First of all, let me say how deeply humbled I was to be asked to create such a unique and special gift! And then to be asked if I could create 3 more!
I am honored to have been thought of for this project, in turn honoring four retired firefighters from the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department. Thank you for your service to your community!
I was asked to recreate an old patent look (with the multiple views) for a fire truck but not just any old fire truck would do. The truck they asked for was the stations very own 1930’s fire truck. How awesome is that?!
After multiple photos were sent my way (of every angle and side imaginable) I went to work. First on my iPad using a digital drawing program called Procreate. I was able to draw out my initial designs, using multiple line colors for any adjustments. After days of digital drawing, I got something I felt looked like a fire truck (with all my vast fire truck knowledge), I was able to then size and arrange everything together for my drawing reference. Step one reference is done!
The commission size was 11x14, so I printed out my reference and got to work creating a rough draft drawing on 11x14 simple white drawing paper. I used my grid technique to go from a 8x10 printed reference to the larger 11x14.
This rough draft, I used as a master to copy/trace my design onto the final good copies where I used Strathmore Toned Tan paper to get the aged patent feel, instead of bright white paper.
In order to trace through such thick and colored paper, I had to use a light board specifically designed for tracing. Using the brightest setting, I was able to trace the images onto the good copies.
Last step involved redrawing every image now in archival ink with the help of a trusty ruler. I honestly don’t remember using a ruler so much since elementary school. And even then, I think I used it more now! Armed with my ruler, I set about refining lines, further adjusting angles and shading. And viola! Four commissions done in time for Christmas and the Fire Departments staff party!
Crazy part is…in order to get four nearly identical (because I’m not a photocopier) commissions, I had to draw each fire truck figure a total of 10 times!!! (And all the lettering 8 times!) Which means I actually drew the same fire truck, at different angles, 40 times!! How crazy is that?!
All in all, it was such a different and unique challenge for me! Not my usual style and only my third attempt at a vehicle of any kind. Which is what made it so great! I truly hope the recipients love their retirement gift and feel the love from their fellow comrades every time they look upon it in the future.
To the Firefighters at the Fort Saskatchewan Fire department, Thank you again for choosing me to help bring your idea into reality!
All the best, Tasha