I momentarily forgot I don't do backgrounds

[SFyr 1,982]

And to be honest, I'm happy I did, because I think the atmosphere comes off okay for it.

Since this is one of the few times I actually tried for something of a background, I figured I'd throw it here instead of quietly adding it to my art bin. 

 

 

Anyways, this is TheMightyOctaviator's (dA) OC, as per their request.

I think they asked for a head shot-like pic.

Meh.

*coughwanttobuyanatomycough*

 

 

So because I don't like making this all about drawing attention to my art, I would like to pose a question or discussion: how do you go about backgrounds, for those of you who draw/etc? Do you have a strategy in mind, or is it kinda just tacking on something later that looks right?

Edited April 7, 2014 by SFyr

[Sweet Pen 1,348]

Dayum, zis drawing is bucking cute!!!


Well, my backgrounds I can draw it, or I use a wallpaper, and then I use blush in it.
AWUYJWUKGAYJBEAWH I'm really bad at backgrounds ;-;

[SFyr 1,982]

Dayum, zis drawing is bucking cute!!!

 

 

Well, my backgrounds I can draw it, or I use a wallpaper, and then I use blush in it.

AWUYJWUKGAYJBEAWH I'm really bad at backgrounds ;-;

Thank you!♥

 

Sounds like a good strategy.   I honestly haven't messed with backgrounds too much, so usually I end up taking the first route you mentioned, or just doing something lazy/vague.   

Suffice to say, I never really got it down.

Edited April 7, 2014 by SFyr

[GaleFenrir 281]

In response to your question, well...

 

I am quite awful at backgrounds, actually. If I'm doing a portrait, I'll typically just do a simple gradient or textured background. The only times I've ever tried to do a proper scene with an actual environment, I end up giving up ~halfway through and never get back to it. I've been meaning to rectify that.

 

But I would say, compositionally speaking, it's best if you block in and plan out your background while your also doing the same for your subject. You just, y'know, need to follow through with it, unlike me.

Edited April 7, 2014 by Aged Rain

[SFyr 1,982]

In response to your question, well...

 

I am quite awful at backgrounds, actually. If I'm doing a portrait, I'll typically just do a simple gradient or textured background. The only times I've ever tried to do a proper scene with an actual environment, I end up giving up ~halfway through and never get back to it. I've been meaning to rectify that.

 

But I would say, compositionally speaking, it's best if you block in and plan out your background while your also doing the same for your subject. You just, y'know, need to follow through with it, unlike me.

I can agree with that I believe.   It seems like something one should plan from the initial drawing.

To be honest, I'm kinda wondering if I should just start drawing characters attached to the ground/environment regardless of whether they're gonna stay attached in the final product. I think too often there's a bit of a disjuncture there...

Also, I can sympathize with not really having the motivation to finish a decent background often. It gets tedious and confusing, personally... 

[SkyBound 829]

This is simply adorable, and it does not help that I am a sucker for characters with scarves (not sure why). I am sure Octaviator will love it, despite it not being a strictly a head shot.  Also, for not doing backgrounds, this one turned out quite well and it all fits together nicely.

 

I am probably the last person to ask about how to tackle backgrounds, as this is something of a rarity for me as well.  Normally, if I do wish to add one, it is more of an afterthought after I have already drawn in the characters and actions.  For simple pieces like the one you have here, there is little harm in using this method.  However, if you have something a bit more elaborate and complex that you wish to tackle, then proper planning would be required to save yourself both time and frustration.  Drawing up a few thumbnails to pin down where everything will go is a great help before moving on to the actual drawing and will save you from headaches later on.

 

I wish I could offer more, but my experience with such things are rather limited.  Regardless, great job again and I do hope to see more of your work in the future.  Take care!

[SFyr 1,982]

This is simply adorable, and it does not help that I am a sucker for characters with scarves (not sure why). I am sure Octaviator will love it, despite it not being a strictly a head shot.  Also, for not doing backgrounds, this one turned out quite well and it all fits together nicely.

 

I am probably the last person to ask about how to tackle backgrounds, as this is something of a rarity for me as well.  Normally, if I do wish to add one, it is more of an afterthought after I have already drawn in the characters and actions.  For simple pieces like the one you have here, there is little harm in using this method.  However, if you have something a bit more elaborate and complex that you wish to tackle, then proper planning would be required to save yourself both time and frustration.  Drawing up a few thumbnails to pin down where everything will go is a great help before moving on to the actual drawing and will save you from headaches later on.

 

I wish I could offer more, but my experience with such things are rather limited.  Regardless, great job again and I do hope to see more of your work in the future.  Take care!

I can sympathize with scarf love, though for me it extends to ribbons/some accessories as well.  80% of the time it's just adorable.

Anyways, thank you for your kind words! 

 

I feel backgrounds are a common weakness many of us (including myself) share. And yeah, I believe you pegged it correctly in that it seems to be one of those situations--as just tacking it on as an afterthought was almost exactly what happened after I finished shading.   (I got that far without even considering a snow background.)

Anyways! 

I fully agree with the rest of what you said.   Sounds like a perfect approach, even if it's more the overall guideline rather than specific details, haha.

~I hope we both figure it all out in greater detail with time. 

 

Thanks again, and take care aswell!