Pug Illustration–step by step

Today I’m letting the cat, er, dog outta the bag – I’m creating a line of all occasion doggie greeting cards.

There are a few avenues artists can take for success, I’ve heard.

(It’s nice that I’m finally listening after nearly 20 years.)

Of course there are art galleries. ahem. Yeah, well, that’s not ‘me’ exactly. And then there’s licensing, where your art is reproduced onto different products.

Pug Pattern

I’ve always loved the idea of my paintings being “used”, you know? Not just sitting on a wall but more like being a part of a person’s life. So licensing has always been my goal.

But getting your art licensed by large companies is almost like winning the lottery . . . or The Voice.

Basecoat body with creamy ivory and head details with charcoal grey.

Until Zazzle came along.

Zazzle allows artists, graphic designers, photographers – or anyone who wants to create something – to simply upload a photograph and have it manufactured onto a myriad of products.

Head close-up

Another thing I’ve ‘heard’ artists should do is start with greeting cards.

Think Mary Engelbreit. She actually started with a line of cards, as did many, many other successful artists.

Second coat of dark grey

Zazzle also makes greeting cards, as do many other online “self-licensing” companies.

I’m trying, really trying, to stay focused this year in ONE direction this year so I’m sticking with Zazzle until I have a full collection to offer.

Second coat close-up

Does that mean I won’t be doing craft tutorials anymore?

Absolutely not.

I have loads of tutorials planned but actual video classes may take a while to get going.

So if you want to learn how to paint, or more about it, you’re stuck with the free blog stuff for a while.

Oh darn.

Adding black detail to head and white to chest area

Another thing I’m focusing on, or at least trying to, is creating collections. I’ve always been all over the map, painting a landscape one day, a craft the next, and then maybe something for Easter. Or whatever.

Apparently people want collections, a series of similar painting.

So do the “big guys” who license artwork.

Final head close-up

 

This l’il guy is the first in my Pet Lover’s series, a collection of simply painted doggies for all occasions.

Now, most people would think that’d be pretty simple – “simply painted” – but for me it’s a huge challenge. I like detail. I like to paint with detail. I like to make my animals look real.

But if I did that we’d be here in 2015 at this time and I’d only have one or two doggies done. So while it’s a big challenge for me, it’s a fun challenge.

Oh, and the pups also need some holiday accoutrement too.

Again, focusing on “simple”.

By painting the dog separate from the holiday elements, I can mix ‘n match doggies and different holiday themes.

The only issue there was I had to up my Photoshop game.

Ugh.

 

It’s coming along though. I’m nowhere’s near skilled or anything but I’m learning enough to create these guys.

• Pug Valentine Mug
• Pug Candy Tin
• Pug Valentine Button
• Pug Greeting Card

(While these are intended for Valentine’s Day, they could be used any time as an expression of love.)

I’m a busy, busy gal and I absolutely love it. Painting doggies, simply, is an absolute joy. I hope you noticed in my step-by-steps that it’s really pretty simple. If your drawing isn’t where you’d like it to be, I’ll be offering the line art as downloads so you could just paint them however you’d like. Sound fun?

If you’d like to put your own artwork, photos or graphics on Zazzle, I hope you do so. I’m not a pro but I’d certainly be happy to answer any questions I can!

Colleen

about Colleen

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