There is a special moment in every creative process – the moment when the first spark ignites in my mind. Sometimes it’s triggered by a sentence, other times by a faint memory or an image in my head. For me, creating an illustration is not just work but a journey where my thoughts and emotions take shape on paper (or a digital canvas).
The Birth of an Idea
Every illustration tells a story. When I start a new project, I first try to capture its essence. What does the image want to convey? What emotions should it evoke? This is the point where I sit down with a cup of coffee, a notebook in hand, and let inspiration find me. Sometimes the idea comes instantly, other times it takes days to develop.
The First Sketches – Bringing Lines to Life
Once the concept is clear, I start sketching. At this stage, everything is still loose, spontaneous, and free – I don’t strive for perfection, I just let the ideas flow onto the paper.
This phase can sometimes be challenging. It’s not always easy to find the perfect composition, the right character movement, or that certain "something" that makes an illustration truly impactful. But that’s the beauty of the process – the exploration, the fine-tuning, the little adjustments that finally come together as a whole.
Adding Details – When the Image Comes to Life
When I feel I’m on the right track, I begin refining the details. I pay special attention to shadows, textures, and small nuances that make the artwork truly unique.
My favorite part? Colors! Coloring is always exciting because this is the moment when the illustration truly comes alive. If I choose the right tones and contrasts, the image will not only be beautiful but also convey emotions.
The Final Touches – The Perfect Moment
There comes a moment when I step back and simply look at the finished piece. Somehow, I always know when it’s complete – when nothing more needs to be added because everything is in its right place. This is the moment of pride, knowing that I have successfully captured the thought I originally envisioned.
The Magic of Illustrations
Every creation carries a piece of me – my emotions, my thoughts, my perspective. Perhaps that’s why illustration is so special to me. I’m not just drawing images; I’m building a world where stories come to life.
Would you like your book or project’s illustrations to be truly unique and expressive? I’d love to help! Check out my work at Galantusz Grafika – who knows, maybe your next story will come to life with me!