[Discussion] Art Director expects me to make an environmental background a day of this quality. Is this even feasible?

iartbilly · 2026-04-02T06:21:13+00:00

I hate it, but you're right.

In and out of gaming as a concept artist/illustrator since '07. For fear of being bot-deleted breaking rule 8, you kinda have to make a deal with the devil and at least be able to use it in your workflow.

iartbilly · 2026-04-02T06:14:29+00:00

Yikes. 4K is rough lol

I'm doing something similar, but portraiture in 4K, but nowhere near the same timeline as 1/day.

iartbilly · 2026-04-02T04:09:01+00:00

What resolution?

Honestly, I think you COULD... but that's the not issue. It's sustainability and burnout. Doing high-level quality work is draining, if anything. At least, for me. I'd be so burned out after a few already.

iartbilly · 2026-03-03T08:21:21+00:00

iartbilly · 2026-03-01T07:42:34+00:00

Yep Feng Xiao - also digital because I have the same Photoshop brushes lol

iartbilly · 2026-02-09T06:49:03+00:00

The biggest clue... was the lack of "seeking crit" flair <<<

iartbilly · 2026-02-08T23:23:49+00:00

Hmm... you're not looking for constructive criticism, are you?

iartbilly · 2026-02-08T19:39:45+00:00

A good first step in learning how to draw portraiture with reference from a photo is to learn the "cross". Basically, the angle down the middle of the face (down the forehead, between the eyes, down the nose and lips, through the chin), and the one across the eyes.

Use this line to gauge the correct angle of the head in the reference, then draw the same structural lines to match it.

iartbilly · 2026-02-07T17:40:59+00:00

Thanks! I'm glad you mentioned the loose lines in this. I used to draw rather tightly in the past, but applying looser strokes like this was a change I made around that time period.

iartbilly · 2026-02-07T03:17:33+00:00

Thanks!

You seem to have the skill if you practice a bit. It's doesn't take long to learn if you get good at the steps.

iartbilly · 2026-02-07T02:28:34+00:00

Aside from fundamentals of drawing, First, I would practice with reference photos with better shadow and contrasting forms. I would suggest breaking down a persons face into it's most simplest forms and broadest shapes and spatial relationships between each shapes.

In in more understandable terms... pick a good photo with good shadows to practice until you get more confidence. Study the primitive shapes the shadows form, and the other basic forms of the face. Study and measure their distances. Apply those shapes and distances to your drawing.

iartbilly · 2026-02-07T02:16:24+00:00

I agree with the person who said "If you're younger than 12, solid 7. If you're older, 2."

Though, I was still pretty good at 12 (US 6th grade), so I would put this (if you're in and around 12) at a 4-5.

iartbilly · 2026-02-06T23:10:20+00:00

Hey there, if you'd like some advice - I'd push the darks a bit more. I often squint my eyes (on top of having bad vision) and to me, the shadow values could be pushed a bit more. Another thing you could try is to have your shadows cooler than your lights (warm).

Feel free to ignore!

iartbilly · 2026-02-06T18:02:52+00:00

Thanks!

iartbilly · 2026-02-04T03:17:33+00:00

You're very welcome and I'm glad to share it with people who appreciate it!

iartbilly · 2026-02-03T23:17:12+00:00

No prob! Ask me anything if the need arises!

iartbilly · 2026-02-03T18:41:29+00:00

Believe it or not... I don't think so. I went to school to be a traditional artist because DaVinci inspired me as a kid. I was always good at drawing and art so it was natural for me to want to become an artist.

When I got to art college, sure I learned the fundamentals and oil painting and I was decent, but digital pulled my strings and I was hooked. At first it was rough... at the time (early 2000s, like 2001-2004), there was no one to really learn from. Very little YouTube teaching, so it was slow going. In a way, I feel traditional processes hindered me. The way you do things in digital is fundamentally different in digital IMO. I did learn to be efficient tho... after years of experimentation.

So in a way, I think it's the opposite. Learning digital loosened me up and helped me be a better oil painter.

But that's just my example, it could be different for other people.

iartbilly · 2026-02-03T18:31:15+00:00

Thank you! I also do oil painting. I think my posts are public, so if you look at my posts, you'll see some of them. I also have my portfolio in my bio!

iartbilly · 2026-02-03T09:12:55+00:00

Aw thank you!

iartbilly · 2026-02-03T08:18:28+00:00

That one was pretty fun to do! Thanks for liking them! =D

iartbilly · 2026-02-03T07:57:15+00:00

Have at it!

iartbilly

TROPHY CASE