Today I would like to talk about the six basic mistakes beginners make when creating their backgrounds. Scroll down to see the video!!!
I have created this new character and we are going to decide what kind of background would fit her nicely.
So, let’s get started!
Number 1 error: Compete Vs Complete
Backgrounds should not take away the attention from the subject. They are created to complete and enhance the picture.
In this example above, I tried to show you how easy it is for a part of your background to compete with the foreground subject. The idea was nice, but the globe is too big and too bright… It is almost overtaking all the attention from the subject.
If I wanted to keep this background, I would have 3 options:
• make the globe smaller,
• take it off,
• or, replace it with something else.
Number 2: Using the wrong colors or tones.
Wrong colors can easily modify the mood of a picture.
If you look at these two pictures you can see two versions of the same volcano.
The volcano on the left side looks very happy, doesn’t it. The colors are bright, and the tones are soft. However, in fantasy, when I use volcanoes in general, I want them to portray a feeling of doom and darkness. So, this first picture obviously is ruining that idea. In order to portray the right feeling of despair and fear, I need this volcano to be darker, as shown on the image on the left.
This slide below summarizes colors and moods.
Number 3: Your background is too busy.
If your background is too busy, people won’t know where to look. Their attention will be scattered by too many details and soon they will lose interest and very quickly move on to the next image on Pinterest, or wherever they happened to be.
Here, in the example above, I have over exaggerated the scene on the image to your left. I put too many trees, clouds and the broken castle is not really needed.
The picture feels heavy and I also didn’t finish the mountains on purpose. What needs to be done?
• take off the trees,
• the clouds,
• the castle,
• clean up the mountains.
The image on the right now feels much better, don’t you think? I have now an image that reflects tranquility. It’s almost ZEN!!!
Number 4: You are sloppy.
Alright… I have seen this too many times. So let’s talk about it… As you could see in the previous picture, my mountains were not finished. Here, above, I did even worse. The mountains are badly painted, the night sky is missing stars and the edges of the mountains in contact with the water are sloppy. Everything is basically badly done.
Don’t do this!
Treat your background as it was a masterpiece. Spend a lot of time on it. If you don’t finish or don’t clean up mistakes, I will promise you, people will notice and they won’t follow you on Instagram or whatever social platform you post your work on.
So, remember…. be meticulous, and take your time.
Number 5: You are not using effects.
NO BLUR
WITH BLUR ON HANDS AND ON THE BACKGROUND FLOWERS.
Photoshop offers many options, but beginners most of the time don’t know where to find them or how to use them. The most common and easy effect you can use is the tilt-shift blur.
SEE PREVIOUS BLOG FOR MORE INFORMATION. THE BLOG IS CALLED:
ADDING A BLUR TO YOUR DIGITAL PAINTING.
There is not much to add here. The pictures are talking for themselves.
I think you would agree that the second picture is better. The blur just created a brand new mood!
Number 6: You are not creative and only stick to one option.
Be creative. I would advise you to create at least two or three different backgrounds when you start. It’s a good way to practice. It will also help you push the boundaries of your imagination. With time, you’ll even get better at creating backgrounds and they will become a second nature before you know it.
Now, before to even start, you should always ask yourself a few questions:
• Will my subject be in front of a landscape? If yes, will it be in front of a forest or a lake?
• Will my subject be in front of a solid color background, with something behind?
• Will my subject be in front a design of some kind? A tapestry, maybe?
Keep asking questions and try different options.
In conclusion.
Just remember when you are about to create a background for your digital creation, it must be done to:
complete and enhance your subject,
set the mood,
and help tell the story.
THIS IS MY FINAL DECISION. THE PICTURE IS ZEN, SOPHISTICATED AND MINIMALISTIC. I LOVE IT!!!
I hope this few tips have been helpful.
Until next time, create some great art.
Corinne Zaragoza
Author and illustrator.