Hey everyone! 👋 Just dropped my latest NFT on NFT Showroom, and this one's a bit different – it's called 'X-X Smile'! https://nftshowroom.com/gallery/dreeyor_reeyors-vault_x-x-smile You know how sometimes a certain look or expression just sticks with you? For this piece, the inspiration came from observing a very distinct kind of smile.
There's a particular way some people smile – it’s almost quirky, done on purpose, and has a unique, sometimes funny, vibe. There was just something about that intentional look that got stuck in my head, and I thought, "I need to try and capture that feeling in my art!"
The Bare Bones in Sketchbook:
To start, I hopped into Sketchbook and laid down the most basic elements: those striking 'X' shapes for the eyes and that definite, curved line for the smile, all in red against a stark black background. This initial sketch was all about capturing the intent behind that kind of smile – that deliberate, slightly mischievous, yet intriguing expression. Even in its simple form, I could already see the seed of the final piece.
Adding the Vibe with Sketchbook Textures:
Next up in Sketchbook, I started building the atmosphere around that core smile. I layered in these rough, energetic textures in shades of red and a touch of fiery yellow. I wanted to create a feeling of something brewing beneath the surface, an intensity that matched the boldness of those 'X' eyes and the deliberate nature of the smile. These textures give the piece a bit of an edge, a feeling that there's more to this smile than meets the eye!
Making it Glow in Sketchbook:
To really make that 'X-X Smile' pop, I focused on making the eyes and the smile itself glow with a bright, almost neon intensity, all within Sketchbook. That sharp, vibrant light against the darker, textured backdrop creates a strong contrast, drawing your eye right to the key features of the expression. It gives the smile this almost electric energy, making it truly unforgettable!
Final Thoughts (and where to see it!):
'X-X Smile' was a fun piece to create, taking inspiration from observing a unique, purposeful expression. It's a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere, even from a distinct way someone holds a grin! I really enjoyed playing with the contrasts and the glow in Sketchbook to bring this idea to life.
You can check out 'X-X Smile' and maybe try to decipher what's behind that look in my gallery on NFT Showroom: https://nftshowroom.com/dreeyor/gallery