During the early stages of the design process, I used placeholder photos to lay out my planned composition. This ensured that when I completed the illustration, it would integrate seamlessly with my text design. At the customer’s request for a semi-realistic yet highly expressive skeleton character, I relied on these public domain photos as a foundation to ensure the authenticity of the skull. Building upon these references, I employed stylistic elements, dramatic lighting, and artistic interpretation to breathe life into the character.