Rogue by Mike Nesbitt is my digitized reinterpretation of his original line art on DeviantArt. Mike is a Toronto-based visual artist and professional filmmaker. His expressive linework and dynamic compositions have long inspired me.
Digital Inks & Colors
For this project, I reworked his illustration using my usual inking and coloring process. First, I traced the lines by hand in Photoshop, vectoring the shapes to create a clean, flat look. Then, I added color—building on Rogue’s iconic green and gold palette with bold, comic-inspired shading.
Once the full-color version was complete, I created a black-and-white version. This helped me focus on the balance of line weight and contrast, mimicking the feel of ink on paper.
Rogue by Mike Nesbitt
Black and white
Final version
Digitally colored
Side-by-Side Comparison
To highlight the transformation, I included a comparison slider. On one side, you’ll see Mike’s original pencil linework. On the other, my digital interpretation in flat color. The goal was to stay faithful to his vision, while exploring how digital tools can bring out new energy in a classic style.
Reflecting on the Process
Digitally inking someone else’s art is a delicate task. You want to honor what’s already there, while also adding something of your own. That’s always been my approach.
For me, this wasn’t just a study in technique—it was a way to appreciate the storytelling already present in Mike’s lines. Each shape, each curve, carries weight. And when you color them in, you’re not just filling space. You’re adding rhythm, emotion, and texture.
