Starting Library of Rivendell was an exciting step for me, but designing my first digital print was both thrilling and a little daunting. I wanted my first piece to truly represent my shop’s theme—something inspired by the magic and beauty of Rivendell. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I created it, from concept to final design.
Finding the Right Idea
Since my shop name, Library of Rivendell, is rooted in Tolkien’s world, I knew I wanted my first design to reflect that. I decided to create a Rivendell-themed print—something that captured its ethereal, timeless beauty and would resonate with fellow book lovers and fantasy fans.
Once I had my theme, I started searching the internet for inspiration. I looked at old book illustrations, fantasy artwork, and different interpretations of Rivendell to help spark ideas for my own design.
The Digital Print Design Process
1. Experimenting with Ideas in Playground AI
With a general vision in mind, I headed over to Playground AI, a tool that allows me to experiment with image generation. I played around with different compositions, colours, and lighting to create something that felt mystical and immersive. Once I landed on an image I loved, I upscaled it for better quality and exported it.
2. Refining in GIMP
Next, I moved over to GIMP (a free editing software similar to Photoshop) to make further refinements. This step involved:
- Adjusting colours and contrast to enhance the mood.
- Cleaning up any details that didn’t quite fit.
- Tweaking textures and adding subtle effects to make the image feel more polished.
3. Final Touches in Canva
Once I was happy with the edits, I brought the design into Canva for final adjustments. Canva is my go-to tool for making sure my designs are Etsy-ready. Here, I:
- Sized the image correctly for digital download options.
- Added subtle overlays to enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Created listing mock-ups to showcase the print in a real setting.
The Finished Product
After multiple steps and refinements, my first Library of Rivendell print was finally ready! Seeing it completed and listed in my shop was such a rewarding moment—it felt like the perfect blend of my love for books, fantasy, and design.
You can check out the final piece here! I’m already working on more designs and can’t wait to share them.
Have you ever created something inspired by a favourite book or fictional world? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Amy x
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