Over the past year or so, I have taught myself how to use Photoshop and Illustrator and thought it would be interesting for people to see how different effects can be achieved using the same character in the two different programmes.
I count myself lucky also, as I have the HUGE advantage of living with a graphics expert who I can call upon if I'm stuck. I never need to know hugely complicated methods as I mostly like to use software to fill in backgrounds and create textures. I tend to leave the original illustration as it is - unless, for example, there is a mark on it (my scanner has become damaged and I often need to airbrush out a few marks).
If you are ever stuck when navigating your way around either programmes, I recommend typing your problem into a search engine. For example I lost the Live Bucket tool when I started using Illustrator CS5 and found the answer in the adobe forum http://www.forums.adobe.com
The picture below uses Illustrator for a sleek, crisp effect. Illustrator uses vectors and this means your artwork can be enlarged without loosing quality, whereas the above 2 pictures use Photoshop and if work is enlarged greatly it can become pixelated.
As an illustrator, I realise the importance of being able to use software in your work - even if just to tweak and tidy your drawings.
For more examples of my work please visit:
www.cargocollective.com/fionameakinillustrations
All images copyright Fiona Meakin 2008-2011 (please do not use or replicate my illustrations without my permission).
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