All of my images are made using a combination of sketches, scans, computer software, and are made solely by me. My style is designed to have a soft animation look.
I create my artwork by first developing and sketching an idea for the image. I then scan the image into the computer and use software programs to further refine the idea and the artwork.
I have been making this style of artwork since 2000, though many of my earlier images were humorous or comic-book style images. By 2003, I had developed a main subject for my artwork: the character called 'Tabby'. By 2007, I had refined the character into three versions: the first one has long hair, the second version has short hair and glasses, and the third version is a combination of the first two, with both long hair and glasses.
When creating my artwork, I usually start with a rough idea of how I want the piece to look. I sketch Tabby a rough pose and start thinking about ideas for clothing. Of course, if the piece will be a portrait-style shot, then clothing usually isn't needed.
When I've finished sketching out the piece, I then scan it into the computer. I then fill in the details and the colors. I sometimes adjust the piece by changing the 'camera angle' by 'zooming in' or 'zooming out'. Sometimes this kind of adjustment helps me create a piece better than I had originally planned!
And, as you can probably see, not all of my artwork includes Tabby. These pieces are created the same way, though: I sketch out a rough idea, scan it in, and then fill in the details using digital models. The finished piece has the same composition and point-of-view of my original sketch, but the final lighting and coloring of the models can create a very different look and feel.
Most of my artwork is available for sale, ranging in size from very large (24'x36') to small (8.5'x11'), to a few sizes in-between.
John Hoagland joined Fine Art America on November 27th, 2007.
