As you might know, Like the Wind is all about stories. But the words are only part of what makes the magazine such a great project to work on (and we hope such a great title to read). The illustrations which accompany the pieces are an equally crucial element.
Illustrators make a huge contribution to the magazine. Recently, we spotlighted Studio Smoking Pig who created the beautiful piece for Brendan Gilpatrick’s story Ohana in LtW#5. This time, we want to draw your attention to the illustrator of the very FIRST Like The Wind Magazine cover – Luke Waller.
Luke is an English illustrator, working mainly across Europe for both large and small clients in the editorial, advertising and publishing sectors, you may also have seen him venture into the world of fashion, nothing is off limits. As well as illustrating the first Like The Wind cover, he’s also created the drawing that accompanied Adharanand Finn’s piece ‘Hakone.’
Luke isn’t the type of person who can draw from memory, so he draws from reference.
Here’s what he had to say:
So far I have never had an idea for an image I haven’t been able to do because I lack the ability to draw without reference, with a bit of imagination I have found my technique very useful indeed.
My Tools
- A helper – not crucial, but certainly helps. Could be replaced with tripod and timer.
- Camera – very crucial, some people use their computers inbuilt camera, anything that enables you to capture the moment is fine.
- Props – very helpful when working out sizes and perspective.
- Photoshop – having the ability to knit it altogether once the modelling has finished, especially if you have a tight turn around.
Below you can see a few examples of where I have used myself as well as a couple very talented little helpers. When google images comes up empty handed and you just can’t get the body shape or motion right this method will never let you down. In fact sometimes I have found it to be a very nice distraction from what can sometimes be a stressful process.
Above you can see where I have used the reference of the bodies to make sure I get the look of weight on the runners shoulders, then changed the faces to fit the concept. I will always try to steer away from actually drawing my own face or having it in the illustration that way I am sure to like it when the drawing is completed.
To read more about his technique, visit his blog.
You can also buy the print of our very first cover here.