I think this is common among illustrators, but I started this image with only a vague idea of what I was going to do and just kind of doodled around to try to make it work. At times I've used this method and have created things I was very happy with (albeit it had taken longer than it would've had I planned prior) but other times I'd spent way too many hours on a failed image.
For those who have found themselves in this predicament, what is it that tells you to let the image go and move on to something else or that it's worth putting in more work to salvage it? I'm curious to hear what others use for their decision making and if there are specific qualifiers/development points that lend themselves to making that decision easier. Ultimately, it shows the value of thorough planning prior to creation.
Also, I think this image is a "let it drift into the sea" one, but if anyone has any thoughts on what could save it I'd love to hear. Thank you!
@jeremiahbrown I think this is adorable. I think you should keep going with it. It feels very relatable. It is definitely more from an adult perspective though. At first glance, the Easter peeps were confusing since it is Halloween. It took me a little while to realize they were dressed up for Halloween because of the peeps.
@jeremiahbrown to me this is a great concept but this one has the feel of a study. I would redraw it and plan out what works. For example, the peeps are confusing. I would do a more Halloween themed candy. Maybe candy corn. I would rework the expressions to exaggerate them. Having been that dad, a lot more revulsion would be funnier. The mom could be more reactive like she’s going to clean up baby or taking him from dad. That’s almost a universal reaction of the non vomited on parent in my experience. RESCUE MODE. Maybe combined with helpless laughter. Because I’m sorry, seeing a grossed out dad with covered in baby puke is funny. Maybe turn the baby so he pukes on dad. And have dad holding him out at arm’s length? I think this is also a great take on the prompt on the prompt. I look forward to seeing it if it is resurrected.
Hi @jeremiahbrown, this is a great concept and one that should be pushed forward.
I agree with @Lisa-Clark, maybe change the peeps candy to something chocolate, especially given chocolate can get very messy over the kiddos face and hands.
I really like the expressions on all the characters and feel like your understanding of the head is spectacular.
@Jeremiahbrown Or I think I misunderstood the image. Is the baby roaring at a peep? That makes sense, logically but the chewed up bits all over him read as spit-up to me. Sorry! I don’t think that concept is as clear in this picture. I think a baby crawling on the floor in tiger pjs roaring at bunny slippers might read better.
This question is legit!
"what is it that tells you to let the image go and move on to something else or that it's worth putting in more work to salvage it?"
There is no simple answer to your question, because I think that ultimately the method you are talking about "doodling around to try to make it work" is like throwing a hail Mary at the Superbowl. I think everyone does this for a while, until they've done it enough with lackluster results, and eventually they just do the process: research, thumbnail, line art, values, color, render. The process is slightly different from artist to artist, but mostly follows this path. I was very reluctant to do full line art for a long time or thumbnail, because I thought it lost the spontaneity, and it felt like it took a long time, when I just wanted to paint. But, fixing a drawing is waaaaaay easier than fixing a painting, so now I just do it. I also feel less bad about detonating a sketch than a painting. Check out Lee's great video on "how to get a great illustration every time". You don't have to do 50 thumbnails every time, but at least do a handful. Sometimes, your first one will be the one you end up using, but usually it's not, and if it is, you feel better going forward because you played with different options. With practice too, you will notice when an illustration goes off the rails sooner, and catch yourself, when you are noodling and not making progress on an image.
IMHO, the objective answer is, "does the illustration tell the story you want it to tell?" If you, or someone looking at it is not sure, it's a no. Illustration is all about communication.
That may have been a bit of a rant, but I have, uh...feelings about this subject (aka, I have wasted a lot of hours), and I really appreciate that you are thinking about it. I think it just takes practice of knowing when to detonate, and when to salvage. And, do the process. 
As far as your illustration goes, it's really for you to decide. What is the story you are trying to tell, and does it do that?
@elinore-eaton The child's eyes are many times bigger than the parents'. Makes it look a little weird. The child's face is also as smooth as a ball, unlike the parents. They should match more.
@Lisa-Clark @Jeremy-Ross @chrisaakins Thanks for the votes of confidence and the suggestions (and the flattering "understanding of the head" comment
) ! It's clear the story isn't being communicated well! I didn't even think of the vomit idea when I made it even though now it can easily be read that way. All your suggestions are a good place to start from if I end up going back to the drawing board on it, thank you.
@Elinore-Eaton Really great answer to the question! I really appreciate the thought and learned experience you put into your response. I've always hoped that there would be a happier black and white answer to it but in reality, the free spirit, willy nilly, vaguely planned approach is not a confident or wise one to take. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
@Kim-Hunter You're right on the kid but your phrasing of "smooth as a ball" made me laugh out loud at my computer, haha.
@jeremiahbrown Thank you and you're welcome!
@jeremiahbrown I think this is adorable. I think you should keep going with it. It feels very relatable. It is definitely more from an adult perspective though. At first glance, the Easter peeps were confusing since it is Halloween. It took me a little while to realize they were dressed up for Halloween because of the peeps.
