The Process
Most projects go through four distinct phases, from rough sketch to final illustration.
Rough Sketches
After reviewing the brief, the first step is to provide rough sketches, which is all about exploration, ideas, and composition. The drawings are typically black and white, and can range from super loose to much tighter, and this phase can go through a series of rounds with the client to finalize the right direction.
The whole purpose is to give the client an idea of where the final illustration is headed, and is typically a very quick turnaround. Oftentimes, multiple options are provided, depending on the project and the brief.
Finalized Sketch
After the rough sketches have been reviewed by the client, a direction is chosen, or perhaps some feedback is given and edits are made so that a finalized sketch can be created.
This is where details can be added and compositions can be settled on. Characters are given more personality, or details in their faces and bodies can be reviewed, and everything can be ready for the color phase.
Rough Color
Now that the sketch has been finalized, the next phase is the addition of color, which can be very exciting! Typically, multiple color options will be shown, and all of the colors will be flat with no texture added.
This is mainly to decide on color scheme, and is especially helpful to get an idea of tone and depth. The client will give feedback on which option is working the best, and this phase could sometimes go through multiple back-and-forths to get it just right.
Finalized Illustration
Now that the color has been finalized, this phase is oftentimes the quickest. If textures are needed then they're added at this time, but if not, then it's just a matter of cleaning up any details and exporting the illustration in the preferred file format. And the project is complete!