Lily Neon Vagabond's Blog, page 2

How to Design Movie Posters for Your Unproduced Scripts

When I first joined Script Revolution, I was eager to learn how to design movie posters for my scripts. It’s awesome to have the opportunity to showcase all of my skills. I figured, I have over twenty years of computer graphic design experience. I got this.

Well, as it turns out, designing movie posters requires a slightly different creative process. The biggest block is when the movie doesn’t exist yet. No actors have been cast. I don’t have professional photos. I got nothing.

So here’s all I’ve learned along the way, so I could design posters for unproduced scripts.

Develop Your ConceptStock Photo is Not PhotographyAffordable ArtLayouts ChallengeDevelop Your Concept

When I first started exploring this wild and wacky thing called screenwriting, I just had a bunch of ideas. No developed concepts. I’ve long since concluded when the concept for the script is underdeveloped, designing a poster is problematic. Not impossible, just…not good enough.

It’s really hard to show a visual of anything that doesn’t actually exist yet.

I know. You’re a writer. You have a vivid imagination. The story is one hundred percent real to you. Why can’t everyone see that? Because no one’s a mind reader. People can’t see what’s in your imagination unless you show them.

How do you show them? By developing your concept. Read. Books, scripts, and articles. Read everything. Learn to develop your concepts.

I realize this might be a bitter pill to swallow. I’m only showing what I’ve learned from my mistakes. Develop your concept first, and everything, including designing a movie poster, will be much easier.

Stock Photo is Not Photography

Which I already knew. Many times I’ve used the stock photo a company bought to work on a variety of designs. I know how it works. Highest quality stock photos are the only ones that can be used. Everything else is useless.

However, I found myself in a different world when I looked through stock photo websites. Many uploaded stock photos are of such low quality that I couldn’t use them. I’m still surprised all the time. Don’t these uploaders realize that a low-res snapshot they took with their phone is just pixelated garbage?

On the plus side, I’ve also seen amazing art, ranging from photos of stunning sunsets to 3D art so realistic that even I couldn’t tell it was computer generated. So keep searching, because good art is out there, even if you’re on a budget.

Affordable Art for Movie Posters

This is the main point of the article. How to find affordable art, whether free or paid? It is possible. There are a couple of things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, people who upload stock photos to any website have no way of knowing that someone, somewhere on the planet, is going to search for an exact image at some point in the future. The chances of finding specific stock photos that look exactly the same as what you see in your head is very low.

Which brings me to the second thing to consider. As long as your chosen art represents the overall feel of your developed concept, that’s all you need. Keep an open mind. Merge concepts if that’s the only image you can find.

All but one of my movie posters use free stock photos. Shocked? It’s okay. I’ll give you a second to recover.

You can see all my posters here.

Recovered? Wonderful. Point number three, and I say this as a visual artist. Artists are notoriously bad at describing visuals with words. Have you noticed famous art in museums called untitled? There’s a reason for that. Visual artists think in images, not words.

You may have to spend a lot of time searching pages on stock photo websites. I search based on general concepts, colors, themes, and I might find something useful on page five, if I’m lucky. With free or low-cost art, that’s just how it is.

Layouts Challenge

I’ve been using the golden ratio layout for years. It’s an old, tried and true layout based on a mathematical equation. For the record, I have no idea how to do the equation. I just know how to follow golden ratio. However, I’ve found time and again that golden ratio is rarely useful for movie posters.

Instead, I’ve concluded that simply centering all content with a clear, readable font is best. So long golden ratio, it was nice while it lasted. Hello, the magical world of movie posters.

Do you want to know more about everything I do? Check out the FAQ / Contact page.

The post How to Design Movie Posters for Your Unproduced Scripts first appeared on Lily Blaze | Visual Artist and Writer.

Get Your Favorite Art on 99+ Product with the Free Survey

Short free survey! Get your favorite art on 99+ products. Help an independent artist to help themselves.

I’m the independent artist.

Over here.

Like the free survey?

Share this...
FacebookPinterestTwitterLinkedinWhere is the Art Going?

In my Redbubble shop. Check out the site to see all available products, from wall art to postcards.

Why So Many Art Styles in the Free Survey?

The styles listed in the surveys are my favorite genres. I’ve been a fan of both fantasy and horror art for most of my life. In later years, I expanded to include abstract art.

Why so many? Because I can.

Will You Spam My Inbox?

No, of course not. I respect everyone’s privacy.

Please add suport@lilyblaze.art to your safe list.

