Final Result

About This Tutorial

• Technique: Digital Painting
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
• Estimated Completion Time: approx 2 days
  

[ Project Tools]

• Graphics Program: Photoshop CS3
• Additional Tools: Pen Tablet, and Pencil on Paper Sketch, Free Paper Texture Source
• *Read entire tutorial before attempting…

Step 1: The Sketching Process

My sketching process started with a series of mini sketches to develop the general composition for the twitter playing card idea. Jotting down notes next to the sketches helps me to keep in mind some major factors to the design such as color, body position, texture, and symbolism.

During this initial process, notice two sketches that stand out? Mini sketches A and B look like the same female figure but in different body positions. Once I realized this, it immediately reminded me of those moments when all of us, no matter how strong or powerful, show our gentle side. With this thought in mind the design now tells a story of a powerful female figure coming to life through a moment of vulnerability.

With a solid understanding of  the idealized composition, create a much larger, cleaner, and better detailed sketch of the goddess, to later scan into Photoshop. After cropping the sketch, copy and paste it into a (1200 x 2000) document at 300 dpi.  Make a duplicate of the sketch, flip it both horizontally and vertically to imitate the playing card effect. This initial duplicate will serve as a place holder while you continue forward with the design. Using the Marquee tool, create a border (on a separate layer) atop both sketches, using a 5 pixel line and dark blue for color. Use the pen tool to connect both sides of the border with a 5px diagonal line to separate

Step 2: Beheading Your Queen

I’m admittedly not the best at character recreation but playing cards use the exact same figure of royalty for both sides of the card. Because of this, duplicate the sketch layer again to have it serve for the guide of the second queen coming to life.

Using the Lasso tool make a selection around the head of the queen connecting to the top of her neck. The queen should be looking up at the area where the twitter bird will be, so right click to free transform and rotate the head upwards. Repeat this process with her lower jaw to create parted lips, and also with her eyebrow to create a surprised expression.

Here’s a side by side comparison of the queen’s initial expression to her expression coming to life. If the white empty space where the sketch has been cut bothers you, feel free to use the Stamp tool to cover over that space, and be sure to clean any lines affected by the cuts with a small round brush. I’ll refer to the separate sketches as Queen A (untouched) and Queen B (altered sketch) for the duration of the tutorial.

Step 3: Drawing Queen B’s Arm & Twitter Bird

Create a new layer atop the Queen B layer. Using a small round hard brush (5 px) at around 20% opacity, begin to sketch and form the arm for Queen B. Queen B’s arm should be reaching up delicately so her robe will also move upward into the picture. Because of this you can use a small, low opacity eraser brush to erase parts of the sketch where her robe is still lowered.

Creating yet another new layer, sketch the outline for the twitter bird. It can remain close to the original or as personalized as you want to make it.

Subtlety is the best policy for a design like this. You can create a lot of expression and body language with minimal alteration to Queen B. The gif animation below shows how subtle the movement has changed from Queen A to Queen B and yet the substantial difference it has made.

Step 4: Adding Texture & Sketch Adjustments

Copy and paste an image of textured paper and free transform it to re-size and fit the document. Group the sketches to layer atop the paper texture, setting their blend modes to multiply to have the outline of the sketches come through.

With the paper layer selected go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and enter +6 Hue, -30 Saturation, and +40 Lightness to lighten the look of the paper.

Now with Queen A’s layer selected, go to Image > Adjustments >Levels and enter 0, 0.60, and 240 to the respectful input levels. This will help to darken the line weight of the sketch because it will remain a part of the final design. Allowing the original sketch to show through makes the design appear from an earlier time when items were reproduced by hand.

Step 5: Coloring in Queen A and B

Use the pen tool to begin tracing sections of Queen A to fill with solid color (make sure the color layer is beneath the sketch). Continue this step for Queen A’s skin and wardrobe, as well as for the twitter bird. If the edges of the shapes appear too harsh, use the Blur Tool to soften them.

Hide the color and sketch layers for Queen A and repeat this process with Queen B on a new color layer.

