Illustration Process

Here’s a look at what to expect when working with me. From initial sketches to final artwork. Each stage is collaborative and tailored to your project’s needs.

Stage 1: Brief Review & Research

Each project begins with a close reading of the client brief to identify tone, atmosphere and key visual cues. I expand on provided references through independent research, studying ingredient texture, plating composition and material behaviour under light.

Sketch of a plate with grilled zucchini and a small ceramic dish containing zucchini and chicken for the dish 'Yum Yum Ceramic'. 
This brief was developed as a conceptual study.

Stage 2: Colour & Mood Exploration

Illustration of sushi including a piece of salmon, rice, and cucumber on a yellow plate, with chopsticks.

Initial colour studies establish alignment with the client’s palette and brand tone. These studies provide a directional framework rather than a fixed outcome, allowing refinement and adjustment during the final rendering stage.

References are never replicated 1:1. Instead, they inform decision-making like the degree of char on a leek, the viscosity of a sauce, the thickness of a steak. The goal is authenticity without direct imitation.

Reference Material for This Study

Below are selected reference materials used to inform ingredient texture, plating structure and material behaviour for this mock brief.

Stage 3: Informed Interpretation

A piece of crispy, grilled salmon with a golden-brown crust, served on a banana leaf on a white plate, accompanied by a portion of sliced ginger. 
Cod fish texture informed by Nobu Matsuhisa's iconic, buttery miso cod.
Charred green onions with a bowl of orange sauce on parchment paper.
A black ceramic plate with a textured surface, holding three small reddish-brown figs. 
Charred leek texture informed by GBC Kitchen. 
Tableware rendered according to specified YomYom Ceramic product reference.
Seared fish fillet topped with microgreens on a bed of yellow sauce in a white bowl. 
Yuzu colour reference informed by Lemon Tree Moreton Bay Bug Tail with Yuzu Beurre Blanc.

Stage 4: Sketch & Structural Approval

A refined sketch is shared to establish composition, scale and balance. Up to two rounds of revisions are included to refine layout and structure before rendering begins.

Stage 5: Final Rendering

A plated piece of cooked salmon with a creamy sauce, garnished with two charred leek or green onion stalks, on a black textured plate.

With the sketch approved, final rendering is completed in Adobe Photoshop in line with the agreed brief and revisions.

Stage 6: Review & Refinement

A plated gourmet dish with a seared piece of salmon topped with grilled vegetables, served on a yellow sauce on a dark decorative plate.

Following delivery of the rendered illustration, up to two rounds of refinements are included. These may involve subtle positional adjustments, colour calibration, or enhancement of lighting and shadow details to ensure the final work aligns precisely with the brief.

All revisions are completed within agreed turnaround timelines, maintaining momentum while preserving the integrity of the final piece.

Ready to begin? Visit the Inquire page to receive a tailored quote and estimated timeline or email me directly at hanndangart@gmail.com