Thank you to every amazing artist who dug into their files for me and sussed out these little gems for public consumption. I appreciate you all risking the threat of public ridicule in the service of convincing new artists of the worth of getting in front of the camera.
I review a lot of portfolios. I tried to guesstimate and I probably reviewed about 750 portfolios in person alone last year, and that’s leaving out all the samples I get mailed or websites I review. A lot of those reviews are from very green artists and students. When I’m reviewing a portfolio of someone who isn’t ready to work for me yet, I still like to give them some feedback, some things to work on in the future. And one of the most frequent things I recommend is to start using better photo reference. The internet is a great resource, but often I can tell when someone used separate images for say, a figure’s face, then a different one for hands, and another one for clothing. The angles don’t quite match up, the lighting is hard to match up, there’s little cues throughout.
Starting to shoot reference very often brings a huge leap forward in the work of young artists, yet it’s also the piece of advice I hear the most excuses about. I hear “My friends don’t like to pose.” “I’m not a good photographer.” “I don’t have money to hire a model.” “I don’t have good props.” “I don’t have a good camera.” and I say the best artists in the world use themselves for reference all the time. With rulers standing in for swords, with any kind of camera or webcam, and without even cleaning their studios, if these guys are shooting themselves, you can too. You, yourself, are the most reliable model. You know what you want, you are always available, and you work cheap.
Since this is crazy deadline week at Orbit, I asked around for some help in getting this week’s post together. I reached out to some fabulous artists I know that use self-reference all the time, and asked them to share. Enjoy, but also look at how these shots really served the final work.
So get over your embarrassment, break out your camera, camera phone, or even webcam, and get shooting! I’ve included some helpful tips where they were included. And for further reading, a ton of artists have done great process posts that involve self-reference both here on Muddy Colors and across the internet, go check them out. I’ve started a list at the end of this post, feel free to share your favorite links in the comments!
First off, fearless leader of Muddy Colors Dan Dos Santos as fearless leader Captain Mal from Firefly
Dave’s process: I chose this example because it is probably my personal record for number of self-references in one image (14). My submitted sketch on the left established the basic concept, composition, and overall blueprint for the final image. Once this was approved I set my camera and lights up. The lighting in this image is subtle to describe an overcast snowy day but it was still deliberately planned and executed.
I operate my camera for self-reference images using a digital shutter timer controller set to fire every four seconds until I turn it off. This allows me to get into position and act out the scene comfortably without having to be distracted by a remote control or running back and forth to reset the in-camera timer. I simulated hanging bodies by jumping in the air timed to the four-second shutter release to capture me in midair descent. I also did some digital manipulations of the secondary foreground figure to alter my proportions ever so slightly so that he might represent the father of the younger figure next to him.
In the process of shooting refs, I also fine-tuned my sketch in slight details, the most significant being the hanging feet being barefoot rather than wearing shoes as in the sketch. I shot photos both ways and preferred the bare feet. Good ideas often happen in the moment when shooting reference, so I try to keep a flexible mind.
Jeffrey Alan Love appearing in New Yorker magazine (using the ruler-as-sword trick)
Dave wrote:Originally, I was using a long cable release, and prefocusing on about the right spot, and using a small aperture for max depth of focus (which gives up some sharpness). Lots of back and forth to the cam… Now my camera finds the right focal point with great automatics, and I use an intervelometer, which is a cable release with timer. I find that about an 8 second interval is plenty of time to change my pose for the next shot… and do a series before checking them out. You can also use usb, or wireless to view shots on a nearby laptop screen or iPad… and adjust your pose accordingly.
Randy wrote: 1) Discovering the GorillaPod tripod for my camera was a Godsend. Get the right size to support the weight of your camera. For this illustration, requiring a slightly high perspective, I mounted the camera to the top of a closet door in vertical orientation. A camera with a swivel LCD screen that you can point towards you when facing the lens (as the Canon G12 has) is also really helpful for seeing yourself–however tiny–while shooting self-ref photos.
