History has a tendency to leave living memory and it’s impact slowly forgotten, only to live on in history books. Illustration has the power with a single image to capture the huge complex machine of World War II and to engage the viewer to look closer and learn from a visually stimulating design to invoke an emotional connection to the event. A pre-planned composition using extensive research was key for such a large and complex piece to not only look awe-inspiring, but also be able to tell a story of the factions involved and elements that punctuated the event.

Originally drawn pencil(s) on A2 paper, the composition was broken up into sections to plan out each sitting. Unlike drawing directly to digital, the satisfaction of the human quality and skill can be seen through the pencil.  

Scanned, the entire composition is traced and coloured in Adobe Illustrator where precise additions can be made with the benefit of being a completely editable piece. Each section is then taken into Adobe Photoshop to add depth by flattening with use of textures and the final pop of depth with shadows and highlights.