This post is about a week later than originally intended... For the past week+ I've been playing everyone's favorite game of "Covid or Cold?" In the end I don't know and don't really care that much as I'd handle them about the same way. I'm all good, still a lingering cough. This past week was highly unproductive as drawing becomes an exercise in frustration and futility when you're coughing or dripping snot every 10 seconds. I at least tried to make some use of the time by reading art books and watching instructional videos. Now I can get back to the hands on aspects of creating!
If you've followed my last few posts on @liketu then you saw the black and white ink linework of my current iterations of character concept art for "I Thought It Would Be Zombies..." Here at last are the results of applying color to those pieces, and the addition of a very important fourth cast member.
From left to right we have Julie, Bonnie, Sarah, and Dave. I still have plenty to learn, but I'm finally hitting a point in my artistic proficiency that I feel ready to start learning "on the job" and really want to get into the full on day-to-day production of this comic, release it to the world and just try to get better with each passing page and issue.
It's shocking how time flies. I pulled up the first concepts as a sort of "How It Started - How It's Going" comparison and that 2016 date on it is jarring to say the least!
While the improvement isn't quite as jarring as I'd like it to be six years later, it is there... so I'll take a victory lap at that!
For the story of this comic I've always envisioned a more animated feel, and I really want to convey a sort of "beautiful apocalypse" as one of the themes. Colors and light will need to be harnessed greatly for that purpose and that's one area my learning has been focused on. I also want to keep pushing my character designs to be simpler, more expressive, and harness more "shape language."
Here's each of the three pieces individually if you'd like to take a closer look.
All of these main characters are based off of real life friends. From the older version to the newer I've moved away from trying to capture a strong likeness, but the spirit of the characters are very much the same. Sarah's probably stayed the closest in features and design to the original illustration.
Sadly the real life inspiration for Bonnie, our furry little three legged heroine, passed away. She remains a very important part of this story and I hope to do her proud and have enough success that I can find ways to honor her and contribute to the welfare of more animals like her.
Dave looks less like the Dave I know... but I think he better exudes his "Daveness" 😆
And Julie always gets the most reactions out of anyone I post. As I get more fans I think it'll become clear that she's a fan favorite!
I hope I awake tomorrow cough free and with sparkling clear sinuses! I kinda doubt it but I'm sure I'll at least be in good enough shape to get back to some good drawin'! I've got a bit more concept sketching in mind before I turn back to the actual comic book pages themselves.
I'm eager to get on the convention circuit a bit. In place of having a completed first issue which is still a ways off, I'm working on putting together a sketchbook preview that'll contain pieces like you see here and more! I'll be making digital copies freely available to anyone subscribed to my email list. If you'd be interested in receiving one and future major announcements regarding "I Thought It Would Be Zombies...", please head over to bryanimhoff.com and sign up at the bottom of the page!
Comments, questions, observations and musings? Leave them below! And thanks for coming along on this little journey into color with me...
-Bryan "the Imp" Imhoff
Follow me for more behind the scenes looks at the creation of "I Thought It Would Be Zombies..." Your votes help support its production! Also look for limited edition digital artwork for sale on NFTShowroom.com
Bit of a change between the past and present versions :)
I'm kind of curious about tree girl's mobility, I feel like she would kind of lumber around but at the same time it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if she was the fastest of the lot XD
and if it's any consolation I've been working on my project for 20 years and I'm still not any better or any more done
Looking good my friend. Not sure how lucrative it is for ya, but you are always welcome to pop on in and set up for FCBD in May.
Thanks man! I'll have to see what things are looking like in the lead up to FCBD. I have a table booked for the Fan Expo in Philly in April, so if I manage to cobble together a decent display for that... I might just take you up on the offer!
You are always welcome here at any event. You lmk!
I liked it when it was b/w, now it's even cooler
Music to my ears! 🎶 👂 Thank you!
You're good!
It's really good work. I'll be watching you but not in a creepy stalky kinda way
😆 Thank you! I don't mind creepy stalky as long as it's mixed with the appropriate amount of flattery!
😆 Oh. You're funny too.
Now I'm definitely staying in touch.
Funny trumps anything
I definitely see developmental change in the characters from 2016 to today , well done. It must be fun to keep working with these characters. For me, my art is always telling me stories in my head ,but I move on , fickle artist that I am, and my 'characters' are born for a bit, get a few words in and then I move on.
I hope you feel better and that the comic/con cicrcuit returns. I think this Summer is going to be very much more open then we've seen since the New World began, I'd jump in and do as much fun as you can this Summer, one never knows what September brings haha.
Feel better! @bryan-imhoff
Looking great. I can appreciate that just finding the right style can be a lot of work. Keep on pushing and you will get there.
BTW I've had a bit of cold or COVID this week. My other half tested positive, but I seem to be avoiding the latter for now. I wonder if that can last.
!PIZZA !LUV
@steevc(3/3) gave you LUV.
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Join LUV's 1st birthday celebration!
I almost missed being able to upvote, but whew! Hours to spare haha
My little brother and I have been drawing since we were little. Brother comics, me pictures.
I love when someone is also involved in drawing. These are grown children! 😊😇
Bravo, great work!