I got assigned to do 6 covers in a row for Paizo Publishing. Before me they had used Wayne Reynolds and Steven Prescott, and I am a huge fan of both of them. So I really had to up it up a notch to be able to compete with those guys.
The theme of the covers are a main figure and a widescreen illustration
behind the figure.
Here is the steps of the illustration for the main figure:
1
I start out with a sketch roughly done and focused on the face and the expression.
2
Then i clean up the sketch and add the details. in this case a holly book, a sabre and strips of holly scripture hanging from his hands. I do a tonal study in Photoshop and submit it to the art director.
3
The final is done in acrylics on paper.
