![Raising-Dragons-Poster-Header.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZtq52dPQaqfJW8oGnioKitDqjVoh67aUZsRQK5fgkLhq/Raising-Dragons-Poster-Header.jpg)

In 2014 I was deep in illustrating the graphic novel adaptation of Raising Dragons, based on the novel of the same name written by Bryan Davis. This project was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign the previous year. One of the rewards for backers included an exclusive printed poster that I mailed before the release of the book. Here is the process required when making the artwork for the poster.

# The Wireframe
![Raising-Dragons-Poster-Wires.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQme5qBwqr3dh3h2eX1ywdwyC2QcwhxETyNDZgkx1v3eUDg/Raising-Dragons-Poster-Wires.jpg)

I came up with several preliminary sketches for possible poster ideas. I was going for something theatrical, a collage of characters and fantastic elements. For someone who hasn't read the book before, I wanted to include major elements including Billy and Bonnie front and center, the supporting cast behind them, the villain in shadow, the airplane, and a dragon in the distance.

# The Sketch
![Raising-Dragons-Poster-Sketch.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPpYTSA88GogtzQSc7a3PfsyL12zt5itg4HMA7h9PyFjY/Raising-Dragons-Poster-Sketch.jpg)

The sketch follows pretty accurately to the wire frame, but with more detail. I had to move some things around to accommodate the proportions of the final print size, 24" x 36" I believe. I had recently acquired the Wacom Companion and used Manga Studio 5 EX to illustrate the sketch.

# The Line Art
![Raising-Dragons-Poster-Lineart.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmR5CJB25gH2C1Wao5tR7LKZ5nR4zenhrSBAHQbrMgPKUn/Raising-Dragons-Poster-Lineart.jpg)

I really take my time with the line art. Clear and crisp lines make it easier for me to apply color and shadows afterward. The Cessna was a first for me, so I used reference images to ensure accuracy. I probably could have done a better job of drawing the trees near the bottom. They get covered up in the end, but I can't help but cringe as how scribbly the lines are. I must have rushed it.

# The Flat Colors
![Raising-Dragons-Poster-Flats.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYxFWPqRm8g6o44Hkw3q48CbiTpETepkY7UPCnMevWQWs/Raising-Dragons-Poster-Flats.jpg)

The colors were easy because I was able to reference the exact colors from the files for the pages. I spent a lot of time making sure that skin and clothing colors were the same throughout the entirety of the book. Consistency is important. 

# The Finished Illustration
![Raising-Dragons-Poster-Final.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTKo6LmbtX3uYiNMmWma6KxAHEKokzicthhZquqRXhuE6/Raising-Dragons-Poster-Final.jpg)

Unlike the graphic novel, however, I used a softer shading style instead of the hard lines commonly used for cel-style shading. Looking back, I think I should have gone with the simple shading so it matched the rest of the book. The art style I used for the graphic novel isn't suited for realistic shading.

I haven't made many more drawings for the series since finishing the book in 2015. Perhaps it would be a good idea to revisit it and make some more illustrations, maybe even posters.

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