Artwork for ReverseBang 2012 [The First]

[beelikej]

Since I was already inspired to be more creative by last year's edition of Gishwhes, I didn't mind not having time to join in this time around. Instead I worked on a new arts & crafts experiment for the 2012 spn_reversebang challenge! (In a Reverse Bang artists make fan-art which is posted anonymously for authors to choose as inspiration for fanfiction.) After my artwork adventure with clay, this time I decided to work with paper. No pencils or other additional media, just paper. DUNDUNDUN....

The prompt I made was a papercollage portrait of Jeffrey Dean Morgan as a baker surrounded by cupcakes, titled MMMorgan's. (Entry #2009)

My sketch was picked by the marvelous bertee. I had indicated in my notes that the author could decide on the pairing and as it turned out we both liked Jeff best with Jensen \o/ While Bertee was writing, I fiddled with Jeff a bit more and I made an additional portrait of Jensen and other artwork to go with the story. Now we can finally present the result of our collaboration:



Fic Title: Bake & Shake
Author: bertee
Artist: beelikej
Medium: Paper!
Fandom/Genre: Supernatural/RPS, AU, Romance
Pairing(s): Jeffrey Dean Morgan / Jensen Ackles
Rating: NC17
Word Count: ~12,000
Summary: Baker!JDM rescues stranded!Jensen after his car breaks down. Together they fight crime bake cupcakes.

Art is non spoilery (and rated G), so you can safely look at it before you go off to read the wonderful story :-p


Portraits
(Click for bigger!)

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as a baker, cupcakes are his specialty:)


Jensen is surrounded by macarons (and purple whipcream swirls;)


Happily ever after?

Business cards
After reading bertee's first draft I couldn't resist making business cards. The specific state is not mentioned in the story, but I decided Silverdale was most likely located in Washington because of reasons;)



Dividers
Fifteen (15!) Cupcakes to separate the paragraphs:

Icons
No artwork is complete without icons:
01. 02. 03. 04.

05. 06. 07. 08.

I also made extra userpics especially for bertee and me. *points at own icon*

End banner
That shortcake thing:


If you're curious: I'm sharing some background information about my artwork below, including loads of source photos, sketches and paper pies! You can skip that and go straight down to the thank yous and comments, but know that you will miss the delicious recipe for one of baker!Jeff's signature bakes *grins*

For those who are interested:
The process...
While I was thinking of a technique to use for my RB art, I came across this picture on Tumblr and was inspired by the minimalistic look of the design.
<Vintage poster for Lacoste 55th anniversary (1933-1988) © 1988 Lacoste S.A. Archives

I decided to see if I could create a recognizable image of my favorite SPN guy while limiting the amount of shapes and colours as much as possible. I chose coloured paper and planned to just see how far I could get without adding any other materials (not even glue). As an extra challenge I forced myself to cut the different parts all in one piece, so I had to connect loose facial features without ruining the shape needed to create the faces.

The baker idea came to me thanks to my obsession with The Great British Bake off and these images:


(FYI: to see bigger versions of the pictures in this section: right click and view image)

:-D

Step 1: Preparation
For the portraits I used example photos that I put through some filters in Photoshop to limit the depth of the images. For Jeff I had about four shades of grey left digitally, that I reduced by hand to three layers I traced separately on coloured paper. I also fiddled with Jensen in Photoshop first (had to fix his hair;). His picture had less contrast to start with; even after several attempts to reduce the amount of shades digitally, I was still left with six shades which was a lot harder to reduce to only three colours.


Jeffrey.Dean.Morgan, that original photo is HUGE: © Chris Delmas 2008
Jensen photos by wolfpup2000: Dallas 2012 & Vancouver 2012

Step 2: Cutting papershapes
~JEFF~





Top row, from left to right:
1. Tracing
2. Cutting
3. Tried a couple of different hats before I managed the right shape and size *grin*



<--Here's what I found very interesting: while both layers on their own clearly look like Jeff, I think the pink shape represents his sweet side; the yellow shape reminds me of The Comedian in Watchmen; it just looks a little evil to me - look at that smirk.





