Rurouni Kenshin: Kenshin and Leaves

Artist Comment

The original Photoshop doc this was saved from has 17 main layers, with an additional 42 layers distributed across various sets (for instant, there is a set just for the green leaves that has 8 layers in it). The original vector file for just the figure minus the carry case has a many more layers because just the pen outline work has different layers for certain strokes, certain areas (like Kenshin's eye), etc.

This is my first vector drawing. I did it over a year ago and have been wanting to do another drawing, but there never seems time. The pose of the figure is based on a panel in the manga. I sketched the figure freehand (larger than the original); then inked it; then scanned it; then used it as a loose guide for building the Photoshop pen work. I made the green leaves from scratch; the maple leaves were from a shape in PS's collection.

Everything went rather fast until I hit the ponytail. I must've made 25 ponytails over the course of a month. Finally I just picked this one and said, enough. Things that I thought would be time-consuming, like the eye and satchel, went quickly. (The satchel has its own separate file with many layers in it.) I'm most happy with how the eye came out; and not too happy with how the ponytail looks. Also, there's a certain stiffness to the whole figure, esp. at the arm; but for now, it's the best I'm capable of.

Another stumbling block was realizing that my colors were all off for the Web. I was using a standard Mac profile for my monitor, not realizing you have to consider altering the profile for things like the Web or for PC users. This sent me back to recoloring the drawing. A big mess, but I hope I learned something about profiles.

My aim was to learn the pen tool and in the process maybe come out with a drawing of Kenshin (my favorite) that I could incorporate into a wallpaper. I guess I did that, plus I also am more aware of those profiles; so in those respects, this was a worthwhile project. I'll probably upload a wall I made from this too.

Comments

DarthTofu Mar 05, 2010

Not bad for your first at all. Yes, it is a bit stiff, and the lines aren't as fluid as those of an experienced vectorer, but it's got potential. I actually rather like the lines; the only real thing I dislike is the shading. The highlights on the cloth are too bright for the material.

Also, the outlines of the leaves are clunky and pixelated, and the color doesn't fill up the lines either. I also feel the leaves only emphasize how empty the background is.

Nonetheless, a fine first effort. I'd love to see what you make in the future.

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Rurouni Kenshin: Kenshin and Leaves

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