Step 6: Digitally Painting Queen B

Using these solid colors as a base for Queen B, start your digital painting of her coming to life.  A small, soft, round brush with low opacity was used for the duration of the painting. A sense of realism starts by giving the queen dimension, so be sure to capture the curvature of her features by making the shading rounded to appear voluminous.  Alternatively, using the blur tool helps to smooth out any rough sketch marks as Queen B comes to life.

Continue painting the additional features of Queen B including her wardrobe and headdress. As you progress through the painting, hide the sketch layer for Queen B and work on cleaning the final image up. It’s expected to take some time to digitally paint Queen B, so feel free to pace yourself during this process.

Step 7: Painting The Twitter Bird

Once you’re finished painting Queen B, move onto the twitter bird. Sketch in a couple of quirky details to add your own personal style to the more recognizable twitter bird.

The Twitter bird is essentially the reason why the Queen is coming to life so it’s important to make it appear cute and inviting.

Step 8: Finalizing The Playing Card

To finish the playing card, we must flip the digital painting of Queen B using Free Transform. Fit the Queen B layer into the border so that it rests on the diagonal line in the center. Use a combination of a small round brush and the marquee tool to fix the area of hair where it falls a little short.

To finish the playing card, use the Text tool to create the “T” using a traditional looking font type such as Baskerville Old Face. Create a duplicate layer of the finished twitter bird and set these layers into a group. Make a duplicate of the group, and with the group selected flip the it to reflect on the bottom of the card.

Twitter Playing Card version #2

After looking at the design for some time, I like the digital painting of Queen B on top as opposed to Queen A. This can be easily done by going to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal, repeat these steps to then flip the card vertically.

And there you have it! A quirky Twitter playing card, reminiscent of  foreign art is coming to life right before your eyes!

What You’ve Learned…

This is certainly not a strict step by step tutorial for how to create a digital painting, for it’s a process that requires intuition and exploration of what’s best for your piece. Here’s what you’ve learned…

• Making notes next on your initial sketches can aid in your design’s development.
• Always be open to the potential story that can come out of your designs.
• You can learn how to bypass shortcomings by taking advantage of Photoshop’s many tools.
• Feel free to play with slightly different versions of your design until you’re satisfied.

More Tutorials Coming Soon!

I’ll definitely be bringing more design tutorials to SexiDesign so be sure to keep a look out for them. If you have any question or concerns about this tutorial feel free to comment below!

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Resources

• Free Paper Textures – Source Site

Twitter Playing Card

Pinup Catchup For Months Aug/Sept

After a momentary hiatus I’m happy to be back with new Twitter pinups for SexiDesign. This particular pinup was inspired by traditional and vibrant mayan playing cards. Though the original design was to have the same image twice, after the initial sketches I saw a little story appear before my eyes.

So this pinup is inspired by those little moments when one breaks their intense exterior with for those moments of gentleness I’ve grown to love.

More Pinups Coming Soon

With more catching up to do, I’m looking forward to presenting the next pinups for months, October and November. Be sure to also stay tuned for new tutorials of how to recreate these original pieces.

Keep It Sexy Sugas…(K.I.S.S.)

I <3 Pinups!

As you may already know from delving into my mischievous list of 100 sexy facts about me,  I absolutely adore vintage pinup attire.  So while perusing the pages of my favorite vixenish guru, V.V., I fell in love with the beautiful pinup work from her dear friend, Derek Santiago. Learn more about the gorgeous and bold artwork from this remarkable artist…

The Artist: Derek Santiago

Aptly named “Santiago” (don’t you just love one named artists), Santiago’s work is a provocative blend of vintage pinups, urban art influences, and every other deliciously exotic mash-up you could add to the sultry melting pot. Like many artists, his work has been an expression of himself since even early childhood.

Color Color Color!

I am probably most taken aback by the illustrious use of color to convey powerful passion behind his pieces. It’s as though he has taken the sensuous housewife circa 1952 and propelled her into a whirlwind of futuristic glamor.

Enjoy more from Santiago’s collection below, and feel free to share and comment!

Gallery of Derek Santiago Pinup Art

Keep It Sexy Sugas (K.I.S.S.)

