Fun With Flags

Ace Connell · 18 Feb 2016, 07:56

You don't write too much... I think the issue is that other than Sheldon Cooper, people see flags and fall asleep haha.

So the birds-eye view you put of the layout wants to be in perspective? What kind of view-point do you want?

Ace

NoWayMe · 18 Feb 2016, 12:36

Hi Beatriz

I think maybe you should start doing thumbnails sketches for the first illustration and explore the different options you mentioned in your questions. Then you can submit the thumbnails and it would be a starting point so we can help you with composition!

Noémie

Beatriz "Bett" · 18 Feb 2016, 23:13

Thanks for responding Ace and NoWayMe. I will work on this. By the way, what does it mean when I get a notice that someone "upvoted" my post? Thanks!

Ace Connell · 19 Feb 2016, 07:57

It's just like a like on Facebook.

AKA fake gratification from people haha.

The biggest problem with this piece is going to be getting a camera angle in which you can see all the flags. You need to establish and draw out that camera angle before you worry about the angle of the finished flags because you don't know their final perspective yet.

Ace

Leontine · 19 Feb 2016, 12:04

Hi Beatriz,
I think its hard because Designing flags is so much more than illustration. Perhaps you can start by lose sketches, every flag its own prescription? That makes it more readable for people. Nice, but not an easy job because there is so much symbolism in designing flags. If it is for boys, make them very graphic, they read easy. Maybe using desaturated colors? Is this of any help? If you want I can give you some help with examples...just let me know. Have a great day! Leontine

Beatriz "Bett" · 20 Feb 2016, 06:08

NoWay, Ace, and Leontine, you are right. I have been looking at landscapes and trying to figure out the camera angle. The thing is, this piece would be so huge if I were to sketch it out as an actual encampment. It is going to have to be a representation and not a realistic encampment to show the flags. ---Leontine, I have sketched most of the flags. They are in the rectangles above. Each flag is described in scriptural writings, so the basics of each flag is there as far as the animal or object, and color(s) of the flag. --- I am VERY new. I am learning PhotoShop from scratch and just won a Cintiq in an ebay auction that I have not finished hooking up. Ir was delivered a couple of days ago. I have never drawn on a tablet. I have studied a little graphic design, and have done some work in PowerPoint and Paint, but have a LOT to learn. I am so Excited and appreciative of this group. Leontine and All I will really appreciate your assistance and advice! Leontine, your piece for 3rd Thursday was wonderful. You are all so talented and give great advice.

Ace Connell · 20 Feb 2016, 09:55

Unless you use extreme perspective distortion (which is a valid compositional technique, but will look very distorted), there's no way of getting the full faces of the flags all in view unless they were all of different heights - whether that fits in with the lore of not, I don't know. You could do it like your plan, but most of the faces of the flags would be hidden. A lot of the time with composition, it's about making compromises with positioning to make it work as an appealing image.

Ace

Beatriz "Bett" · 23 Feb 2016, 10:19

This project is going to have a lot of phases. I have decided to straight on draw each flag. Later I will improve them. Eventually they will need to look like they are on fabric and on standard poles. For the overall scene. I think a "lower higher up view". Like maybe someone came through a low pass in the mountains and comes upon this scene of this encampment. Since the layout is dictated by scripture, it will have to be creative. I will stagger the flags in their own areas. The one thing that is going to have to look unreal is that since they are on four sides of the center area, some flags will have to face outward in order to be seen. So they will not just be seen from the back. Or maybe they will be seen from the back, so they will have to be backwards? Flags are printed on two sides. ---On a separate note, how can I "upvote" someone's post. Am I allowed to do that since I am new? Thanks All!

Beatriz "Bett" · 23 Feb 2016, 10:22

Judah

Beatriz "Bett" · 23 Feb 2016, 10:24

@Beatriz-"Bett" The shape and stylization of this lion exists. It is known as "The Lion of Israel" and is actually still used in Israel.