[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Oscar Wilde – Man Of Words” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1500926880014{padding-bottom: 3% !important;}”][vc_column_text]One of my favourite disciplines in digital art, is that of the typographic portrait.
For this piece, I chose the playwright and wit, Oscar Wilde. I wanted to try out a slightly different technique for this portrait, where quotes made up both the light and shaded areas of the face.
Preparation
With a project like this, it’s essential to choose just the right base image to work from. In this instance, a high contrast, full frontal portrait was chosen.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1230″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Furthermore, the selection of quotes had to be given a great deal of thought. Some short, some longer, with consideration given to the areas they would occupy.
Finally, the perfect typeface had to be selected. I wanted a hand drawn, distressed look so opted for Old Originals. Download the font files from Creative Market here.
All set, time to get on with the illustration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1235″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1500928379845{padding-top: 3% !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Method
The base image is then taken into Adobe Illustrator. The areas of light and shade are drawn out with the pen tool and guides made from the paths.
Next, the text is fitted into the relevant areas. It’s best to outline the text and ungroup it. A fair amount of positioning and rotating can be needed. I also use the “Warp With Mesh” function to manipulate the type into the space.
In conclusion, delete the base layer, pop on the legend at the bottom, add some texture layers for depth and we’re done. Time for a brew.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]