Resources

• Derek Santiago Bio - Official Website
• Derek Santiago Pinup Art Gallery – Official Website

Link Love for the week of September 6-10, 2010

This week was an in depth look into some of the most popular marketing techniques around. Learn subliminal Photoshopping tricks from the pros and what makes innocent slogans go naughty.

Check out the link love from this week…

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

When Sexy Meets Cuddly Design: The Snuggie Sutra – Learn the not-so-ancient art of Snuggie Sutra, “erotic fun for your blanket with sleeves.”

Recommended Reading From Around The Web

• (article via @Nenuno) Interview: Melody Nieves of SexiDesign
• (article via @oneextrapixel) 69 Sexy and Explicit Advertisements: See It Creatively
• (article via @designerdepot) Stop Designing Aesthetics, Start Designing Emotions

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of SexiDesign. Want to be featured in next week’s round of sexy tweeples? Let me know @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @Eckstatic
• @NebulaArts
• @JThompsondesign
• @badlvillemojo
• @alvinthethird
• @pablolarah
• @writer_sheri

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Twitter Trifecta 10′

(by Melody Nieves)

Pinup Catch Up

This particular pinup is a means for catching up on the last TOTMs for the months of May, June, and July. It’s inspired by the subtleties in the female form that have become sexier throughout time. For instance, a flash of the wrist or a glimpse of a woman’s thigh were once considered extremely provocative. Painted in Photoshop CS3, it took about 10-15 hours to complete.

Resources

• Stock Photography provided by mjranum-stock

“Double Entendre – a word or expression capable of two interpretations with one usually risqué” -Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Double entendres are fun. The very word rolls off the tongue quite lovely, I might add. Say it with me now, d-o-u-b-l-e e-n-t-e-n-d-r-e. Ooh, Sexy!

Double entendres, also known as sexual innuendos are a playfully naughty aspect of the human language. They have the ability to turn the most innocent of conversations to a hilarious display of “wait, I didn’t mean it like that” retractions.

Some of the more famous accounts of this delectable wording can be found in the well known candy slogans we’ve all grown to love. Take a bite out of these slogans, and determine for yourself which ones are a little nutty.

Famous Candy Slogans

(image courtesy of source)

Candy is sexy in itself. It’s sweet and makes your mouth water so deliciously. But no matter the innocence associated with candy one can always wonder what were they thinking when creating some of these slogans.

How Many Licks…

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop ( a one, a two, a three-ee *crunch*)? I haven’t had a toosie roll pop in years but I certainly won’t ever forget the famous slogan and commercial. A child asks an owl to lick the lollipop while counting how many it takes to get to its center. But what was so innocent became a commercial to poke fun at.

In 2005, rapper Lil Kim even came out with a song called “How Many Licks.” From the lyrics and music video you know she’s definitely not talking about lollipops, hunny.

Melt In Your Mouth…

M&Ms melt in your mouth, not in your hand. Of all the slogans that have been said as double entendres I think this is by far the one I’ve heard the most. I go into major facepalm mode when realizing what it actually means. The hard candy coating helps protect the chocolatey goodness from getting messy in your hands. But once you pop a delicious mouthful the coating melts away.

How many would be daring enough to admit they’ve used this innuendo? An obvious indicator for oral sex this slogan leaves you wanting more, of whatever you’re getting (wink wink).

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut…

Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. When Hersheys launched their Mound (drools) candy bars their sister candy was the Almond Joy. An Almond Joy is just a Mounds bar with almonds in it, hence the very simple yet direct slogan.

The sexual innuendo here could be taken several ways but probably has to do most with male release. However, that only leads me to wonder, when would you not want one?

Hungry? Why Wait?

Snickers, the best candy bar of all time (ha!) markets with this infamous innuendo.  And if you’re hunger is for something a little more “sweet” and delicious then why wait to satisfy your desires? Couples may say this to one another or it could even reflect self satisfaction.

What Are Some Other Double Entendres?

(image courtesy of source)

I’ll admit, I’ve probably said each slogan at least once (insert evil grin here). Can you think of any other double entendres made famous from marketing campaigns? Or feel free to share some of your fun stories below.

