To create memorable steampunk illustration, first we need to understand The concept of steampunk . Steampunk refers to a hypothetical nostalgic futurism which set in an alternative history of the Victorian Era. It’s futuristic fantasy world where steam power in mainstream use

 

Typically, steampunk aesthetics combine elements of the 19th and early 20th centuries in second industrial revolution era with mechanics, patterns, and materials, to create a beautiful yet industrial look. Mainly steampunk has these main elements: retro, fuel, Installation elements,wood and copper.

Character Design

If  you have difficulties in designing a character that fits the concept, we can start by thinking the backstory of the character. Coming up with a backstory of the character will help the character fits their world theme and how they interact with them.

After that we define their personality then decide what  purpose the character serve in the world  

 

For this tutorial I’ve decided to make an aspiring mechanic. He’s easy going, has a quick and curious mind

 

 

Defining the design element

Inspired from in real life mechanic, the focal point of his outfit will be google glass, gloves. He has some muscle tone since he  has been doing some heavy work on his workshop

 

 

I made sure I incorporate brass and copper on his outfit (copper pocket watch, gears, gold emblem) and pick a color that gives modern gothic overtones which is usually dark and warm color.

Since he’s a mechanic, I gave him protective eyewear to protect his eyes from impact hazards when he’s working with a machine. It comes with magnifying lenses to spice up the look with a touch of sophistication

 

I pick goggle as his eyewear since it’s prevalent in 19th century where people use it to protect their eyes from dust and cinders from the chimneys of the steam locomotives that would blow into the wagons.

Landscape

Taking inspiration from research

 

research and inspiration are essential components to help you create a more believable and immersive world. By studying real-world locations, historical references,  you can gather ideas and references to inform your design decisions and bring your vision to life.

 

Since steampunk aesthetic is based from 19th century, we can use historical construction from victorian era and combine it with some main elements of the steampunk theme which is copper, gears and steam powered enginery.

Tips and Techniques for Finding References and Inspiration

 

Use Online Resources: In addition to going to actual places, you can get ideas and inspirations for environment design from a variety of internet sites. Websites like Google Street View, and Maps may offer a wealth of photographs and information on locations all around the world.

Making the art

I’m thinking a scene where he visits a new place and saw the beauty of innovation - from the whirring gears of the clock tower to the graceful motion of the automated vehicles zipping past.

He cheerfully struts around the place

Tips : it’s best to not zoom in way too close and get lost in the tiny details before making the overall shape of the buildings comprehensible. Draw chunks of blocks or silhouette first

There are ton of useful materials in CSP Asset store that will help make your landscape art looks more appealing. Since we’re making a steampunk art, antique technology like gears and vintage clock are great ways to work some steampunk into the design.

For this tutorial, I’ll use these materials to help me shape the design of the buildings.

Steampunk key features environment relying on heavy use of metal,rustic wood and brick, and steam powered engine so I’ll also add bare pipes and cogs around the building

to make coloring easier, I’ll start by doing grayscale then add “ Color” layer on top of it.

after the base color is done, i’ll add Gradient Map layer on top of it so all the component of background and the character will blend more nicely.

 

go to Layer > New Correction Layer > Gradient Map

Shades of brown, yellow, and orange are predominant in steampunk media. So, i’ll add a Overlay layer and solid color of Goldenrod on Soft Light mode to make the color tone warmer.

Lastly, as finishing touch i will blur the background a little bit and add some highlight to the character

and it’s done! ✨

Closing

When you encounter a difficulty in drawing, always start from the basic shape and build more details from there. Never stop to explore and learn a new way when creating art and don’t be afraid to use reference in the time of need 🌟

 

If my you find my tips useful, please share it with your friends.

It would also be greatly appreciated if you could favorite and bookmark this post.

 

Thank you for reading my post. I wish you all good luck on your art journey

Until next time

 

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