I had a bit of trouble dressing them; it was quite a struggle to figure out how to match their 3D shirts with their flatview faces. Because I didn't use any glue every time I would try to make the collar fit, I would mess up their faces. Grrr. To get the collars somewhat realistic I made sketches from Jeff's original photo and some side shots of Jensen, but I had to cut a lot of different shapes before I was satisfied.

~JENSEN~




(Satisfied your curiousity already?
There is more art-babbling (and that recipe;),
but feel free to skip to thank yous and comments)

Sketches and lettering




During the whole process I made several sketches, from left to right:
1. First idea for prompt design: Jeff with cake and cupcakes
2. Business cards and shortcake 'thing'
3. Jensen's collar, based on This SPN-image
4. Banner sketches; the cake design and alternative with Jeff and Jensen. (I really had to force myself to not use their faces in the story header;)








Sticking to my main plan of limited shapes, I deliberately chose to not cut the complete outline of the letters, as the text would still be recognizable even without the holes. The sans serif font that I traced is the Kozuka Gothic Pro H, for the lettering on the cake I used a combination of Pen Tweaks One and Three. As that script style didn't look right with uncut loops, I went all out on that text;) I EVEN GOT A BLISTER ON MY INDEXFINGER. I TOTALLY SUFFERED FOR MY ART \o/

The food
I started off making paper models of pies, but they just didn't look very appetizing. So with apologies to SPN canon, I switched to cakes because they look better in crazy colours. Because I know some of you like to see the complete process, I'm sharing those first couple of pies with the addendum that I am aware they look weird;)
Cherry pies:


Apple pie:

See what I mean? They don't look like food at all.

The cupcakes, shortcakes, macarons and strawberry cake were made freehand. I didn't use any examples for the cupcakes; I liked having some freedom after the precision work on the portraits. To create the dividers with a transparent background I added a shadow in Photoshop (not visible in my black journal, but it makes them pop in the author's post;)

< Those macarons were also made freestyle: they didn't look right until I tried folding the paper, that created a bit of shading and 3D effect!



For the big cake in the story header I browsed around for some sample photos [strawberry cakes] and then gave it my own twist.

RECIPE!!
After reading the first draft I was wondering what shortcake was. During my research I discovered a delicious recipe which perfectly fit with the story: if you want you can bake those shortcake things Jared babbles about! I based the cake in the end-banner on that image :-)

Speaking of the end: you made it!



Thank you
Thank you, bertee for grabbing my prompt with the speed of light. I was already thrilled to be chosen by such a cool author, but to be picked first was an unforgettable thrill *grins*. Your story is awesome, I love our baker Jeff and you introduced me to snickerdoodles \o/. (Too bad they aren't colourful enough to be featured in the art, I definitely need to taste them one day;)

Of course also thanks to the mods of spn_reversebang for running this challenge so perfectly.

As usual a special nod to those members of my family who always indulge my squee without having a clue about fandom :)

Last but not least: thank YOU, dear visitor, for taking a look at my artwork!

Questions, squee or suggestions? All comments are welcome, no matter how sweet or harsh. I really love to know that you stopped by, so don't be shy to share your opinion:) And then go read the story: Bake & Shake!

