My first children's book illustration

kai satoshi · 16 Jul 2015, 22:15

Pete as you know I'm learning myself, but I will say that I like this image. I could be wrong but it seems like the owl should be turned around if he is looking at the snail on the ground. Otherwise nice image.

Charlie Eve Ryan · 16 Jul 2015, 22:22

Pete, these characters are really cute, very nicely done. I especially like fox and mole. I agree you should try to have the owl interact in some way, he is the only one that feels a bit static, overall I think this is really great.

Maile McCarthy · 17 Jul 2015, 00:04

@Peter-Jarvis I just looked at your website and saw the version of this illustration with the words. I really like it that way! Totally solves the yellow-gap issue, and the lettering is so fun! Curious why you took it out. Are words-in-images frowned upon in the children's market?

Peter Jarvis · 17 Jul 2015, 05:41

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan Thank you so much for your awesome feedback. I am loving this. I hadn't thought of any of the things you guys had mentioned. I am going to rework it and upload an amended version.

I haven't had any of this feedback from my tutors at uni. I am seriously considering whether I should go back or not.

Thanks again. Have a lovely day.

Peter Jarvis · 17 Jul 2015, 05:43

@Kris-Knight HI Kris, thanks for you kind feedback. Charlie mentioned that also. I totally agree. I will take a look at the owl and upload a revised version one it is completed.

Peter Jarvis · 17 Jul 2015, 05:55

@Maile-McCarthy Hi Maile, I removed the text at the request of one of my tutors. He mentioned that it was distracting. My intention was to have the typography emphasise the actions of the main character. I like it too. I don't think it is frowned upon. One of my favourite artists, Jonny Duddle, executes it extremely well in his books. And thank you for saying you like it.

I am loving the honesty and feedback from you guys. It's just what I needed. I suppose it's what we all need and that's why we are here.

Here is the image just incase anyone else wanted to see it.

thanks again Maile. Have a lovely day.

Steve Young · 17 Jul 2015, 10:33

very nice;

Charlie Eve Ryan · 17 Jul 2015, 13:45

@ Peter Jarvis I think the reason the tutor may have suggested you remove the text may be because as it stands it feels like the text is crowding the character, especially the snail. They can play off each other and enhance the other but ideally you want to give your characters a bit more breathing room. Also the text on the bottom is going directly over multiple characters which I feel is taking away from the overall design. Make sure you are really planning out text placement early on, so you don't end up with crowding issues. Overall well done, I hope this is helpful.

Peter Jarvis · 18 Jul 2015, 14:01

@Steve-Young Thanks Steve.

Peter Jarvis · 18 Jul 2015, 14:03

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan Now you mention it, it does look crowded, now the text is over the image. I will take another look at it. I am loving everyone's feedback. It's just what I needed. I really appreciate you taking the time out to comment.