Behind The Scenes: “Hold Em Down” Design Process 2008-2012
by be.
Today I released the first 2 pieces for our Vault Series – “Facebook is the Feds” and “Hold Em Down”. I redesigned the “Hold Em Down” graphic to my current liking with my new and improved skill set. Here’s the step by step of the 2008 design process as well as the 2008-2012 process.
Enjoy, and feel free to leave questions in the comment section.
- be.
“Hold Em Down” Design Process – 2008
1. I traced the classic LL logo so I had it as a stroke rather than a shape.
2. I increased the stroke weight until it felt bulky enough to be a rope.
3. I drew my anchor.
4. I plotted the LL rope onto the anchor, redrawing it to fit for interlocking and added a noose.
5. Final plotting for interlock.
6. Execution of interlock.
7. I added depth with some shading on the rope and some accents on the anchor.
8. Add text and finalize.
“Hold Em Down” Design Process – 2012
1. I traced the original rope stroke on paper and gave it a natural rope feel.
2. I traced my drawing in Illustrator.
3. I took the original anchor from the 2008 design.
4. Using the exact same anchor I drew in shading to give it an older feel and add depth.
5. I plotted my new noose onto the anchor to be sure the interlock would fit.
6. I finalized the interlock.
7. I added textural lines and shading to the rope and anchor to make them feel like one.
8. Add text and finalize.
I’ve received great response when I post my design process, tips or rationale on Instagram and Twitter, so I’ve decided that I’ll continue to share these posts with you through my blog. I hope these will help young designers with some problem solving and at very least will provide some insight into how I do what I do.
- Bryan 'be.' Espiritu
Amazing. Simply amazing.
When you’re tracing in Illustrator do you use a mouse or tablet? Just curious. I’ve recently acquired a wacom and am trying to get used to it. Thanks for sharing your work and process with us. Good stuff. Cheers!
@Heinz – Thanks homey.
@Raquel –
I use a tablet, but tracing is just as easily done with a mouse. The tablet helps more for drawing with the brush tool and using brushes in Photoshop. Good luck with your new tablet. I recommend trying out the pencil tool in AI and practicing with using brushes in PS.