top of page
Writer's pictureMargoulette

From the idea to the realisation of an illustration

Updated: Sep 21

The work of an illustrator evolves over the time of a project, it evolves over the time of a lifetime. This is the most exciting thing for an artist.


Thelma et Louise - Illustration détail par Margoulette Illustration

When I am asked to illustrate a subject following the sending of a brief, the return of my questionnaire, I first identify the key words and phrases.


They are the ones who will feed my thinking and then allow me to write down all the ideas that come to mind.


The time for research and subsequent modifications is often longer than the realization of the illustration. I will have to be attentive to the symbols, to what surrounds me, my knowledge, my cinematographic, literary and musical culture. I'll also search the internet for anything I don't have handy, a sculpture, a beautiful garden, architecture, or a Brazilian motif on a faded photo of a dress worn in the 60s...I'll then make several sketches for my research phase.


The idea is to deconstruct what I have seen in life, a film or on a photo, to recompose a scene with the references, a decorative element or a motif that interests me. One of my favorite tools is the moodboard.



Moodboard and sketch of an alternative poster of the movie Thelma and Louise by Margoulette Illustration
From moodboard to sketch

I first work on the quick drawing of each element that I will be able to position as I want to have a composition that works.


I draw in black and white. The colors will come later and must agree with the theme treated. I have a preference for flat design illustrations. I also attach importance to my line not being perfect and keeping its spontaneity on my graphic tablet.


Then I tackle the color block and there we can compare this time with that of the puzzle or Tetris. I am ultimately closer to cutting than painting at this stage of my drawing. I use colors that may or may not be far from my palette. Nothing is fixed, everything can still evolve.


This is an important phase where I lay the foundations of my drawing. It takes me longer than the others because I often have doubts at that time. A good night's sleep usually gives me the idea that I am wrong or confirms to me that I am on the right track.


When the colors are applied, I make the final line. I take this opportunity to eliminate all superfluous lines along the way.


My last step is to select each block of color to brush them with my brush, my favorite brush. This is my “stencil” session. This is the moment of truth and it is the moment that satisfies me the most!


sketch and illustration of Thelma and Louise by Margoulette Illustration
From line to final illustration

When I'm not drawing, I nourish myself with films, music, exhibitions, long family outings and reunions around a seasonal plate with friends. To recharge my batteries, there's nothing like emotions, fresh air and laughter!


I am moving forward slowly but surely in this career project as an illustrator. One of my driving forces is the very idea of ​​progression and exploration in my journey as an illustrator. For the rest of my engines, this will be the opportunity to tell you more soon...





ความคิดเห็น


ปิดการแสดงความคิดเห็น
bottom of page