-J-

Comments

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

Wow, you. These are AWESOME! And all cutwork?? I remain in awe as to how you achieved such great likenesses from cut paper, but wow. Outstanding job, bb, just wonderful! *runs off to read fic*

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

*blushes* Thank you:) During the cutting process I was very worried about the likeness, especially since the shapes looked quite odd from a real life angle, but somehow the construction actually worked when I photographed the layers right from above! That was such a relief. Of course now that I've had Jeff lying on my table for months I can't NOT see his big smirk from whatever corner of my room I look at him;)

[sillie]

These are amazing. I take my hat off to you, madame. I just can't get over how you got this look with cutting paper. Just, yeah. Awesome. :D

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

:-D Thank you very much! I still have trouble believing myself how well this experiment turned out:) I had so much fun \o/

[tebtosca.livejournal.com]

This is everything wonderful in the world ♥

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Ahw, thank you <3

[tattooeddevil.livejournal.com]

This is simply amazing 0_o I am in awe of your talent! Fabulously done <3

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! *Takes a shy bow*

[equally-dour.livejournal.com]

Wow! *_* Such amazing work!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

:-D Thank you!

[rabidfan.livejournal.com]

Your cupcakes are adorable! (I confess to never having seen Supernatural or any of the characters in it. I never understood all the hoopla!)

You and your author made a good team. Well done.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Hey, you thinking the cupcakes look good means a LOT to me, as you are the baking expert:) You'll find no hoopla (or drama) on SPN here, I simply enjoy the pretty on that show *grins*

Thank you!

[tsubasalove87.livejournal.com]

The fact that you made all of this by cutting paper...wow!
Love it! This is awesome.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

It was an arts & crafts experiment that worked out well :-) Thank you!

[tanisafan.livejournal.com]

I know you always want constructive criticism etc etc, but there is none to give, so you're just going to have to deal :p. I am too in awe of the amount of detail you managed to created using cutting paper. Holy moly! *tips hat to you* I think I will definitely have to come by some time this winter to look at the 3D effect in person (that piieee! The 3D of the macarons! You're so crafty - literally!) ;).

I love you so much for trying something new every time, and creating something awesome every time ;). <3!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

YOU SUCK :-p But thanks for at least remembering that request;) The paper pieces are all over the place at the moment, but of course I'm saving them all, so I can definitely give you a 3D demo if you manage to come over *crosses fingers* I'm going to try to frame the Jeffrey Dean portrait so there probably won't be any touching him;)

[pro-kira.livejournal.com]

ooh my goodness these are amazing!! i may not read this pairing at all, but holy crap the paper art is beautiful and amazing and just gorgeous! they're both adorable and those colors are so cute! and the CUPCAKES and business cards ;u;!!!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

*blushes fiercely* Thank you very much. Also for coming over despite not reading the pairing! (I happen to think they are all the words you used for the artwork, I couldn't have done this without them;)

[dugindeep.livejournal.com]

Holy shit I cannot believe that is all paper! That is incredible and makes it all so much more awesome. You win all the dedication and patience awards! These are so cool!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

:-D Thank you! I always think I'm not patient enough when I try a new technique, but this was real fun to work on:)

[galwithglasses.livejournal.com]

Sweet!!!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

:-)

[fleshflutter.livejournal.com]

You are super-talented and creative! V.impressed!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Ahw, thank you very much! :-)

[amber1960.livejournal.com]

I hadn't realised from seeing your original prompt that your work was paper craft, how fabulous!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you:) I wanted to try something different and it's really cool that people can't tell right away, because that means it worked!

[meesasometimes.livejournal.com]

ALL KINDS OF AMAZING IS THIS

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU!

[sagetan.livejournal.com]

This is so incredibly COOL. The behind-the-scenes peek at your process is super super fascinating, and the results are simply stunning. I can't imagine the amount of patience you must have, especially to cut the fancy lettering! Seriously, this is amazing :D

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much:) Also for taking a look at the making off process. It's funny when someone calls me patient, because I don't think I am;) The fancy script was a bit of a struggle, so I'm very happy you like the lettering \o/

[lightthesparks.livejournal.com]

There is no end to how much I love this. Idea, concept and execution of these are just all totally brilliant. Absolutely fantastic work, bb! <3

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

:-) Thank you for giving kudos on all ingredients, it's great to hear that it all came together.

