Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Form Shadow • Anatomy • Spot Illustration

Value Study

Term from Illustration industry explained for recruiters

A Value Study is a basic drawing or sketch that artists create to understand how light and dark areas work in an image before adding color. Think of it like a black-and-white blueprint for artwork. Artists use value studies to plan out their illustrations, making sure the overall composition is strong and readable. This is similar to how architects make rough sketches before creating detailed building plans. You might also see this referred to as "tonal study" or "grayscale study" in portfolios and job applications.

Examples in Resumes

Created Value Study|Value Studies for character designs in upcoming video game project

Developed Value Study|Tonal Studies for marketing campaign illustrations

Taught Value Study techniques to junior artists as team lead

Typical job title: "Illustrators"

Also try searching for:

Concept Artist Visual Development Artist Character Designer Digital Artist Commercial Illustrator Book Illustrator Editorial Illustrator

Where to Find Illustrators

Online Art Communities

Professional Networks

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you use value studies to lead a team or direct a project?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain how they use value studies to communicate vision to team members, establish project art direction, and ensure consistency across multiple artists' work. They should mention using them in critique sessions and for training purposes.

Q: How do value studies fit into your commercial workflow?

Expected Answer: They should discuss how value studies save time and money by resolving composition issues early, help get client approval before detailed work begins, and ensure the final piece will be effective for its intended use.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to create effective value studies?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different approaches like working in grayscale digitally, using markers or charcoal traditionally, and how they choose the right method for different projects and timelines.

Q: How do you transition from a value study to final artwork?

Expected Answer: Should describe their process of using the value study as a foundation, how they maintain the planned light and dark areas while adding color, and how they make adjustments if needed.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Why are value studies important in illustration?

Expected Answer: Should explain that value studies help plan the basic light and dark areas of an image, make sure the composition works, and serve as a guide for the final piece.

Q: What tools do you use for creating value studies?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic tools like pencils, markers, or digital software, and explain when they might use each one.