Steph Baker concpet + execute

move forward, create, creativity, custom art work, creative process, creative techniques, concepts, artist block, stephanie baker, steph, stephey,

I create each image by hand in my studio using a variety of mastered techniques. Each piece travels through several stages before it finishes in the completed piece – like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.

Everything starts with a strong concept

In the first stage – the conceptual pupa stage – I create several pen sketches, and begin to shape the idea. At this stage, the piece is like an egg – anything is possible.

During the next stage – the Gathering Stage – I create a prototype and experiment with various techniques learned over the past ten years as a professional artist - drawing, set building, prop construction and sourcing, research, color theory, lighting, shading, texture, mood and overall gesture – to bring all my resources together to discover what works specifically in executing the concept successfully.

In the Gestation stage, I produce a full-color drawing and make decisions regarding my chosen materials and colors. I decide whether it will be a illustration, photograph or mixed media image. The Gestation stage continues until the piece has everything it needs to come to fruition – every unique aspect belongs together to create and support the strategic design.

The concept is as only as good as it's execution and the execution is only as good as the concept. One is dependent on the other in creating the successful fruition of an image - it's the difference between stories that capture a viewers attention and inspire flight and stories that fall short, grounded in yawns.