Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

Drawing Basics

Values

Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

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Project - Value Composition Thumbnails

75K
Mark as Completed
Course In Progress

Level 1

Let's practice what we've learned about value composition by creating exploring several thumbnail sketches from the provided reference photos. Simplify each image into just three values in small thumbnails (between the size of your thumbnail and palm). Create at least five variations for each photo. 

Some tips:

  • Keep It Simple: Start small, capture the main big shapes and avoid adding details. If you overcomplicate, try again and simplify.
  • Explore Multiple Ideas: Experiment by modifying value groupings and rearranging value shapes. Don't settle on your first idea. Often, initial concepts aren't the best.
  • Ask "What If?": Experiment with backgrounds, clothing values, and cropping. You have the freedom to adjust these elements.

You can use pencils or markers. Choose whichever tool you're comfortable with, or try both for their unique benefits.

Pencils

  • Use a dull pencil to draw larger value masses and avoid details.
  • Pencils allow erasing and adjusting shapes and values. 

Markers

  • Markers are faster allowing you to do more quick variations.
  • Markers provide predefined values for easy value separation.
  • They encourage simplification due to their thick tips.

Level 2

After warming up with the first photos, move on to the Level 2 images. These are more complex and offer more exploration and room for error.

After several iterations, select a favorite thumbnail to refine. Create a slightly larger sketch with a little more details and up to five values.

Remember:

  • Prioritize Simplicity and Clarity: Don't worry about perfect proportions or details.
  • Focus on Values: Make deliberate decisions about value groups and execute them confidently.
  • Guide the Viewer: Simplify, control your value range, and create a clear hierarchy.


Deadline - submit by Jan 31, 2025 for a chance to be in the critique video!

Newest
@ason
1d
I'm not gonna lie I kept drawing up blanks for different things to do, mostly did what Stan did in his demo. Although that may be because of my unfamiliarity of values and thumbnails. Anyone else struggle with that?
C. A. Corbell
Here are my level 1 value composition thumbnails. I tried a couple in ink as well - not too 'successful' but I want to start mixing in more pen and ink to get better at lines and hatching.
@sosoph
7d
Hi :). Here is my level 2 assignment. I think I made the bigger thumbnail too big and I would have benefited from using a black marker to work faster. This project might have been my favorite so far. It was so fun coming up with different "stories" for the same reference and exploring different ways to present them.
Rachel Dawn Owens
This lesson is one of my favorites too. I love how much you pushed the different ideas. All the small thumbnails have a lot of variety. And you scaled the one up very nicely.
The One
9d
Adding two more value studies in the group..
The One
10d
Tried simple in three tones
Rachel Dawn Owens
That clown portrait is super cool. These are all so nice. Value, shape design, technique. You nailed it.
@sosoph
11d
Hi :). Here is my level 1 assignment. That was so fun. It's really interesting how much the value composition changes the feel of the thumbnail. There are so many possibilities, yet toward the end, I found myself starting to search for new ideas.
Rachel Dawn Owens
You did such a great job with this assignment! These are great abstractions!
@ironfern
14d
Hi! Here's my submission for the assignment. This was definitely challenging! I'd appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
Rachel Dawn Owens
These are really nice notan studies. You did a great job simplifying the shapes of the faces and figures without getting stuck on detail.
Sofy
16d
Round 2 Level 2b there's room for improvement still, but I think there's some more clarity. Thanks again @Patrick Bosworth
Patrick Bosworth
Hey, nice work on all of these!! This thumb reads beautifully, you really simplified everything, but retained enough information that I can tell what this, and what's happened from very far away, excellent job!!
Sofy
18d
Level 2. I have been defeated by the begging woman.
Patrick Bosworth
Great thumbnails! The top row are all really awesome explorations, hard to choose a favorite! The first thumb on the bottom row is excellent. You've really simplified the scene and given the most importance to the face peeking out of the shadow. You could keep exploring that particular thumb idea by adding light to the hands which will tie them to the expression in the face. Right now it just looks like a figure emerging from the shadows, but we miss the story of the begging woman because the hands are in full shadow. The hands and the face are the biggest storytellers of the figure, look for ways to highlight them both to maximize your focus in the image. Keep up the good work!
Gloria Wickman
I really love the second one on the top row of the man being illuminated by the light. Looks very cool!
Arthur Nesbitt
Here's my submissions. I feel like I need to work more on exploring new ideas. I think I was getting too caught up in making it accurate to what I was seeing
Sofy
21d
Level 1b
Sofy
20d
I felt like I rushed the last one, so went back and fixed it
Sofy
21d
Level 1a
Luke
23d
Last set, I think I'm getting much more comfortable with keys and playing with the value groups
Rachel Dawn Owens
Very nice! There’s so much variety in these, yet they all still read well.
Sofy
23d
these look great!
Luis
25d
My value composition project. In general, I think the 1st picture was easier to do than the 2nd one. For the 1st one, I think I landed on something that works by focusing on the face. For the second, I think the first draft ended up being the best and I ended up not being quite satisfied with any of the other ones.
Michael Yoila
Level 2 work. Not too neat
Melanie Scearce
I like your final notan drawings, but I don't see much exploration in the thumbnails. Particularly in the top set, it all kind of looks like the same drawing. I encourage you to push your small thumbnails a bit more -- include the background in your experimentation, how does it interact with the character? Consider the framing of the character as well, it doesn't have to match the reference image. Think about what kind of changes can you make that affect the message of the image.
Luke
1mo
It seems like its a bit easier when there's more to work with
Melanie Scearce
Good shape design in her face! I like how you merged the shadow shapes in her dress into the background on the left side in the final notan drawing. Nice work 👍
Luke
1mo
I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. These were between 5-10 minutes each, not counting brainstorming time
Luke
1mo
It is mentally draining, but I suppose that means I'm learning things. I think I also went into too much detail on each of them, I'll consider a timer on the next batch.
@deepanshu12
Michael Longhurst
Not sure I really got this one. I didn’t entirely feel like I was designing anything so much as just mixing around values. I certainly didn’t have as much intention as Stan described as he did his demos. I mainly tried to focus on contrast. Also really tried for triangle shapes on the last on to give it an edgier uncomfortable feel.
Rachel Dawn Owens
Your values are great. Make more clear decisions when it comes to your shapes. Keep it as big and simple as you can. Keep going with it. You’re on the right track.
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Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.
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