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Resources

• Double Entendre – Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• Mounds – Wikipedia
• M&Ms – Official Website
• Header Image Source – Shutterstock

If you haven’t bought your Snuggie yet, you will now! [wink, wink]

When Humor Meets Sexy

I love designers who are able to merge a lil sex and humor. Especially when it’s just to add a little fun to your average internet user’s experience.  Meet the “The Snuggie Sutra” an adaptation of the commonly known Kama Sutra for those who want some Snuggie luvin’.

The Kama Sutra For Snuggies

You’re sitting on the coach, cozied up with your little lovebug with nothing to do. What better way to pass the time then to get some hanky panky under a Snuggie blanky?

The Snuggie Sutra is a book (and website) dedicated to fulfilling your naughty appetite without compromising comfort. Discover some fun positions you and your lover can attempt. Just remember to machine wash in cold water for continue Snuggie “use.”

Authors Lex Friedman and Megan Morrison

Lex Friedman is the funny fellow behind the Snuggie Sutra. He’s an internet professional and tech writer as a frequent contributor to Macworld and Tidbits. He started Snuggie Sutra with his good friend, Megan Morrison, and they were both surprised when this sexy, quirky, phenomenon lead to a book deal.

Megan Morrison is the graphic genius behind The Snuggie Sutra. She’s a graphic designer in Washington DC who makes a living doing what she truly loves. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that she once tacked tiny sex cartoons around her bedroom that the Snuggie Sutra would spawned thereafter.

More Snuggie Sutra Fun

If you’re as intrigued as myself with the sexy wonders of a Snuggie, be sure to check out these fun links:

• The Snuggie Sutra – Official site with The Snuggie Sutra pictures and descriptions.
• The Snuggie Sutra (book) – Official site to purchase the book by Lex Friedman and Megan Morrison.
• Snuggie – You might as well order one to go with the book right?
• Follow The Snuggie Sutra on Twitter – For updates and sexy humor from its creators.

…I don’t know about you, but after looking at these I want a Snuggie!

Gallery of The Snuggie Sutra Positions

The Sniper Team – Click to read description

The Pitched Tent – Click to read description

The Surprise Guest – Click to read description

The Night In – Click to read description

The Horse Blanket – Click to read description

The Tablecloth – Click to read description

The Sechzig-neun – Click to read description

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Resources

Images and info courtesy of

• The Snuggie Sutra – Official Website
• Lex Friedman – Official Website
• Megan Morrison – Official Tumblr Site

Link Love for the week of June 7-11, 2010

This week was a look at another round of sexy body art, and the ad campaigns that make Chicolate chocolate so damn sexy.

Check out the link love from this week…

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

Creative Zodiac Sign Body Art – Discover the artist behind this series of deliciously sexy body art photography through optical illusion.

Recommended Reading From Around The Web

• (article via @designerdepot) – How to Design Your Business Card
• (article) – 68 Clever and Creative Candy and Pastry Ads
• (article) – Clever Condom Advertisements – 61 Prints

Recent Guest Posts From SexiDesign Author, Melody

Check out these recent guest posts written by yours truly,  featured on some of your favorite design sites.

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of SexiDesign. Want to be featured in next week’s round of sexy tweeples? Let me know @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @alvinthethird
• @JarvisA
• @robertoblake
• @callumchapman
• @colaja
• @doggdaze
• @echoenduring
• @pablolarah

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

What’s your sign?

Zodiac Sign Body Paintings

The human form is known for its own elegance in design, and it lends its beauty to artists who use it as a canvas for their beautiful creations. This round of insane body art features creative paintings of all the signs of the zodiac.

The Artist: Rudi Everts

Rudi Everts is an Australian photo artist. His work captures the illusions of beautiful zodiac pieces by utilizing the natural curves, hills, and valleys of his models for the desired effect.

Take notice of the unique composition of these pieces, how the artist has incorporated movement through the diverse positions of the body, and even the utilization of natural textures in his work.

I’m a virgo, what are you? =)

Gallery of Creative Zodiac Sign Body Art

Resources

Info/Images

• Zodiac Illusion Art

“T” is for Twitter, April 10′

(By Melody Nieves, Click For a Larger View)

“T” is for Twitter – @SexiDesign