Cómo crear una ilustración inclusiva y diversa - Parte II

How do you create an inclusive and diverse illustration from scratch?

When it comes to creating illustrations that celebrate diversity and inclusion, it's critical to free yourself from rigidity and allow yourself to experiment. This freedom and creativity is what can lead to amazing results and, of course, a final work that exudes diversity in both concept and execution. How magical will it be to see a simple idea transform into a full illustration? This process, although long, is also rewarding, and here we tell you how to embark on this creative journey.

What are the first steps in the creative process?

Before bringing the first line to life, it is crucial to prepare your mind and materials:

• Let go of your hand: start by tracing free forms without fear. Allow yourself to play with the lines according to what you feel like and what you feel comfortable with. Inspiration is capricious, and rather than looking for it, you must be ready to receive it.

• Initial sketching: Pose ideas in a sketch. That spontaneity is vital to reflect naturalness in diversity. Think of everyday situations that highlight inclusion, such as children playing without distinctions.

How do you represent diversity in illustrations?

Focusing on details and variability helps build unique and diverse characters:

• Facial features: experiment with different nose and eye shapes. They can range from a wide nose to slanted eyes. Diversity is richness, so feel free to explore all possible combinations.

• Personal details: Consider accessories such as glasses in different shapes. These elements not only provide variety, but add a personal touch to each character in your illustration.

What is the process for finalizing the illustration?

Once your basic sketch is ready, the next step is to bring it to life through color and detail:

• Layers and outlining: if you're working digitally, use layers for outlining and color, which makes it easy to make adjustments without damaging some of the previous work. And don't get hung up on perfect lines: sometimes, deviation from what was planned can bring freshness and innovation.

• Color and shadows: Start with base colors and add shadows for depth. Use tools such as a paint can to make the process more efficient. In the case of working digitally, place color in different layers than the line for more sharpness and control.

How to enrich an inclusive and diverse illustration?

Adding texture and characteristic highlights can transform a simple illustration into a wonderfully dynamic representation:

• Stamps and textures: Add prints to clothing or characteristic scars that bring a unique personality to each character.

• Shadows and highlights: In a more cartoon style, shadows and highlights are used more to add fun than realism, so that each element of the illustration looks vibrant and appealing.

What tools do you need to create a digital illustration?

The tool you choose will depend on your preferences and resources, but it is vital to be comfortable and functional:

• Hardware and software: Use tools such as an iPad with Clip Studio or other digital illustration software that you find manageable.

• Creative flexibility: Whether you're working on paper or digital, a creative attitude is most important: have fun and experiment constantly. Diversity starts in the process as much as it manifests itself in the result.

How to finalize and share your illustration?

After finalizing the details and making sure your illustration is polished and ready:

• Sign your work: Certify your work with your signature. This is more than a gesture, it is your mark as a creator that endorses the quality and authenticity of the content.

• Sharing and display: Prepare it for social networks or websites. An inclusive illustration has the potential to be part of stories, posters or any medium that promotes an open and frank look at diversity.

Illustration is more than technique; it is an invitation to explore creativity that embraces differences. Through these guidelines, the path to creating unique and inclusive illustration is within reach, and always worth sharing. Ready to make your artistic mark on the world? There are no limits to what you can create and learn!