My projects are typically produced in the following way:
Once I have acquired a suitable photograph of the subject, I produce a rough pencil sketch, which is then refined. After I have achieved the desired level of detail, the completed sketch is scanned and cleaned up on the computer.
The finished pencil sketch is then printed, and the painting process begins. After the painting is finished, this version is likewise scanned. Where requested, background effects (team logo, team name, etc.) are applied behind the painted figure, unless a complete photo-realistic background has been requested. The finished piece is then positioned on the poster, and the team/school name and player/athlete name (and number, or position) are applied to the poster, and a proof is prepared for the customer.