The designs are all produced using a program called Paint Shop Pro 9 by Jasc. It’s a fairly old program but it does what I need it to and I'm used to using it.

 

To start off with, I produce a basic line drawing using references such as photographs or basic side views. Once I've ensured the scaling is correct I can then start adding detail.

 

My drawings are vector based which means I add each layer at a time. I will draw the basic outline as one layer then add panel lines and rivets as separate layers. Once these have been completed, I can adjust their opacity. Shading is added under the panel lines and rivets and adjusted accordingly. For the paint scheme, I also use separate layers. For example; grey is one layer and green is another. This technique allows changing the colour scheme without redrawing the entire project. Once the base colour, rivets and panels are complete, a couple of layers of light and dark shading is added over the entire airframe.

 

The next stage is adding various role equipment such as door guns, defensive aids suite or other role kit. The whole project is modular allowing for all the different versions of each aircraft type. Engine intake, exhausts and various differences from each version are different layers that can be added or removed dependant on the finished print requirement. The final stage is adding markings, serials and specialised detail. The Lynx drawing has somewhere in the region of 200 vector layers!

 

Once the base drawing is complete, it can be added to the final print template. This is the final personalisation stage. Any version in any role with any serial number and whatever wording the client requires. This personal service is what makes my designs stand out from the usual aircraft side views.

 

The completed design is then printed on high quality 180gms card stock in A3, A4 or A2 size. The technology used in the printing process means the prints will never lose colour or fade over time and maintain their crisp detail and sharp colour.