2) The composite reference was done in 3 stages: 1.)720HD video of me posing without “cape” (actually a cloak), 2.)720 video of my wife flopping the cape around to simulate movement and air. I composited frames from both of these to make one photo. 3.) a self-ref taken another day of the foreground character. He was going to be covered mostly in furs so wearing a T-shirt was no problem. I suggest holding something in your hand, but if you’re in a pinch at least don’t tighten your fist–leave a “hole” for a handle to go through (an alternate shot that I apparently didn’t use has me holding a lint pic-up roller!). Though I had a hand with the cloak, it didn’t require a third party to pose or a model to pay; you could invite a friend to help like this and not require a third person to snap photos with this setup. You have a friend at least, right?
3) The lighting was approximate, and I worked entirely from a black-and-white image since none of my lighting or clothing was color-matched anyway.
Sara says:I’ve only been out of school a few years, but what I can say for students is to invest in a quality camera and light set. You can find models in other students that you bribe with pizza (or like me, family members) but if you don’t have a good light source or a good camera, usually it doesn’t matter what model you have.
Tony wrote: As far as tips are concerned, I would just say try shooting outdoors. If you can muster it, outdoor sunlight will give the most clearly defined shapes and boundaries. Also, any quality camera phone can be a lot of help, because they’re so small. The size of the camera determines how much of the image it blocks (when shooting selfless), and heavier machines require most pose adjustment to keep them level and steady. When the camera is small, it’s much easier to work into the pose.
Oh, and having mirrored closet doors is a godsend.
Extra credit when you use the AD’s Selfies: Magali Villeneuve using Zoe Robinson for Asha Greyjoy
Another AD Selfie: Henning Ludvigsen painting Zoe Robinson as a Lovecraftian Cook
Kristina’s notes:This card was an experiment in light for me. I wanted to get really specific with the time of day and I actually got up before sunrise so I could set up and try to replicate the light as close as possible. I tapped Scott to man the shutter for me as I tried out a few different versions of the pose. That random sequin shirt has stood in for armor on several occasions.
Kristina Carroll gets the award for most creative weapon stand-in
Kristina’s notes:The great gender swap illustration is always a learning experience. I was looking for shadow shapes and textures that I could transfer to my drawing (which was loosely based of Robert Carlysle). Spray bottle gun is not nearly as funny as banana gun- but does the trick!
And vying for SFF underwear model award, we have Noah Bradley…
And last, but not least, a Selfie-with-James Gurney tribute by Lucas Durham! (and if you’re any kind of artists and not reading Gurney Journey, then stop whatever you are doing and set aside at least 12hrs to read every post.)
Whew. Ok, no more updating, you all had your chance. Thank you for everyone who submitted! So this year, when I review your portfolio, no excuses about not using photo-reference, ok? See you at Spectrum in May to kick off my con season!
…..and I know, there’s no finals in this, but it’s too hilarious not to post—thanks Michael Marsicano!
The Self-Reference Shimmy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWlif7e3qLo
After 17 years designing and art directing book covers, Lauren Panepinto has worked in every publishing genre and collaborated with artists of all disciplines. As the Creative Director & Vice President of Orbit Books for the past ten years, she has been trying to merge the worlds of genre and commercial publishing and figure out what SFF publishing looks like in the present world of mainstream "geek" media.
After an amateur career in punk rock show posters and 'zines, Lauren received a B.A. in Graphic Design from The School of Visual Arts. She has worked in fashion (Perry Ellis), television (MTV), and for boutique design firms, but found her calling in book publishing. She has worked at St. Martin's Press/Picador Books, at Doubleday/Random House, and now at Hachette Book Group, the parent company of Orbit.
In addition to traveling all over the place giving portfolio reviews at conventions and writing for Muddy Colors, you can also find her art business education projects at www.DrawnandDrafted.com, and www.MakeYourArtWork.com, and all of her many projects and www.LaurenPanepinto.com.
Brilliant post! I have some great reference photos of myself and friends that I march out when I teach my students about using reference. I think once they see me in a sequin shirt and pink cloak standing in for elvish armor they get a little more confident.
That's hilarious! Now I don't feel as goofy when I take self reference.
My only downfall with self referencing are my hands. I have very identifiable hands (long arms/fingers) As much as I try to alter it, friends and family scream “IT'S YOU!”
Awesome! And thanks for the photobooth reference link!
Do you have any recommendations for a camera or lighting? Also… how do you manage to get the shots? Do you get someone else to take the images or do you hit a timer and then leap into position as fast as possible?