Free Survey Art Styles Definitions and ExamplesAbstract

“Abstract art uses visual language of shape, form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.” – Wikipedia

Red Abstract FlowersTwisted Abstract ArtPop Art Abstract Flowers.Fantasy

“Fantasy art is historically rooted in mythology, folklore and religion from all over the globe.” Art History Guide

Autumn FairiesCracked WingsBlue Origami DragonHorror

For the style of horror art that I do, it’s also known as Dark Art.

“In the Dark Art Movement the artist transmits his thoughts in a very mysterious way and, occasionally, combining surrealist elements.” – Dark Art Movement

Child of the Night VampireHorror ScreamGas Mask MonsterText

This isn’t really an art style, it’s a reference to products that only uses text. In my shop, the products that mostly use text are T-shirts.

I’m Not Old. Your Music Really Does Suck.Are You Coffee? Then no.Just Poe it

All images are products in my shop.

Sneak Peek

Take a look at my Art page to get a better idea of what I create.

The post Get Your Favorite Art on 99+ Product with the Free Survey first appeared on Lily Blaze | Visual Artist and Writer.

Gothic Fairies Sticker

$5 Buy Now Buy Now#Click Here

Two sweet fairies with black wings and purple hair reaching for a water drop after the rain,

The post Gothic Fairies Sticker first appeared on Lily Blaze - Visual Artist and Writer.

Poem Success | A Dream Come True

I’m so happy to share with everyone my poem that’s read by a professional actor at WILDsound.

The Devil’s Arches Poem

This poem is inspired by my experience of many hospital appointments while I recovered from a severe MS attack. The devil’s arches represent the hospital entrance.

Read my full interview here.

That attack was so sudden that I developed PSTD. Every time I walk through the hospital entrance, I flash back to that time. It’s gotten easy to deal with, but these things never go away. You just learn to live with it. I took my PSTD and turned it into a poem.

Screenwriting Based on a Poem

While I explored, experimented, and tried to figure out how to enjoy short script writing, it suddenly dawned on me one day, public domain poetry. There are tons of poetry to choose from, going back to the ancient world. And that’s how I figured out why there are so many versions of Beowulf. It all makes sense now…

My Poetry History

I’ve always seen my poetry as a hobby and a way to work out my inner demons. Much of my poetry is short, except for a handful of longer poems. Since I discovered how much fun it is to write scripts based on poems, I’ve been wondering, could I use my poetry for scripts? I don’t know…

Now that I’ve had one poem read, and not read by me, I realize it’s entirely possible. Not only that, it’s a dream come true. Over two decades of poetry writing, and I can do something it. My poems no longer need to stay in a pile, collecting dust. I’m excited!

Short Film Based on a Poem

Check out To Lucasta, Going to the Wars, filmed by Luis Taveras. This short film is based on one of my scripts, which you can find here. I’ve opted out of read requests for this script, so you can download it instantly.

I was inspired to create a story around the poem written that’s written by Richard Lovelace. Luis was inspired by my inspiration. It was a wonderful experience for the both of us.

Poem Secret

Well, not much of a secret, and probably something only screenwriters will understand. All poetry have built-in beats. Try it for yourself. You’ll find the basic structure is already written for you, and it’s only a matter of putting everything in script format. Too much fun!

I hope you enjoyed this next part of my journey as an artist.

All scripts found on: ScriptRevolution

View more in my portfolios:

Videos

Writing

Art

The post Poem Success | A Dream Come True first appeared on Lily Blaze - Visual Artist and Writer.

Take This Free Short Art Survey and Get Your Fav Art on 99+ Products

A free art survey to help my shop expand!

Everyone knows I do a lot of dark art. However, in my lifetime, I’ve done many art styles. Light fantasy, graphic design, patterns, all kinds of art.

There’s a lot more art that I haven’t placed on products yet. I’m having trouble sorting through thirty years of art. I want to hear from awesome art lovers like you. You’re my kind of people.

Check out this blog post if you want to know why I decided to open a Rebubble Shop.

Art Survey Terms

Some terms in this survey you might not know. So here’s a list of definitions. If you already know all art terms, jump to the survey.

Short Art History

All images are public domain or creative commons, as examples only. I do not claim ownership of any of these images.

Abstract Art ExampleBy Arthur Dove – https://www.amazon.com/Spaces-Cubism-..., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

Survey

Pop Art ExampleBy Vie ascenseur – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

Survey

Gothic Art Examplehttps://www.freeimg.net/photo/659722/gothic-fantasy-dark-female

Survey

Fantasy Art ExampleEdmund Dulac > https://artpassions.net/cgi-bin/dulac...

Survey

Horror Art Example

I looked far and wide, all over the internet. I couldn’t find a free horror art image. But! I found this image, and it’s similar enough to my horror art.

