Process: Telekinetic Yeti

Hey everyone! I'm stoked to join the community to share my art and creative process. My first post is a t-shirt graphic I recently completed for the band Telekinetic Yeti.

Step 01: Rough Sketch
For this project I created the initial sketch in Photoshop. It's low res so I don't get too hung up on details. At this point I'm really trying to get quickly get an idea down and sell the band on my vision. In this case I wanted to feature a Yeti character. The band wanted something with a 1970's custom van. A Rat Fink inspired concept seemed like a good fit!

Step 02: Tight Drawing
Once approved, I print out the rough sketch and then throw it on the light box to make a tighter drawing. I like to use Prismacolor "True Blue" pencils for my initial layout and then move to "Crimson Red" to indicate final lines. Once again I send it back to the band for approval before I begin inks.

Step 03: Inks
The band wanted me to reduce some of the brow and tongue details. I personally like extra gross out details, but in the interest of time I decided to not argue and make the changes. This piece was inked on 9"x12" Strathmore Bristol Board with a smooth plate finish. I used Faber-Castell PITT artist pens for the line work, mostly the brush pen.

Step 04: Color
The inked art is scanned into the computer and placed into Adobe Illustrator for coloring. I get input from the band on how many colors they will print with, what color shirt the design will be on and what kind of color palette they're looking for. After a few back in forths, it's all dialed in and ready for print.

Thanks for checking out my first post!