“Living Single” Fan Art
"Living Single" was a groundbreaking show that portrayed the lives and relationships of a group of friends in New York. Maxine Shaw, with her fierce independence and sharp wit, and Kyle Barker, with his suave charm and genuine affection for Max, were a dynamic duo whose banter and deep connection resonated with many fans, including myself. Revisiting their story through illustration allowed me to blend my love for nostalgia with my passion for art.
The Creative Process:
Conceptualization:
I took some screenshots of this scene where the culmination of this “will they/won’t they” dynamic finally ended with Maxine telling Kyle about her pregnancy.
Sketching:
Before jumping into Procreate, I open up my a sketchbook for a good old fashioned warm-up session. Once I knock off the drawing rust and warm up, I import the thumbnail into Procreate for digital inks and colors.
Details:
Once in Procreate I grab my favorite inking brush and and tighten up some details in red. Then, in black, I further polish up the details prior to coloring.
Balancing UX Design and Illustration
Illustration and UX design might seem worlds apart, but they share common ground in creativity, attention to detail, and a focus on the user experience. Whether I’m designing a user interface or illustrating a beloved TV couple, my goal is to tell a story that resonates and engages.
Taking time and sitting with my first love (drawing) allows me to flex my creative muscles and unwind from the structured world of UX design and my pursuit of a career in it. It reminded me of the importance of pursuing passions that bring happiness and fulfillment, which in turn fuels my professional work with renewed energy and inspiration.
Conclusion
Sharing this piece of fan art not only showcases my skills as an illustrator/visual development artist but also offers insight into my creative process and the inspirations that drive me. As a potential hiring manager, I hope this glimpse into my artistic side demonstrates my versatility and passion for storytelling, whether through digital experiences or visual art.
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. Stay tuned for more illustrations and insights into the world of a UX designer who loves to draw!
