2d • 🏞️ Project Posts
Before and After ✏️
We love a stunning final piece… but can we talk about what comes before it?
The thumbnails.The messy sketches.The color studies.The “what if I try this instead?” moments.
Preliminary work isn’t just prep it’s problem-solving. It’s where composition gets stronger, values get clarified, and ideas evolve from vague sparks into intentional design. Planning before the final piece often means fewer frustrations, bolder decisions, and more confidence when it’s time to commit.
Sometimes the “before” stage is where the real magic happens.
Let’s talk about it:
Do you create thumbnails or value studies before starting a final piece?
Has planning ever completely changed your original idea?
Or are you more of a dive-in-and-figure-it-out artist?
Drop a before & after in the comments if you have one, sketches included. Let’s normalize showing the process, not just the polish. 👏
For my before and after this is my "Floating Cities on a Distant Planet" piece.
My preliminary is in gouache in my sketchbook to study colors and composition.
The final is mixed media with acrylic, gouache, and fine liners!
As you can see, the concept shifted quite a bit from the preliminary sketch to the final painting. What began as mountains evolved into expansive gas clouds, which opened up the composition and gave the piece a more atmospheric, otherworldly feel. I also introduced a second floating city in the distance to create more depth and narrative interest. Instead of a traditional cloudy sky, I opted for cloud rings, which added movement and a stronger sense of scale.
It’s a great reminder of how much can change between planning and execution, and how staying open during the process can lead to a more dynamic final result.
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Before and After ✏️
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