I really need a camera like the one that is mentioned by Dave Palumbo in the post. Mine has a self-timer, but it takes 3 pictures max before I have to go and reset it. I have trouble finding one that just keeps shooting. Any recommendations?
I've always preferred drawing from life when I can, so my “selfies” are usually an easel and a mirror (or two, or even three for back views and such…) I always thought I must be insane to do that, but then I found out James Gurney does it sometimes, so I feel sort of justified. Okay, it's still probably insane. But it's… just… so much more FUN.
Yes, all fun with mirrors, even the weird angles. It's amazing what you can wrangle with multiple mirrors. The right hand is generally done by switching quickly between posing and drawing, yes it gets weird. And yes I like to draw the studies nude and add clothes later, yes I'm weird, I know.
I always feel ridiculous taking selfies for reference (although, I definitely need to invest in a Gorilla tripod for those odd angle shots!) but, hey… whatever works, right?
I'd like to see how artists with unbasic body types manage with using selfies. I know from experience that using obese selfies is really hard because you can't really see the body under all the fat… I bet also being too short is a problem, sometimes also being extremely skinny.
I honestly WAS hoping for some more cross-dressing references from people – i KNOW the guys have posed in drag before for self-reference…but I need bribe money to get the really embarrassing pictures out of people.
As far as body types go, no one person is going to be a great reference for every body type – but you'd be amazed how much you still get out of a reference piece – lighting, drapery of fabric, holding objects – there's a wealth of information in a reference shot that is hard to just pull out of your head. And the masters who CAN pull it out of their heads can only do so AFTER years and years of drawing from reference.
Honestly, bribing friends with pizza to be reference for you generally tends to work. don't be embarrassed about asking. Make it a formal request for help, say hey, i could really use a model for this piece I'm working on, can you come over and help me with it? Some people will be too shy, but keep asking – i am sure you know some friends and family who are naturally good models.
This is just getting better and better. I love this post! Shooting selfie reference photos is such a crazy and amazing thing. Thank you Lauren for gathering all these pics in this place!
So glad to see the trusty ruler showing up in other artist selfies. I've got a pretty good range or props, but that 90 angle ruler still makes its way into a lot of my shoots!
Ha Ha Ha I love the one of Christopher Burdett, “Most creative use of household miscellanea.” He looks like he is enjoying himself and really having fun!
Everyone kind of has their own method, it seems, from more formal tripod-and-timer setups to iphones to just using the photobooth app (and webcam) on their macs
Glad to see this post, as a budding designer and illustrator this has inspired me to getting shooting. correct reference guides definitely can make or break your work.
You should try downloading a free 3D rendering program such as Daz Studio…that way you can set up the model in whatever pose you want, and position the lighting exactly as you want it. Then, render the scene, and you have a reference for your art.
I use selfies a lot for my job. Apart form my cellphone and my wife's pro camera I use my webcam a lot. I discovered its potential not so long ago and it has proved an excellent tool. I have a window by my left which gives me a nice white light during the day and a desk lamp with a warm tone bulb on my right so I can have a combination of two different light types just in front of my screen. Also during the nights the light from the screen itself becomes a frontal cool light. A bit limited I know, but really useful in rush situations.
Hello Lauren, this is Jose Vega Thanks for such a great post!!!! You still updating with new selfies? I am just finishing a piece and got my reference with it, as well as a dumb picture my wife took as i was posing without me knowing. Let me know, thanks!!!
Wonderful colors and organic natural forms. Reminds me of a painting like Rainy landscape, by Russian painter Kandinsky, http://wahooart.com/Art.nsf/All-Popular-Artists that I saw at wahooart.com, from where one can order a canvas print of it. Really good place to browse the painter’s work and other work similar to your style of painting.
When I worked in NYC I once had a copy of Spectrum lying open on my desk to a Donato painting. My AD came around and commented on the painting. I told him, “Yeah, that's Donato Giancola. I just met him at a science fiction convention. He's a nice guy.” The AD replied, “Yeah, I was one of his housemates in college at Syracuse.” He then proceeded to tell my how Donato used to pose his housemates in the driveway in elaborate battle scenes for paintings. Small world!
