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When beginning the illustration project, Sam Moore,The Legendary Soul Man graphic novel, I decided to implement a work flow that took advantage of the speed enabled by the Apple Pencil. As a result, I was able to develop the visual concept so that it spoke to the time period set in the story’s narrative. The first half of the story’s timeline is set in the 1930’s through the 1960’s. I wanted the illustrations to draw from the master illustrators of that time, such as Walter Molino’s dramatic figurative work and the intimate romantic stylization of Jon Whitcomb’s work. A completely digital work flow would make this possible because less time would be spent on illustrating on paper and scanning and could be spent achieving a more painterly vintage result. By utilizing the iPad pro and Apple Pencil and drawing directly in the digital environment I also gained direct access to a plethora of tools not restricted by the crude articulation of a mouse. It didn’t take much to see the obvious benefits to making the switch.

~ Rodney Jackson