- Posted
- Aug 18th 2009
- Mood
I’ve noticed that a lot of the times when I make a new picture, I tend to have problems with backgrounds. See, when working on a comic I understand the importance of backgrounds and I do include them in the panels even if I don’t want to draw them... But when I work on just a picture of a character or a fanart or something, I tend to focus on the characters themselves and completely forget about the background until I’m done. Sometimes I get so far into a piece that I actually finish coloring it before I realize the background is missing. I’ve tried fitting in backgrounds digitally, or by whipping something up quickly, but it never really “works” you know what I mean? Unless the picture was started with the background clearly in mind, it’s always hard to fit a background around an already drawn character. The perspective, camera angle, and image constraints are all there and it just makes things more challenging.
So quite often I end up with nicely drawn pictures of characters, with no backgrounds. I’m in such a boat right now. I’ve got several pictures that I’ve done at work the past few days and they’re all of characters in poses... but no backgrounds for them. I feel kinda “cheap” about throwing in a colored square or pattern or something arty like that. I wanna post the pictures, but I don’t wanna post it if it’s not “complete.” I hate having to go back and retouch up a picture once I’ve finished/posted it.
That brings me to my question. What should I do? Should I post them incomplete, or should I post them with a background “of sorts” to fill the negative space, or should I actually work really hard and make up a background to fit each individual picture in excessive detail?
pbjplatypus Says:
I think that you could post them with the white background. Or maybe simply take that out. Make the white background invisible and save the thing as a png. That's what I do if I can't think of a background.
But whatever you think is necessary is fine.
Tsukasa Fan Says:
well if you want my opinion I say do a little of both. it's fine to post a few character shots with no background, I do it all the time
haha
I look forward to seeing what ever you have to show us 
I wouldn't think any less of you, and I don't think anyone else would eaither.
if a background doesn't seem to fit a peice, was it meant to have one? *shrug*
but anyway, that's my insight
Ceilidh of One Says:
It's really up to you in the end. I used to look at a lot of pin-up art, and that was often just pretty girls in white space.
But I do recommend figuring out ways to integrate backgrounds.
s HIP p Says:
I personally don't mind a plain white background at all. If the characters are the main focus of the picture, let it be just the characters.
My opinion is backgrounds are only necessary when the characters are doing something with a foreign object(ie the characters drinking/eating would be best suited in a restaurant, cafeteria, etc).
Rhythm Wily Says:
I have no issue against plain white BGs. Sometimes a background can detract from what's going on if it serves no purpose.
AuroranWolf Says:
I know drawing in a background sucks, but the only way to really get your mind thinking about it is by practicing more backgrounds in general. And when you plan out a sketch of a drawing, plan out the background with it.
Its hard, but you just have to force your self to remember it sometimes.