The next entry in my portfolio is actually a digital design that I have created long ago. This was back in 9th grade when I first began to explore what was possible in Illustrator. In this case, we were instructed to play with the mesh tool and gradient mesh options to create form. The gradient mesh tool allows you to take the shape and apply a mesh across the entire form. From there, the lasso tool can be utilized by selecting portions of the mesh for color application. When the appropriate color is selected, it will be applied to the radius of the lasso tool highlight. For this old project, we were instructed to create the form of anything we chose by only using the gradient mesh tool for color form. In this example, I chose a betta fish, as they are one of the most exotic fish in the sea. Their typical appearance consists of colorful scales with long, wavy tailfins. This was a particularly challenging project, as I only had forty minutes to create the fish, and I was only limited to a select few tools.
Betta Fish (2013)
As I mentioned before, creating the fish within a set time limit and small usage of tools was no easy task. I carefully examined the general qualities of a betta fish to determine how well my gradient mesh selections would translate. To begin, I created the body and tailfins as separate layers for maximum control of the gradient mesh tool. Next, I chose two colors that would work with the fish: magenta and blue. From there, I would fill in the form with either color, then use the gradient mesh tool to create highlights, mid-tones, and shadows of the same color. This was done through different color values of that same color with lighter or darker selections. Since the fish needed to pop out and not feel as flat, I heavily focused on a light source at the top of its body and the necessary highlights. Towards the fish's face is a series of mixed colors, as betta fish tend to have their colors blending together around that area. Present on the tailfins is occasional strokes utilizing a charcoal brush pattern. While the original design wasn't permitted to use an additional tool, I decided to revise it after I turned it in. This time, I used a charcoal brush pattern to paint the details on the tailfins with contrasting colors.
If I were to revise the project currently, I feel that it could be much better after applying all the tricks I have learned throughout the years. You might be thinking, "If you just said that you could improve it now, why post the older design?" The answer is simple: the portfolio is not just a showcase of work that I have done recently, but an example of things I have created over time. At the time, I was impressed with how the fish turned out, and it was one of the pieces that inspired me to continue learning digital art. Sometimes, I look back at this fish as a reminder of the roots of my graphic design passion, and how I've taken the time to improve my work. Have there been instances where you were proud of something, and how it kept you motivated for your career choice? Even if you look back at an old project or goal and aren't impressed with the quality as you were back then, it's a great example of inspiration.
