This project was inspired by the true story of Christopher Knight. At the start of my design, I used a pen to sketch it on paper. I prefer using pens, so I am unable to erase. This forces me to keep every detail, even if I do not end up using all of them. After creating a clean final sketch, I proceed to scan it into Illustrator to create a layer for use as a template. I couldn’t help but do some research because I wanted to see if my visual representation matched the true Chris Knight. Researching helped me generate more ideas to incorporate into my final sketch.

During the process, I used a Wacom tablet, and the tool I used the most for my piece was the curvature pen tool. Additional tools I used in Illustrator were the shape tool, smooth tool, text, eyedropper, and blob brush. My favorite tool is the curvature pen tool, which came in handy when creating the tree branches, as I aimed to maintain the natural uneven shape of tree branches. I used the smooth tool only on the facial details. Then, I used the shape tool to create the stolen items and calendar pieces. Finally, all the colors used came from a photograph of Chris Knight and his campsite with the help of the eyedropper tool, and I colored the rest of the design with the blob brush tool.

My idea for the design came from the quote in the story: 'use my beard as my jail calendar.' I emphasized that and came up with the concept of an overgrown beard with calendar papers falling to signify the months passing by. Then, I wanted to add the woods where he lived most of his life. I added the woods by using tree branches instead of facial hair and then placed some of the stolen items on top of the branches. I believe I successfully communicated my ideas in my design with all the items I provided, but I will edit and add more details, such as texture on tree branches. Also, I would like to find a way to make the transition smoother on the branches that start on the face.