Revised cover for soon-to-be released fourth installment of Valentine. The title design is consistent with the 2nd printings of volume one and two. It’s all about the branding folks!
I’m not sure which design I like better — thoughts on this?
UPDATE: Thanks for your feedback, I think I’ve worked out the kinks for this cover. There are some color adjustments before going to press later in the spring.
This is the second time I’ve use screen tones with the software program Manga Studio Debut 4 trial version. I used to tone my work by hand using the an X-acto and screen tone sheets applied over the inked artwork. Although I love the hands-on process, the digital way is much faster and yielding results closer to the old formula. I’m a bit late to the game with this digital rendering but the coloring was done by hand and adjusted in Photoslop. The horizontal speed lines were applied with an X-acto blade and correction pen.
Concept layouts for 2nd printing covers for Vol. 1 & 2 of Valentine.
I’ve been away from working on the next installment of Valentine this blog will serve the purpose of tracking my process as I write and draw Volume 4.
These headshots are a way for me to warm up before drawing Valentine again. Consistency is key and this is an area I struggle in when I’m away from the book too long. Through the next few posts you’ll begin to see a consistent style develop. Right now, this feel a but rough and only a couple sketches out of 10 I felt I got her look down.
Welcome to the all new Valentine comic website! Each month I’ll be posting a new chapter to Volume 4 of the Valentine series as well as production notes, photos, artwork and more. Feel free to leave a comment or a question for me. Thanks for stopping by!
I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you and thank you for taking the time to visit my site. Valentine has been in print since 1997 and I’m still dedicated to delivering a good story and art for the Valentine series. I cannot express how excited I am to take Valentine LIVE! Be sure to subscribe to my RSS feed to get the latest installment as they come out. I plan on sharing my production journal, live stream broadcasts of the making of the Valentine web comic and more. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or suggestions.
Next week I’ll be at Comic Con International in San Diego July 22 – 26 Booth 5330 listed under “Dan Cooney Art.” Stop by and say hello!
