In this DVD, Phil Noto shows you his illustration techniques for creating comic book covers and pinups. Using a completely digital workflow, you will see how he goes from a preliminary sketch to finished art. He demonstrates how he uses Adobe Photoshop® for sketching and coloring, and Smith Micro Manga Studio™ for inking the art, while discussing the benefits of each program’s toolset. Phil covers topics such as line quality, silhouette, proportions, Photoshop layer and channel management, color palette, brush selection, lighting and texture. Throughout the lecture Phil shows how he balances line, light, color and details to refine his illustration.

"Noto’s art is an awesome mix of sensuality, archetypical imagery, and brilliant draftsmanship. It’s the coolest thing this side of Ian Fleming!"

Mark Chiarello
Art Director, DC Comics

Instructor Bio:

While attending the Ringling School of Design, Phil Noto began his career as an intern at Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. After two more years of illustration study, he returned to Disney Animation as a clean-up artist. His credits there include The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, and Lilo and Stitch.
In 2001, Phil started his comic career as the cover artist for DC Comics’ Birds of Prey. Since then he has worked on numerous comic projects such as Black Bull’s Beautiful Killer, two Danger Girl specials, Jonah Hex, Superman/Supergirl: Maelstrom, Batgirl, and Avengers: Origin along with a variety of covers for different publishers.
An early proponent of digital art, Phil now creates all his comic work digitally on a Mac with a Wacom Cintiq. He also does large format traditional painting and has had many one-man gallery shows.

In this first of two DVDs, Cameron Davis discusses character design at its most fundamental. He begins with basic design theory, color and shape, and shows how to use them to visually tell a story with a character. Beginning with a loose story, Cameron takes you through his thought process when designing for games or animation. From brainstorming to loose sketching, reference gathering and silhouette studies, Cameron shows all the stages of ideation and ends with a finished line drawing that is ready for color.

"Many people have tried to draw me but never where everything has come together in such a perfect way. So unbelievably recognizable. WOW!!"

King Diamond
Heavy Metal Musician

In this second of two DVDs, Cameron Davis discusses how he brings a character to life by fleshing out the design in Adobe Photoshop®. Not merely coloring, the design continues to evolve in the digital stage. Cameron takes you step-by-step through this process, covering Photoshop techniques, color studies and color theory, and understanding the psychology of audience reaction.

"Creating comedic, charismatic, crazy concoctions characterizing cool, Cameron. ;D !"

Daphne Yap
Concept Artist, Illustrator, Designer

Instructor Bio:

Born in Hillsboro, Oregon, Cameron attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and graduated with a BFA in illustration in 2005. After an invaluable internship at Design Studio Press he was offered a job as a concept artist at Neversoft Entertainment working on such video game titles as Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero.
Cameron has worked with Activision, McFarlane Toys, Earache Records, Rhythm and Hues, and Psyop Animation to name a few. He enjoys telling stories.