Soulful, The Making Of

[boiiko]

Comments

[double_dutchess]

I was already in awe of your talent, but now I am even more (if that's even possible). Seeing the final picture emerge from all the intermediate stages is endlessly fascinating to me! I could watch this gif for hours, to study all the changes in every detail. I wish I had time for that.

So you originally had the idea of showing Spike being strung up on the tendrils of his soul? I like that, though I suppose it might have been a bit too much. (I'm guessing that's why you abandoned it.)

[boiiko]

Well... the idea was for the soul to illustrate violence and guilt, right? The violence and anger - by attacking its host, the guilt - with it forming into a noose around his neck (which, just a metaphor of self-hate, as Spike is kinda immune to the whole hanging thing). With Buffy desperately pulling at the forming noose regardless, like it (the self-hate, not the actual threat of death) could really harm him. But then... yeah, I figured it was a little much. And not necessarily clear enough an idea. So I aborted.

And yet again, thank you for your kind words! I enjoy exploring the process of creation. Both other artists' and my own. Figured there might be other people interested in seeing the making of and here you are, with the compliments :)

[double_dutchess]

I think the idea of the noose is actually pretty clear, as an illustration of the "Spike being suffocated by guilt" metaphor. If anything, it might be a bit too on the nose. (Which, by the way, is something I personally don't mind, being an unsubtle person who likes things to be spelled out for her :-)

I also love seeing the artistic process. I'm always very happy if comic books have sketches at the end. And I'm sure there will be lots more people along who are thankful for you letting us have a peek behind the scenes, so to speak!

[boiiko]

Too on the nose, that's it! Yeah, I didn't like that.

Do you perchance buy the library editions? Those always have a full section of sketches at the end of the volume, very enjoyable! It's the reason I wait to buy those really. That and the big, pretty pictures. A little cumbersome, though.

[red_satin_doll]

Thank you for this gif! My only regret about this gif is that it doesn't take up my entire desktop because I could watch this one ALL DAY - this is fantastic and fascinating! I love seeing all the intermediate stages like DD said, the changes and cross-hatching etc.

More artwork, pretty please? (Yesterday was my birthday, does that help?)

ETA: Oh I just noticed the other posts you did (how did I not see those before? Oh never mind that *runs to investigate*)

[boiiko]

I am astonished to see I never answered to this post. Very sorry about that.
Thank you so much for your kind words! There may be more artwork coming soon, what with a new round of seasonal spuffy on the way. I have to dust off my e-pencils. (Also, sidenote, our birthdays are two days apart. On Valentine's Day? Really?)

[red_satin_doll]

Ah yes, Valentine's Day baby here! Happy belated birthday to you my dear - I can't wait to see what new goodies you have!

I assume you saw that EW cover with SMG and JM - I really should find a HQ version of that to use in a banner. :D

[boiiko]

I did indeed. The reunion made me extremely happy and emotional but also left me wanting. I am still hoping that the full length of the interview with the cast will be released at some point, instead of the teasing bits and pieces scattered amongst 40 minutes of Buffy-montage that they graced us with. I mean they did it, they reunited them... give us the goods!

And happy belated birthday to you too, Valentine's baby!

[rbfvid]

This is fascinating (I'm as mesmerized with it as red_satin_doll is))
How long did it take from the first sketch to the final version?

[boiiko]

Hey, so sorry for missing this post. Better late than never right? It's been over a year now, so I don't quite remember how long it took me altogether... I think about a week or so? Maybe a little more? Depends on how obsessively I work on a piece or how late I am for a deadline, really. Mostly, that second one.

[singedbylife]

Oh. My. Gods! I love it. Thank you for showing us the layers and the decissions you have made along the way.

[boiiko]

Thank you so much! So sorry for not having answered this earlier. It is my pleasure, I myself looove seeing artist's process work, so I figured why not.