NASA Bug

Vacajun · #1 (**permalink**) 6th April 2008, 23:29

Did this one for NASA friends (see photos in SPS Reference Photo Gallery). I did this one entirely with PS 7, generating line drawing with pen/path saves. Learned two things on this one:

1. White airplanes are by far the hardest to render in profiles.

GM, Blowhard and others-thanks for the may tips on handling such beasts especially using less than pure white for the subject base.

2. IMHO if you're constantly working to a fixed final size (A3) and pixel size with rendering in PS, it makes no sense to use Illustrator. I previously always did line drawings in Illustrator, then pasted as paths into PS. With PS path/vector/scale capability, I found myself constantly tinkering with the shapes in the PS WIP and the original Illustrator file became useless.

Thanks, M8s

Jadehawk · #2 (**permalink**) 7th April 2008, 00:12

Wow! Now that's a different subject and I like weird stuff too!

I really like how you did the windows in the canopy and yes using an off White color really helps tie in with the rest of the airplane.
I also agree about the Illustrator/PS problem which is why I do all my stuff in one place.

I hope your buddies like the work as I certainly do!

GrubbyFingers · #3 (**permalink**) 7th April 2008, 01:19

Hi Vacajun,

Great work. The Bronco is one of my all time-favorites.

I am coming around to your philiosophy. I still do the initial linework in Illustrator as it is quicker has more merging options, but, as you say, I tweak most of the paths, and introduce new ones in PS as I go. Particularly when creating variations. Thus the original Ill file is redundant.

My "white' base paint is often up to 10-15% grey. This gives me space to both shade and highlight.