Today, I began designing characters for a picture book. My thought process was that rounder and softer shapes would be more suitable for a picture book. I would greatly appreciate any advice about the character design, or how to make characters seem like they come from the same universe (which is quite specific indeed...). I hope that your days are as enjoyable as when you are drawing!
I decided to go with D, and I just launched into it. I'm hoping folks can tell me if things are pulling focus and interest. I"m worried there's too much texture in the tree, perhaps, and I need to do something a bit more substantial to the path he's standing on...
@aprilshin I decided to change the boy's facial expression a bit, and have him looking upward with a "sorta" grin... I think that was stronger than the "I'm lonely" vibe I think I was going for... Does that make things a bit clearer? Or at least less complicated?
Here are my thoughts.
First, what does an ink fairy do? I am thinking write notes and scratch out diaries and blot out homework. Draw mustaches on photos, etc.
So with that in mind, here are my ideas:
A. FBI type profiling board with tomorrow’s date circled as the day when they finally are going to catch him.
B. The ink fairy stealing the film out of the camera with a diary revealing she was going to get a photo.
C. Nice try, the ink fairy writes a note to the sleeping girl with her phone.
D. Ink fairy laughing at diary entry
E. Ink fairy surprised by lurking camera girl under bed
F. Ink fairy accidentally drips ink over girl’s shoulder as she is writing about her plans to catch a photo of him.
G. Ink fairy poses for a dead phone because he unplugged charger.
H. Ink fairy blasts girl’s camera with ink from pen as she snaps photo.
I. Puzzled girl looks at ink blotted photos while ink fairy giggles in foreground. Background is her inked photos. ( almost a conceptual piece, not sure I can pull it off)
Please vote for one and tell me your thoughts. Thanks!
@marek-halko Oh wow this is awesome! Admittedly, I wanted the light to be above and behind (not quite sunset, but getting there) but honestly I love this harsh, direct light you used a lot more. I really love the darker blue you used for the background to make the silhouette stand more freely, and wish I had thought of this. I feel like this really helped me identify a lot of my problems, and for that I can't thank you enough! I really appreciate the hard work that went into this critique!
@Joanne-Roberts said in Chapter Book Illustration Samples WIP:
@AnthonyWheeler thanks!
Forgot to mention...that pen is sometimes way too fast (for me) on plate or slick paper. I use a Mixed Media board that is 1/16th inch thick, its super textured and porous and it slows the strokes way down.
Another update for the cover. Made some small adjustments and added in a few missing pieces. Tried out a new font for fun (though that part will mostly be out of my hands). Hoping to add the names at the bottom over the paper, so might have to rearrange a few things in that area, but it's getting closer I think.
@carriecopadraws Ooh! Exciting to see your progress on HMC. Makes me want to pick up a pen and start now too though I’m only halfway through the book (finally got it!).
I agree that #3 is the best cover design and the first would make a lovely interior art piece.
@SaherYosry Nice sketch. I agree with what everybody is saying here.
Sometimes I find that Photoshop and other apps/programs, can be a little too much for me. I've always loved traditional media, and when I use digital as a tool, I just want to draw and paint. I don't wanna use all these other things.
But, that's just me!
However, artists have used little tricks and small steps to help them accomplish their goals when working on their masterpieces.
Like grabbing a HB pencil(or any pencil, etc), and a piece of paper, and doing thumbnail sketches, of your sketch, exactly the way you have it there. And then do more.
Just quick doodles.
Also as small value studies.
And try different things.
Have fun experimenting.
I think I am calling this one done. Not happy with the background but whatever...
the filtered one from instagram which I like better...
Edit: I added a similar pic done last year. I think I’ve improved a little bit.
@chrisaakins said in Ultra last second contest entry feedback more appreciated.:
and do you know what Tuna is??? IT’S FISH!!!!
CANNIBALISM!!!
thanks for the feedback I'll keep it in mind when I revisit the piece!
@JoshuaDages @MattBaker @Nyrryl-Cadiz @jsnzart @miranda-hoover Thank you everyone for the support, it was a lot of fun to work on this one, see you on next months challenge!
