FAQ: Materials

I receive a lot of emails and questions on social networks from aspiring illustrators, students and other artists asking me what kind of materials I use.
Although I explained my technique in many interviews, and I show my favorite materials in video and photo process on social networks very often, I think it might be interesting to make here a small recap of what I love using the most right now (I discovered fantastic treasures form other illustrators and learned a lot reading this kind of posts).

Anyway, my technique is nothing special, I don’t use any miraculous material: my work is based on a lifetime drawing. All is about passion, ideas and one million hours working. I can ensure that the material I use most is hard work.

But for the curious ones, here is my HOT NOW listing (although I’m always experimenting):

PAPER: Heavyweight and with very fine grain. I love using the Canson Iris Collection for drawing and CABALLO 109 for watercolor (believe me, this paper can support tons of water without bending). I usually work in A3 size.

Iris Canson (pack 50 sheets A4) & Caballo 109 paper
Iris Canson (pack 50 sheets A4) & Caballo 109 paper

PENCIL/GRAPHITE: We can create very cool pieces without investing all our savings in expensive materials. A simple pencil is all I need (and one of the most wonderful inventions in history!). I love the Lyra, Faber Castell and Prismacolor pencils alike. Just be sure that your pencil is very well sharpened and combine different hardness for getting the best results.

I also love to work certain areas with mechanical pencil (the MUJI Wooden Pencil Natural is inexpensive and one of my all time favorites).

ERASER: In addition to the traditional Milan rubber, my last discovery is the Mono Zero eraser from TOMBOW. It’s extremely fine and erases the smallest detail. It is ideal for adding lights too.

Lyra & Faber Castell pencils, MUJI Mechanical pencil and TOMBOW Mono Zero eraser
Lyra & Faber Castell pencils, MUJI Mechanical pencil and TOMBOW Mono Zero eraser

MARKERS: I love playing with ink, and Japanese markers have never disappointed me: I ‘m a big fan of Copic Multiliner SP for very thin strokes, Zig Letter Pen CocoIro from Kuretake for brush strokes, and Copic Sketch (their range of colors is to die for!). As the latter ones are expensive, buy ‘Pick your own‘ packs is a good idea (I recommend this ebay seller, who also offers sets of Copic Sketch refills).

Copic Multiliner SP in Black & Grey
Copic Multiliner SP in Black & Grey
 Zig Letter Pens CocoIro from Kuretake
Zig Letter Pens CocoIro from Kuretake
Copic Sketch & Copic Wide (Blender)
Copic Sketch & Copic Wide (Blender)

OTHERS: Experimenting with different materials is my passion and I ‘m always changing, so it is difficult to choose ‘other’ favorites or brands. I recommend especially the Liquid Watercolors by Vallejo and the colored pencil boxes from Faber Castell.

Vallejo Liquid Watercolors
Vallejo Liquid Watercolors

 

When the drawing is ready, I scan it (I have a Canon scanner ‘CanoScan LIDE 200‘) and move to the digital part: I clean and color the scan in Photoshop (incorporating other scanned textures).

I show my digital technique in the following video:

I work with an Apple iMac and a Wacom Cintiq 22HD Touch. I know that they’re expensive, but they are the best technology investments I have made long term.

But be realistic: these devices don’t solve your life and your drawings won’t be better only for using them. These items are not basic needs: we all have begun to draw with no more than a sheet of paper and a pencil in our rooms. Sophistication comes many years later, when we have a refined technique, and a full-time illustrator job.  Furthermore, not everyone has the same needs: the tool for some is a major change, for other is a waste of money.

If you’re just starting don’t go crazy: the key is work, work, and work (and, eventually, these devices will make your work easier when you’ve already done everything for yourself).

I hope this can be helpful! Xx

100 Grados #12

The 100 Grados Team asked me to do the cover of their #12 issue (July 2015), under the theme “Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente” (‘Out of Sight, Out of Heart’). In addition to that honor, they also asked me to do a video interview (only in Spanish version). Thanks a lot for this chance, guys, a real pleasure!

100 Grados Magazine Cover. Theme: 'Out of Sight, Out Of Heart' ("Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente").
100 Grados Magazine Cover. Theme: ‘Out of Sight, Out Of Heart’ (“Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente”).
100 Grados Magazine #12
100 Grados Magazine #12
Work in Progress.
Work in Progress.

In the following video you can see a “deconstruction’ of the cover, where I show my digital technique with layers over the analog drawing. Hope this can be helpful! In addition to this, in collaboration with 100Grados, we’ve launched a new giveaway! You can win one of my prints if you share this #12 issue on different social networks. See how here and enjoy! XX 

¡HA LLEGADO NUESTRO NÚMERO 12 :) <3 CON REGALAZO! > Comparte esta publicación del número 12 de 100grados fanzine y…

Posted by 100gradosfanzine on Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Lecture at Behance Portfolio Reviews Valencia

Como algunos recordaréis, hace dos semanas se celebraron las Behance Portfolio Reviews de Valencia, en las que tuve el placer de ser ponente junto a otros 4 grandes profesionales. Y hoy, gracias a los chicos de 100 grados, os traigo los vídeos de las ponencias, para que las disfrutéis si no pudisteis asistir.

Tenéis la recopilación de las cinco ponencias aquí, y la mía a continuación:

Behance Portfolio Reviews Valencia – Cristina Alonso from Cristina Alonso on Vimeo.

No quiero dejar de agradecer al equipo de 100 grados y a ADCV su estupenda organización. ¡Fue genial!