Drawing backgrounds has always been a big hardship for myself. That's what you get, when pouring all the focus on portraits and people! Yet, I wanted my artsona to have an environment to be in, rather than just a face against bland background. Of course, I prefer that for portraits, the person is the focus point after all. But I decided to tackle my weak points and make visuals for the actual shop my artsona lives in.
The spark was ignited by this JujuArts's video:
I've never used or heard of SketchUp. Previously, whenever a simple prop was needed for the background, I utilized the simple objects in EasyPose. I've made 2 backdrops with it, and it turned out quite crappy and started to lag the program fast the more pieces were put in. Seeing SketchUp in action encouraged me to give it a go. Luckily, they have a free browser version, that is quite limited with its tools, but usable and bendable to your will, if you're determined.
Now, I'm VERY prone to make massive projects from the start, even if I don't know the tools at all. I always have way too big dreams and skip ahead from basics, learning them on the go. Same happened with the first building in SketchUp. I already had an idea for the front of the building in my sketch book and went ahead and tried to put it together. The idea was to have a small entryway building that connects with a short walkway to the main building.
On April 30th, The first boxes of this baby were born. Here are screenshots from the end of every modeling session:
Making curved surfaces was challenging, but nothing a few tutorials on YouTube can't fix!
Modeling and visualizing how roof tiles should look.
The last session, before I decided to re-make the entire thing.
On May 16th (Yeah, over 2 weeks on this thing), after many hours of
learning on the go, I scratched version 1 out and decided to re-design
and size down the original plan. It had gotten way too big and not
practical for my needs. I had let my creative get out of hand there!
But, at the same time, I did learn the tools; Maybe not at professional
level, but I had become absolutely much more comfortable. Now I had the confidence to know exactly how every step would be executed, rather than knowing what I want the end result to be but not knowing how to get there.
After sketching some ideas on paper, with top-down view, it was time to begin with version 2. This time the plan included only one building and a bridge. I got rid of the business sign on the roof and decided that sign would be earlier on the road leading up to the place. This way the building would look much more clean.
Front idea. During modeling the door design and amount changed.
Top view
Rough composition for an illustration with the shop
In just 4 days, the second version was completed. I still learned some new tricks during it, but not as many as during the first one. Here's the progress on version 2:
First session ended with 2 double doors at front.
Decided to make a full 4 door front, that mainly opens from the middle for business.
Modeling a new roof shape for the base.
Re-used my tile design from version 1!
Completed!
I can say, that I am much more satisfied with version 2. It surely pays off, when your plan is complete and you know your tools better.
Next up on the schedule is to make the shop sign and start composing illustrations with the building! And once the environment illustrations are completed as well, I can also make shots with the interior and window open. Goodness, I am excited!
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