Elizabeth L BOTKIN
My Illustration Process
While each project is tailored to fit the needs of the client, my typical workflow for my illustrations looks like this. . .
Shahrazad and Dunyazad
Concept Phase – I begin with 3–10 thumbnail sketches to explore composition, storytelling, and visual direction (scaled to the complexity of the piece).
Refined Sketch + Value Study – A tighter drawing paired with a value study to establish lighting, contrast, and mood.
Final Sketch + Color Study – A polished sketch alongside a color exploration with the finalized value study, locking in the palette and overall atmosphere.
Final Rendering – A fully realized value painting with final color, bringing the illustration to a finished, production-ready state.
This process ensures clarity, strong visual storytelling, and alignment at every stage.
I always discuss workflow upfront; many clients have established pipelines, and I’m happy to adapt to fit within those systems.
