Creative Dust

Athena – portrait painting walkthrough

Drazenka — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:59:56 +0000

Imagination is not the only key ingredient to successful illustration. There’s no room for ignorance when it comes to theories behind technique. Mastering skin tones through lighting isn’t easy. It takes time and determination to understand the complexity of skin, so we can achieve the level of mastery of some of the great artists of our time. Here I will discuss the importance of lighting in a portrait, how skin reacts to it, and illustrate relevant aspects.

This walkthrough was written for Digital Artist Magazine – Imagine Publishing in 2010. The theme was Classic portrait lighting technique. The tutorial is a 7 page PDF file.
Have fun!

Click here to download the PDF

Puzzles

Drazenka — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:42:53 +0000

I have gathered the info on where you can purchase jigsaw puzzles around the world. As of yet, my friends here in the US are out of luck, but I am hoping that changes in the future. As of right now, puzzles have been published in several european countries.

Here are the links:

TREFL – (Poland, Ukraine, Russia)

EDUCA BORRAS - (Europe)

EDUCA HEIDI – (Turkey)

CLEMENTONI - (Europe)

Crescent Moon 2010 – Walkthrough

Drazenka — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:47:54 +0000

Here is the walkthrough I created for Digital Artist Magazine – Imagine Publishing, back in 2010. Some of you were asking me if I would put it on my site and I guess now would be as good the time as any to post it.

The walkthrough is for the image “Crescent Moon”. The editor wanted to use Arabic theme as a base to show how certain, distinct styles are incorporated into creating an interesting interior mood. The walkthrough is not a tutorial per say, but more of a guide as to what to keep in mind before, and while painting. It encompasses notes on lighting, texturing, patterns and how important it is to stay true to authenticity of an area and the period of the depicted illustration.

So, let’s take a journey into the oasis of exotic colors and textures of the Arabic style!

Click here to download the PDF

Character Sketches

Drazenka — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:48:49 +0000

Here are few character sketches that have been sitting on my HD.

It’s time for them to see the world

SEARCHLIGHT

WIZARD

Following 3 characters are a part of a bigger picture and a storyline. When time permits I will develop them further. :)

LORD CAMERON – The Provider Oldest of the 3 soul brothers. Somewhat cold and reserved but never without good intentions… Still bitter about the circumstances that lead him to current situation.

LORD FERDINAND – The Guardian Kindest and the most gentle soul you would ever find.

His inner peace is a result of the belief that every situation was meant to be.

LORD LUCIEN – The Diplomat The youngest and the most mischievous of the brothers. His infectious personality transfers happiness around him. Clearing misunderstandings – is the best part of existence.

My new creative iSlave

Drazenka — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:54:38 +0000

It is safe to say, that after a month I am very comfortable with my new 27-inch iMac. Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive about the switch, being in the midst of the heavy load of work, deadlines and not enough hours in the day, but there haven’t really been any reasons for panic. Not yet! My biggest thanks goes to my husband, who has been trying to get me to work on a Mac for a long time now, I was just being somewhat stubborn and a bit frightened. Not only he customized it for me, he has made my transition a breeze! have almost forgotten what it is like to work with the fast processor (not to insult my old computer or anything) but it was time to retire it.
The main reason I chose this path is the MONITOR. I have done my vast research in the field on all manufacturing companies, but none came even close as to offering such quality and clarity. My eyes are definitely thanking me now. If you ever have any doubts about which way to go, I would highly recommend getting a Mac!
On another note. My work horizons have expanded, ever since I’ve gotten the chance to make illustrations for games. When the opportunity knocked, I’ve answered. It is something I’ve always wanted to do. I used to play games for hours on hand, now I get to be a part of the creative team. Since I started, I’ve gone through a great deal of learning, not only in the aspect of art itself, but the task sharing as well. It is a totally different ballgame working as a team then doing it solo I hope this experience helps me develop further as an illustrator.
You will notice the output in the gallery has slowed down, however now that some of the biggest milestones have been completed, I will try to allocate time to updating the portfolio (in my spare time).
My iSlave is ready to conquer the world!!!! Yay

Welcome to my blog….

Drazenka — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:15:42 +0000

WELCOME!

Well, after so much effort in finding time to update this website, the wait is finally coming to an end. There surely are few tweaks to take care of but overall, this is the new look.

Along with the new web look, there are few changes behind the screen. The most significant one is office move. So, after years of “proper” work commute, and 9-5 shift, I am now working from the cozyness of my own home. I have to say I was a bit nervous, but after a week, it just feels like the most natural place for me. I am thinking, my little nook should be very inspiring and most productive I hope.

In the midst of the move, I have taken a new job as well. It is something very new to me and I hope it will be successful. I am working with the very talented team of artists, animators and programmers on a online game, about which I will talk more soon… It is different experience sharing everyday tasks with the team. In my previous years, I have always been solo, and never had to worry about certain things. I am very thrilled and excited to be a part of this new adventure, to learn and continue to develop as an artist.

Lastly, I am now officially a blogger! I thought that day would never come but it is here I don’t consider myself an eloquent writer but at least this way I can share some thoughts with my friends and art lovers. So, if you are reading this, please don’t hesitate to say hi! Hopefully in the near future I will be posting tutorials and whatever I find interesting and useful.

Take care you all!

Copyright info

Drazenka — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:56:24 +0000

No images as a part or as a whole may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission by the author.

Permission to use the images may be acquired by written request to the author, however the author is at liberty to choose who the permission will be granted. If permission is granted, you are required to place full Copyright note under/over/next to every image used, along with the full URL link back to www.creativedust.com

It is forbidden to use images on R rated sites, for/as pornographic content, and for commercial use unless proper license is obtained.

Creativedust.com and the author does not allow the alteration of the images for any purpose. That includes creation of tubes, signature tags, PSP graphics, email backgrounds, avatars, wallpapers, banners etc.

LICENSING

Images are available for licensing. Please, send me your inquiry by mail or email to check for availability and pricing.

INQUIRIES

I encourage you to write me an email if you have any questions about the work, commission project, problems (technical or art related) and I will be very happy to oblige you with the prompt answer. I love to receive letters and to hear from people