Welcome to the new look site
As you’ve probably already notice we’ve changed the way the site looks. We decided to make it a little easier for everyone to use (mostly me cause I am an idiot).
I’m actually really really pleased with the way it’s worked out, I didn’t think we could improve on the first site but I’m really excited about the changes we’ve made. As you can see the stories are all still here with a list of everything archived at the side for easier navigating. Our artist Tom has also agreed to do a art blog, I’m really excited about all the posts he’s making, I’m always really impressed with his interpretations of the stories and seeing how he get’s there is fascinating.
We’ll continue to think of more and more content to add to the site. Atlas is definitely growing. If you want to be a part of the future of the site you can join really easily by clicking the join link at the top of the site, or you can join the forum which is still active (you can find it in the side bar on the right).
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Rite of Bloodlet: Illustration Process part 2
The first work in progress image for the rite of bloodlet
Hello again people, time for an update on how the current image is going.
So I’ve decided to go for an action scene. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the story and so hopefully should make for an exciting picture. The moment I’ve tried to capture is just after Gin has vanquished two of his foes in gladiatorial combat. The nearest figure is in process of slumping to the ground, which will become clearer in time.
At this stage I’m just planning the image, sketching straight into Corel Painter to lay out the rough composition. Of course all this is potentially subject to change and often the final illustration will look completely different. This stage simply gives me something to aim for and build upon. The next part will be the long slow process of building the image up in clarity and detail…
The Rite of Bloodlet: Illustration Process
Hello, Tom McGrath here; Illustrator for Mike Crowden’s stories of atlas. In this wee blog I aim to illustrate for those who are interested (pun intended) the process of illustrating each new story of Atlas, starting here with the Rite of Bloodlet.
Of course, the first step for me is reading the respective story itself and trying to find the best angle to approach it. You may think reading the story is a fairly obvious step, but you might also be surprised to learn how many illustrators are given nothing more than a few words as a brief to work with. Personally I like detail, and try to absorb as much of it as I can to work with. This is partly because I love to immerse myself in the world of the stories but also because I hate getting things wrong. Honestly, the number of times I’ve looked at a book cover frothing at the mouth because the illustrator obviously hasn’t read it and has given Gandalf a sombrero or something stupid. I may be exaggerating slightly but you get the gist.
"Gin" initial sketch
Anyway the next step is to try to find the best angle for each picture, that is; the best way to visually sum it up. Whether I achieve this is debatable. This step usually involves reading everything again and trying to find the most story defining scene. However, if I’m really lucky I just get told what to do.
With the Rite of Bloodlet illustration I’m currently at the earliest stages. I’m still not sure which scene sums up the story the best, as it’s quite diverse. However, I am sure that the main character “Gin” will feature. therefore I’m trying to decide how he’ll look for starters.
I’ve started with a rough sketch, he’s a a humanoid and though he’s not human I want to make sure that I can convey strong human emotions with him. I won’t spoil the story for those yet to read it but there’s some deep stuff in there. I reckon that in this sketch I’m still a bit off. I want to make his tusks more visible and and make him a bit more bestial while not losing the human side.
Next stage, more sketches…