Oh some of these really made me laugh…particularly the one with the colander on her head & another where someone was sitting astride the arm of the settee pointing a sword in the direction of a rather alarmed looking cat…! And I musten't forget the man sitting astride an armoured chicken…(like you do) Hilarious! I needed a laugh, thank you so much for providing it 😀
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These are great!!
Brilliant post! I have some great reference photos of myself and friends that I march out when I teach my students about using reference. I think once they see me in a sequin shirt and pink cloak standing in for elvish armor they get a little more confident.
I also love Claire Hummel's post about using reference here:
http://shoomlah.tumblr.com/post/64883393399/so-i-was-chatting-with-the-lovely-justin-oaksford
Awesome post!
Kristina if you want to join in send me some pics & finals & i'll totally add them in!
Great post! http://www.photoboothreference.tumblr.com is a lot of fun to look at too, though they don't usually include the finished product.
those are great but I wish they had the finals!
Aww, these are great! I'm not sure how many of these I have of myself, haha =)
That's hilarious! Now I don't feel as goofy when I take self reference.
My only downfall with self referencing are my hands. I have very identifiable hands (long arms/fingers) As much as I try to alter it, friends and family scream “IT'S YOU!”
Awesome! And thanks for the photobooth reference link!
Do you have any recommendations for a camera or lighting? Also… how do you manage to get the shots? Do you get someone else to take the images or do you hit a timer and then leap into position as fast as possible?
Well, that's probably the reason why so many characters strangely look like the artist him/herself!! =P
I really need a camera like the one that is mentioned by Dave Palumbo in the post. Mine has a self-timer, but it takes 3 pictures max before I have to go and reset it. I have trouble finding one that just keeps shooting. Any recommendations?
These are great, I'd like to hear more about easy/affordable ways to get a good light set up for lighting reference…!
This post by Dave Palumbo isn't about shooting reference, but it IS a great resource for a not-expensive photo setup for your studio: http://muddycolors.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-professionally-photograph-your.html
This are fantastic!
Also, I learned that the T-square is the most useful artist prop in existence.
Oh my gosh so funny! And clearly so helpful! I volunteer as stock pose tribute! Great post Lauren.
haha, this is one of my favorite posts! thanks so much for taking the time to do this. that's quite a feat. I guess I can't make any more excuses.
I've always preferred drawing from life when I can, so my “selfies” are usually an easel and a mirror (or two, or even three for back views and such…) I always thought I must be insane to do that, but then I found out James Gurney does it sometimes, so I feel sort of justified. Okay, it's still probably insane. But it's… just… so much more FUN.
For laughs, here's some of my drawn-from-a-mirror “selfies” and the final image (er, features nekkid people, so be warned):
http://queengwenevere.blogspot.com/2010/08/illustrated-dreams.html
Yes, all fun with mirrors, even the weird angles. It's amazing what you can wrangle with multiple mirrors. The right hand is generally done by switching quickly between posing and drawing, yes it gets weird. And yes I like to draw the studies nude and add clothes later, yes I'm weird, I know.
Granted, photos are way faster in a pinch.
Oh, these are great! Thanks so much for this!
I always feel ridiculous taking selfies for reference (although, I definitely need to invest in a Gorilla tripod for those odd angle shots!) but, hey… whatever works, right?
This was such a fun and helpful post. Thanks everyone!
I'd like to see how artists with unbasic body types manage with using selfies. I know from experience that using obese selfies is really hard because you can't really see the body under all the fat… I bet also being too short is a problem, sometimes also being extremely skinny.
Love it ^^
haha now i wish i never deleted my selfie-references XD these are awesome!!
This is amazing!
I honestly WAS hoping for some more cross-dressing references from people – i KNOW the guys have posed in drag before for self-reference…but I need bribe money to get the really embarrassing pictures out of people.
As far as body types go, no one person is going to be a great reference for every body type – but you'd be amazed how much you still get out of a reference piece – lighting, drapery of fabric, holding objects – there's a wealth of information in a reference shot that is hard to just pull out of your head. And the masters who CAN pull it out of their heads can only do so AFTER years and years of drawing from reference.