[xwacky.livejournal.com]

OMG! Looks like you two are match made in heaven! bertee totally responsible for lure me into the Jeff/Jensen pairing. Great artworks and off to read the story (if only I can snatch myself a muffin or macaroon somewhere \o/)

ETA: Upon closer look, I just realized you made these artwork with cut paper! I thought it was sketch first which would've been awesome too, but this...this... I'm speechless. The amount of creativity and talent is staggering. Well done! Thank you so very much for sharing these.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Heehee, thanks for adding to your original comment, it made me so giddy to realize you already loved the artwork without knowing it was paper:) Jeff/Jensen is a wonderful combination, I love them to bits and pieces and I'm so happy there is now a new story about them <3

[glovered.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh, these are great!! I love the color scheme!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm so glad the pastel colours works for the faces too:)

[meus_venator]

Oh these were just delightful. You can really tell the difference in textural, three-D work as opposed to photoshop. Just scrumptious!
I love all the shadows the paper cast. Great idea!!!!!!!!
You must make a mean pumpkin sculpture too!!!!! : )

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! The shadows were actually an unplanned bonus, that I discovered when making the first set of cupcakes. I happily used this to my advantage later on in the project when I had to dress the guys;)

[mashimero.livejournal.com]

This is so original! It's amazing that you were able to make such awesome portraits from paper! That must've taken a lot of patience @_@

I love the colours you used, and the business card is a great touch!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you:) I'm so happy the portraits turned out recognizable, especially with the soft cupcake colours I used! The business card just had to be made after Jensen comments on it in the story;)

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Cool use of the medium! Jolly.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I love that word, it fits with the feel I aimed for;)

[cherie-morte.livejournal.com]

I love this art! It all just makes me feel so light-hearted and cheerful! :D I can tell you put a ton of work in--I could not believe it when I saw this prompt and the realization that it was all paper dawned on me! And then you went and made so many more pieces, all just as great as the first! So impressive and creative. I've seen a lot of art with the boys baking, but this was a completely unique revamp to the trope. Thanks so much for sharing!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Yay! Thank you:) It was fun to experiment with a new medium and to try to visualize JDM baking and capture him in almost sickenly sweet cupcake colours *grins*

[pigeongirl99.livejournal.com]

Just read the awesome fic, and your artwork is utterly stunning - really amazing job.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Thank you, so happy you like the fic and the art, this was a delicious collaboration:)

[summerholt.livejournal.com]

Wow you've had way too much fun! The blister is totally worth it!

I was wondering whether your art was real paper cut or completely digital. Thanks for the detailed explanation! And fun insight about the two different shades represent different sites of Morgan.

Great art!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

:-) Yeah, it was \o/ Thanks for also checking out the behind the scenes. I'll never get over discovering the two faces of Jeffrey Dean Morgan. *grins*

[bertee.livejournal.com]

AHHHHHH SO AMAZING. :DDD Sorry for not commenting sooner - I've been trying (and largely failing) to catch up on everything I should've been doing over the weekend. All your art is seriously fantastic and thank you for being so wonderful to work with! <333

I *love* seeing how you made everything. I am still totally blown away by the faces in particular (and despite you showing your process, I still suspect witchcraft. YOU DO NOT FOOL ME. XD) The JDM one in yellow is particularly neat to see, as well as how you got from the photo to the paper version. I really liked the pies too! and the cupcakes and the macarons and the shortcake thing! It's cool to see the 3D version of the art too - I am in awe of how much time and effort went into all this, and they all look fantastic.

this is such an incoherent comment, wow. tl;dr YOU ARE AWESOME IN ALL POSSIBLE WAYS.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Ahw, thank you so much. I know you've been busy with several other projects.

I think the pies are definitely worthy of a giggle, but I'm glad you like them too;) I blame JDM for the magical touch; that smirk is out of this world. *shakes feeble fist at his yellow face*

Thank you for coming up with a fitting story and for adding Jensen to the mix and having him make macarons <3 I had so much fun working on this challenge with you! *smishes*