Why Shading Matters

So I recently took advantage of a pretty awesome sale at Hero Arts, buying quite a few sets for steep discounts. Most of the stamps I bought are outline images for coloring because I need to make my investment in Copic markers worthwhile. This has been, well, an interesting experiment with very mixed results.

Today’s first card reflects a lazy approach to Copic coloring using very little shading (okay, basically no shading at all)…and the result is predictably flat. I even added a bit of white gel pen to try to liven it up, but meh. At least the layout works for me.

The second card is definitely more vibrant and fun although I’m just not sure about the brick-a-brac ground. The card also seems too top-heavy to make me truly happy.

The third card makes me happier! The color palette is definitely autumnal (and very appropriate for the mushrooms), and the cream card base (instead of white) helps, too. I stamped the outlines in Memento dark brown, which played nicely with the Copics. Also, the layout works better for me than the second card. 

So what did I learn here?

1. Outline stamps like these, with thick lines, are easier to color and shade than thin-lined images.

2. Shading really does make images more appealing and pleasing to the eye, but no amount of shading will compensate for a poor layout or color choice.

3. I really dislike punny sentiments.

More Copic-colored Hero cards to come. 

Why does that sound like a threat instead of a promise?

Mercy, grace, peace, and love,

Susan