These two pieces were commissioned by Tom Kiley Music to be used as artwork for his second and third albums. The first was completed in June of 2020, and the second was completed in January of 2022.
Our process for both illustrations was similar; First, we spoke over the phone to discuss the ideas behind the music, and brainstormed the types of imagery and symbolism we wanted to incorporate into the illustration. As we spoke, I took notes, sketched, and looked for inspiration images as reference for what Tom was looking for. I sent over my thumbnails immediately, they were edited and approved, and we moved on with the finals from there. Because we worked remotely on both, lots of progress images were sent back and forth for edits and additions.
Throughout the process, I received samples of the songs as they were being produced, which sometimes offered new scope and ideas for the illustrations. Tom wanted me to also leave a mark on these pieces, and incorporate symbolism that is relevant to me, so these illustrations ended up being sort of look-and-find scenes and puzzles, where you notice new things upon closer inspection. I really enjoyed creating illustration based on lyrics, and being able to incorporate not only little hints and secrets into the pieces, but also leaving little bits and pieces of myself hidden within.
Completed album artwork for “Tom Kiley - Volume 2”
Finished album artwork for “Tom Kiley III”
Work in Progress and Inspiration behind illustrations.
Inspiration images for “Tom Kiley - Volume 2”
First thumbnail sketch.
Final Sketch
Laid in color, beginning stages of lighting.
Inspiration images for “Tom Kiley III”
Final Sketch for “Tom Kiley III”
Sketching the musician’s likeness
Digital color study.
Grisaille underpainting.
Glazing in color, working on four family crests.
