beelikej: (Cupcake BeeLikeJ)
[personal profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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: [livejournal.com profile] bertee
Artist: [livejournal.com profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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, [livejournal.com profile] 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 [livejournal.com profile] 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-
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Date: 2012-11-12 02:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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*

Date: 2012-11-12 03:50 pm (UTC)
sillie: Aidan curls drawing (DeanOMG)
From: [personal profile] 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

Date: 2012-11-12 03:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tebtosca.livejournal.com
This is everything wonderful in the world ♥

Date: 2012-11-12 04:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tattooeddevil.livejournal.com
This is simply amazing 0_o I am in awe of your talent! Fabulously done <3

Date: 2012-11-12 04:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] equally-dour.livejournal.com
Wow! *_* Such amazing work!

Date: 2012-11-12 04:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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.

Date: 2012-11-12 04:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsubasalove87.livejournal.com
The fact that you made all of this by cutting paper...wow!
Love it! This is awesome.

Date: 2012-11-12 06:11 pm (UTC)
ext_28210: (Default)
From: [identity profile] 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!

Date: 2012-11-12 06:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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;!!!

Date: 2012-11-12 08:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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!

Date: 2012-11-12 08:13 pm (UTC)

Date: 2012-11-12 08:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fleshflutter.livejournal.com
You are super-talented and creative! V.impressed!

Date: 2012-11-12 08:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amber1960.livejournal.com
I hadn't realised from seeing your original prompt that your work was paper craft, how fabulous!

Date: 2012-11-12 08:50 pm (UTC)
ext_388233: (Default)
From: [identity profile] meesasometimes.livejournal.com
ALL KINDS OF AMAZING IS THIS

Date: 2012-11-12 09:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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

Date: 2012-11-12 10:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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

Date: 2012-11-12 11:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] xwacky.livejournal.com
OMG! Looks like you two are match made in heaven! [livejournal.com profile] 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.
Edited Date: 2012-11-12 11:14 pm (UTC)

Date: 2012-11-13 12:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] glovered.livejournal.com
Oh my gosh, these are great!! I love the color scheme!

Date: 2012-11-13 12:53 am (UTC)
meus_venator: (Default)
From: [personal profile] 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!!!!! : )

Date: 2012-11-13 02:50 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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!

Date: 2012-11-13 03:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] counteragent.livejournal.com
Cool use of the medium! Jolly.

Date: 2012-11-13 03:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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!

Date: 2012-11-13 07:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] pigeongirl99.livejournal.com
Just read the awesome fic, and your artwork is utterly stunning - really amazing job.

Date: 2012-11-13 09:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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!

Date: 2012-11-14 06:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 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.
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