Mature Art Definition

Anything that involves nudity or lingerie, violence including depictions of blood, guns and other weapons. Soooo…all of my horror art is defined as mature, which is fair.

The Lily Blaze Art Survey

You made it! Have fun.

The Lily Blaze Art Survey


What’s your fav product?
*

Mugs (Classic, Tall, or Travel Mugs) T-Shirts (Short sleeve, Long sleeve, etc) Art Prints (Posters, Canvases) Tech (Phone Cases, Laptop Skins)



Another product? Please specify. (Optional)






What’s Your Fav Kind of Art?
*

Abstract Pop Art Gothic Fantasy Horror



What’s Your Fav Art Subject?
*

Flowers or Trees Fairies Dragons Monsters/Demons Abstract Designs



What’s Your Fav Color Combo?
*

All of them! Black and White Two or Three Colors (ie Red and Black)



How Do You Feel About Mature Art?
*

Hate it. Love it.



Any Suggestions? (Optional)






Name
*

Name First First Last Last



Email
*


By submitting, you agree to receive occasional contact for art and product updates that are relevant to you. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Submit

Back to Short Art History

Questions?

Concerns? Send a message!

I hope you had fun with this survey.

The post Take This Free Short Art Survey and Get Your Fav Art on 99+ Products first appeared on Lily Blaze - Visual Artist and Writer.

Take This Free Art Survey and Get Your Fav Art on Products

Take this free art survey and get what you want on your fav product. Art prints, phone cases, skins, mugs, home decor, and more. Go on a journey with an artist.

The post Take This Free Art Survey and Get Your Fav Art on Products first appeared on Lily Blaze.

First 3 Paintings | Buy Affordable Art

That’s right, yours truly is offering to buy affordable original art including my paintings. I’ve started a Redbubble shop where you can buy my art on many products. So…

Buy My Art

I plan to add a lot more. Stay connected and you’ll get a nice surprise.

Sign Up to My Redbubble Shop

Follow my updates on Twitter

Read More on Facebook

More social links coming. Look for Lily Blaze on Instagram and Pinterest.

I have tons…plenty…many art pieces I’ve drawn or painted in the past thirty years. Most of these art pieces are not found anywhere, not even my website. The art you see on my website are low-res previews that I decided to share. Now I’m taking art from my personal portfolio to a whole new level.

Coming soon to my Rebubble shop, there will be fairy art, abstract paintings or designs, horror art, dark art, monsters, and a whole host of creatures that don’t have a name. Except the name I’ve decided to give them, because I’m wacky like that.

Three paintings added so far. Check out…

First Painting – The Lily Rose

Acrylic on canvas. Red, black, and white abstract painting called The Lily Rose. I’m pleased to say this piece shows up beautifully on most products. Modern and sleek.

The Lily Rose

Preview Sample Image

The Lily Rose is now on everything, ranging from T-shirts to throw pillows. I especially like the throw pillow. You can buy two for the price of one. I’m thinking about buying the pillows for myself. They’d look great on my sofa.

But hey, if you only want a T-shirt, I’m cool with that.

An interesting story behind this piece. Due to an MS attack, I really thought I’d never be able to create art again. I recovered from the attack, but I still struggle with coordination. So I signed up for a local community art class, just to see. I discovered acrylic painting. It’s like a mobility aid for artists living with disability. Love it. And now, I’m back being who I am – an artist.

Second Painting – After the Rain Fairies

Watercolor painting. A lovely pair of fairies with black wings reaching for a raindrop after the rain. A lot gothic, a little sweet, and just cool.

After the Rain Fairies

Preview Sample Image

Unfortunately, this painting does not fit automatically on every product. If, however, you would like to see this painting on a product that’s not listed, send me a message, and I’ll customize the piece for a private sale. See what I did there? You’ll still get original art.

The painted raindrop looks especially cool on a sleeveless top.

No story for this piece. In fact, all fairy art that I’ve done usually starts with me wondering, how would black wings look? Or pink wings…

Third Painting – Green Pink Fairy

This is a cute little watercolor painting. A green fairy with pink wings sitting on a pink flower. I did this piece so long ago, I can’t remember which flower I had in mind at the time. I think it’s supposed to be a creative dahlia flower. I’ll let you decide.

Green Pink Fairy

Preview Sample Image

Story? I liked the idea of pink wings on a green fairy. It matches well, and I have to point out, for shower curtains or bathmat, it’ll look really nice in a bathroom.

Why I’m Selling Art

As I continue working on the long game of feature screenwriting and then the longer wait to see who will buy my scripts, I need an extra income to keep going. I hate begging. I’d rather sell art. Sounds like a fair deal? Okay, cool.

Why You Should Buy My Art

You’ll be helping me to continue supporting myself as I wait…and wait.

