here is what I will do next: 1- Break up the white umbrella line 2- Tone down the terracotta roof a bit 3 - Lower the hill next to the off centre mid ground tower either by 'stretching' it or photoshopping it out. Here is what it looks like now. Had to dash out shopping so my Umbrella chops were fast and furious. stretched the tower and touched up sky. <img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/9135e0068eeede3ccfc270ebbc2b3647/fe32890e" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="fe32890e" /> I am not a Photo shop expert so adjusting the red would be a job for the photographer. Color enhancements are tricky business especially when they show up very bright on a Mac and very muted on a PC. That being said we can all appreciate a little makeover in our artwork. The bench is very inviting and says come and rest awhile and take it all in. Now I need feedback as this is a workshop in progress. We are learning from each other. I like the mini ruins in the foreground. The bottom left pedestal (two stones) is placed perfectly along the bottom distance. Look for relationships and then bring them out so we can have a look at them. The more I look at the photo the more I see and  like. Feedback please!

Oh wow, Ron, you made the whole class out of one picture! 
This is actually invaluable! I don't spend a lot of time composing travel images, because I'm in such a rush, but some principles they just stick and I may not realise it next time, when Ill be looking for a break in the line of umbrellas =D 
Soooo cool, thank your for your time and thorough work on this. If you need any more pictures submitted, just let me know, I have lots =D 
So truly, really grateful!
Thank you!

Hi Mariya,

I was a little worried that you would mind me messing with your very emotional photo. Memories are special and I appreciate your 'Kudos"

This is perfect for my next class so send me one of your best and I will show why it is 'Stellar'.

 I have seen your work and you have nothing to worry about.

Also send me something that is all over the place and random so I can demonstrate some 'cropping design ideas'.

Much thanks for helping out in the true Skillshare spirit.





Nah, Im fine with learning new things and looking through others people eyes, and frankly picture is not memory related, its more the one where I loved the light the most =) Ok, let me see what pictures I can send you =)

Hey, Ron!&nbsp;
Ha, I'm quite curious about this new project of yours - the design basics, so I decided to share a photograph, which technically speaking I think is not the composition I go for (and I'm truly dedicated to the rule of thirds =D) but I still love it very much, most of all because of the light. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts =)
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/d51d173a" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 1 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/d51d173a 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/d51d173a 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
Ron! Sorry for the delay! Sending you another picture from the same trip, this one I love too =) city and hills look like waves =D
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/f72ab8b6" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 2 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/f72ab8b6 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/f72ab8b6 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
Soo with the above two Im adding 4 more, just in case. I specifically did not look for the ones that I think are "perfect" =)
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/88586266" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 3 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/88586266 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/88586266 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/524b0e3a" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 4 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/524b0e3a 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/524b0e3a 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/0461d02f" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 5 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/0461d02f 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/0461d02f 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/eeddb25f" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 6 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/eeddb25f 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/eeddb25f 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
Right, I haven't got any writings on photos, however, here are a couple of art pieces I made last week, with do include text
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/9c96ea40" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 7 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/9c96ea40 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/9c96ea40 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/e7f3f8b1" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 8 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/e7f3f8b1 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/e7f3f8b1 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/1fe3e474" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="Design basics - image 9 - student project" srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=600,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/1fe3e474 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,width=1000,format=auto/uploads/project/b9c48aef023ca1329ba04469a90e1fe6/1fe3e474 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" loading="lazy">

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