Honestly, bribing friends with pizza to be reference for you generally tends to work. don't be embarrassed about asking. Make it a formal request for help, say hey, i could really use a model for this piece I'm working on, can you come over and help me with it? Some people will be too shy, but keep asking – i am sure you know some friends and family who are naturally good models.
These are fantastic. It's always so fascinating to see everyone's process from reference to final. Great post Lauren!
I thought almost every artist used themselves as references in this way, haha.
This is just getting better and better. I love this post! Shooting selfie reference photos is such a crazy and amazing thing.
Thank you Lauren for gathering all these pics in this place!
The best is that it's clear, no artists was so married to the reference that it looks like it's just copied. These are truly references.
So glad to see the trusty ruler showing up in other artist selfies. I've got a pretty good range or props, but that 90 angle ruler still makes its way into a lot of my shoots!
Ha Ha Ha I love the one of Christopher Burdett, “Most creative use of household miscellanea.”
He looks like he is enjoying himself and really having fun!
Everyone kind of has their own method, it seems, from more formal tripod-and-timer setups to iphones to just using the photobooth app (and webcam) on their macs
#truth
T-squares For The Win!
Glad to see this post, as a budding designer and illustrator this has inspired me to getting shooting. correct reference guides definitely can make or break your work.
You should try downloading a free 3D rendering program such as Daz Studio…that way you can set up the model in whatever pose you want, and position the lighting exactly as you want it. Then, render the scene, and you have a reference for your art.
nice post
I use selfies a lot for my job. Apart form my cellphone and my wife's pro camera I use my webcam a lot. I discovered its potential not so long ago and it has proved an excellent tool. I have a window by my left which gives me a nice white light during the day and a desk lamp with a warm tone bulb on my right so I can have a combination of two different light types just in front of my screen. Also during the nights the light from the screen itself becomes a frontal cool light. A bit limited I know, but really useful in rush situations.
Hello Lauren, this is Jose Vega
Thanks for such a great post!!!!
You still updating with new selfies? I am just finishing a piece and got my reference with it, as well as a dumb picture my wife took as i was posing without me knowing.
Let me know, thanks!!!
Thanks for the post. Behind every fantastic image there´s a real world with real people… This is the imagination in motion. Tks again
thanks for this post!! real artis real reference
One of the best articles of Muddy Colors so far. Courageous and fun stuff. Nuff said. 🙂
Love this!
Wonderful colors and organic natural forms. Reminds me of a painting like Rainy landscape, by Russian painter Kandinsky, http://wahooart.com/Art.nsf/All-Popular-Artists that I saw at wahooart.com, from where one can order a canvas print of it. Really good place to browse the painter’s work and other work similar to your style of painting.
When I worked in NYC I once had a copy of Spectrum lying open on my desk to a Donato painting. My AD came around and commented on the painting. I told him, “Yeah, that's Donato Giancola. I just met him at a science fiction convention. He's a nice guy.” The AD replied, “Yeah, I was one of his housemates in college at Syracuse.” He then proceeded to tell my how Donato used to pose his housemates in the driveway in elaborate battle scenes for paintings. Small world!
Oh some of these really made me laugh…particularly the one with the colander on her head & another where someone was sitting astride the arm of the settee pointing a sword in the direction of a rather alarmed looking cat…! And I musten't forget the man sitting astride an armoured chicken…(like you do) Hilarious! I needed a laugh, thank you so much for providing it 😀
Nice Informative Blog having nice sharing.
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I'm certainly very happy to read this blog site posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing such information. Oppo selfie expect
Haha! Of course we read Gurney Journey! 🙂 Great post.
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Your insights are refreshingly unique and thought-provoking. The way you simplified complex concepts made the content engaging and easy to understand. Your perspective added depth and new insights. It’s evident you invested considerable effort into research and presentation, which I truly appreciate.
Writing blogs on a consistent basis, I find your work truly impressive. Your recent article has caught my interest, prompting me to bookmark your website for future updates. Subscribing to your RSS feed ensures I stay informed about your latest insights, ensuring I never miss any of your informative posts.
The insights are both thought-provoking and inspiring, presenting a fresh and rarely discussed perspective. The author excels at breaking down complex ideas into relatable and actionable steps. The examples provided vividly illustrate the points, making the content engaging and practical. I’m eager to implement these strategies and witness the results. Thanks for sharing such valuable information.