Lydia And Pugs: The Process

I've some questions in the past about how my custom design process works, I have on my website the process, but I also wanted to share here how I complete a custom water color illustration for either an original piece of art, a blog header or stationery. I hope you enjoy!

Step 1: Questionnaire & Inspiration Photo

After the client places the order with me, either through my Etsy shop or by contacting me via email, he or she then emails me inspiration photos of their pet(s), items they would like in the photo, or a photo of the client themselves.

I also ask the client a list of questions asking if they would like to be dressed in a specific designer outfit, if they want their dog wearing a specific collar, etc. Once I study the photos and the questionnaire, I then get to work on the sketch. I sketch out different or looks to see which looks best based on the clients preferences. I then chose my favorite sketch, which I think will match my client’s tastes and then email the client the proof.

Step 2: Line Drawing

After the client, has agreed on the proof he/she likes best, I then proceed with the final line drawing of the sketch. I make sure everything looks just right proceeding to the final color rendering. The client also has a last chance to make any last minute changes. If the client does not want any changes, I proceed to rendering step right away.

Step 2: Final Illustration

Once the line drawing is perfected and approved by the client, I then get to work on the coloring the illustration. My favorite medium to render artwork is water color, which takes layer upon layer of wet paint to perfect the illustration. Some custom illustrations take only one to two hours to render in water color and depending how detailed could even take longer. If the outfit has a detailed fabric/pattern, the pet has a detailed sweater, or the background is large, these things all depend on how long it takes. Finally, I use black ink to add the small details to the illustration, this is what really make the drawing pop and come to life.

After the rendering is completed I scan your custom design into my computer, make any adjustments or special requests necessary, and that is it! Your custom design is saved in my library to be used on any future orders.

That’s all! I hope you enjoyed taking a peek at my custom design process. If you are interested in a custom design of your own, feel free to email me at dawn@lydiaandpugs.com, I’d love to work with you.