Affordable Art

No, I didn’t lie. All paintings are also on stickers, magnets, and coasters, for a few bucks or less. There are many options. As a Canadian, I set prices in Canadian dollars, which looks higher than US dollars. Still want a product, and it’s not in your budget? Contact me for a private sale.

Custom Private Sales

If you like any art but want it customized, such as different colors, size, or specific product, send me a message here or Redbubble and make a request. Please include the Redbubble shop url for the art page. It makes it easier for me to fulfill your request as soon as possible.

Happy art buying!

The post First 3 Paintings | Buy Affordable Art first appeared on Lily Blaze - Visual Artist and Writer.

Buy Affordable Original Art From A Disabled Artist

Lily Blaze Cover Image for Redbubble Shop. Buy affordable original art.

The post Buy Affordable Original Art From A Disabled Artist first appeared on Lily Blaze.

Happy Adventures in Screenwriting > Halloween 2021

I have a confession as I continue my adventures in screenwriting. I didn’t enjoy writing short scripts. It took me several years to get that, ohhh now I get it, moment. I didn’t see the point of writing shorts. But then…. something clicked it my mind, and it all made sense.

This is the biggest adventure yet.

Writing Shorts is the Best Way to get Started Screenwriting

That’s the advice you can find anywhere. Every book and blog on screenwriting all say the same thing. Write shorts! And I was reading this thinking, but it’s chore, and why?

So I kept trying, giving up, working on other projects, trying again. Many failed adventures in screenwriting. It sucked.

Low-Budget Screenwriting

Writing for a specific budget was hard for me to wrap my mind around. By accident, I kept writing what’s known as kitchen sink scripts. I kept throwing in everything except the kitchen sink. And even then, I think I did throw in a kitchen sink or two.

After having conversations with industry members who are wonderfully patient with my many questions, I started getting a better idea of budget. I don’t mine an exact dollar amount, and I’m not saying low, or micro budget, is the only way to go, because that’s untrue. My goal was to enjoy writing one low-budget short. It’s just something I wanted to learn for myself.

Is that too much to ask? Apparently it was…

The lesson I learned for writing a low-budget script is the same age-old lesson for anything. The KISS rule. I learned the KISS rule a long time ago, but it didn’t occur to me to apply this simple rule in my adventures in screenwriting,

Keep It Simple Stupid.

One location. One or two characters. Limit the amount of interaction between characters. One conflict, max. That’s it. KISS rule achieved.

Next level adventures in screenwriting…

Known IP

This one baffled me for a while. How can you, legally, write scripts based on known IP? Sure, there’s multi-billion dollar corporations based on making money from known IP. Look at Disney as a good example. But for an unknown, new screenwriter like me? I had nothing.

And then I was kissed again…

I Got This

So after all that research and conversations, everything came together in my head one day.

ShortLow-BudgetKnown IP

Public domain poetry!

Way back in University I took an extra course, just for fun, on contemporary poetry. There are thousands of public domain poetry that’s free for anyone to use. Possibly millions if you go back to the ancient world. I got this!

On a side note, that’s when I understood why there are so many versions of Beowulf. Duh.

Adventures in Screenwriting Enjoyment

Now that I’ve finally learned what it’s like to enjoy short screenplays, I’ve been inspired to write my first originally, short, low-budget script, Understatement. It’s just under two pages, I wrote it in a day, there are two characters and, and one small location.

It just goes to show you. Do what you love, but love what you do.

Scripts Optioned

I’ve written and uploaded to my ScriptRevolution page three scripts based on public domain poetry so far. I plan on adding a lot more. There’s so much public domain poetry to chose from, going back to the ancient world.

One of these scripts have been optioned and already filmed. Check out To Lucasta, Going to the Wars based on my script.

YouTube

Read the script here.

My first original short, Understatement, has also been optioned, and it will be filmed sometime this month.

I’m a happy screenwriter.

Wow, all these adventures in screenwriting are a lot of fun. A complete bore to me before. The tables have turned.

Now for the Halloween Surprise

Taking a break from adventures in screeniting.

As promised, here’s my 2021 Halloween costume.

Zombie Marie Antoinette is here to remind you I never said let them have cake.

View Halloween 2019 costume here. 2020 was canceled, for pandemic reasons.

P.S. I don’t actually own a fountain pen, I just liked the photo on Unsplash.

The post Happy Adventures in Screenwriting > Halloween 2021 first appeared on Lily Blaze - Visual Artist and Writer.

Adventures in Screenwriting > Halloween 2021

Adventures in Screenwriting | Lily Blaze

The post Adventures in Screenwriting > Halloween 2021 first appeared on Lily Blaze.