My artistic practice is always indebted to the hardware and software with which I work, and this project is no exception. For all that the finished project is a material object, each piece begins in the realm of the digital; I may be the maker, but I am also the digital designer.A variety of software packages assist me in accomplishing the translation from official character art to textile portrait. I begin by importing the image into Adobe Photoshop, where I adjust the brightness and levels to better suit those of the GBA rather than those of the Nintendo Wii or a smartphone. I then isolate a color palette by simplifying each area down to a mid-tone, a shadow, and one or two highlight colors.The next step is to draw the pattern pixel by pixel. I use a 110 x 110 square grid, which, when stitched onto a sheet of aida fabric, measures approximately 8 x 8 inches. I use the RGB codes isolated in Photoshop to color the cells, and I add the black border characteristic of the GBA portraits. Although the border stands out in the pattern, the eye naturally blends it into the finished piece, just as it does when viewing characters in the game. I use Excel rather than grid paper for two reasons. Firstly, since my goal was to preserve the digital elements of video game asset creation, it followed that I should use a digital platform for the design aspect of the project. Secondly, the software's fungibility makes it an unsung hero in pattern creation. Since Excel is a cross-platform program, I can access the pattern on both my phone and my computer, downloading and uploading alterations as necessary. And, since handicrafts are typically communal endeavours, I can equally share the pattern with others by simply sending them the link to the hosted file.The final step before I begin stitching is to convert the RGB colors with which I designed the pattern into the nearest DMC embroidery floss color. To do so, I compare the values returned from two open web applications, which have translated the nearly-500 floss colors into their nearest RGB match. Although I make my final decision by visually appraising the colors (the accuracy of screen colors varies), these tools are invaluable, and my projects are indebted to the work of their designers.
When you are forced to remain isolated due to a plague, there are few amusements. One of those is sitting for your portrait. Many thanks to the portrait maker and to Pendragon Costumes (their Masquerade line) for the dress.
Fire Emblem Portrait Maker
Download: https://jinyurl.com/2vKjka
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