@Alicja-W Hmm I think you have a really good point there. I've always been so scared of creating backgrounds/complete scenes that that's what I focused on in this piece not realizing that the focus still needs to be on the characters and the story. Thanks for that insight! I'm going to hold onto that one for future pieces!

@sarahlawrence Ah, yes. So many options I haven't explored! Thank you for the great idea!

@NelsonYiap Hi Nelson! Ooo I never thought about switching the colors. That's an interesting idea! I will definitely need to work on the pose and expression of the gentleman. Thanks for taking the time to offer your feedback! It's very much appreciated!

@TessaW Hello Tessa! Wow, what a difference that makes! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, and thank you for your kind words! I took a gander at your IG and the compositions you made for Inktober are stunning! So much movement and emotion. I have so much to learn~

@theprairiefox Thank you for the feedback! I definitely need to figure out how to make that more clear. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to help me out!

@Alicja-W Hi Alicja! Thank you for taking the time to offer your feedback! Yes, I'm now realizing that I didn't take enough time to explore his expression and posture to nail it down. I've also thumbnailed them being in the same room, but I didn't like it as much. I'm thinking I need to go back to exploring that option more, though. Thank you again for your help! It's very helpful!

Also, I was browsing through your IG and your introduction thread and you are so dang good! One of my favorites is the one with the leaning trees with the girl and the flying birds. I can totally see that in a children's book! I also love your Bristle & Nettles painting. So dang cute. Love your work!

@animatosoor Thank you so much for your feedback! I never thought about how distracting the plant could be smack dab in the middle, lol. I also agree that the silhouette of the lady is unclear and that the gentleman's expression is vague. Thank you for the tips, and I'll work on how to improve on these things.

Also, I just went through your Finishing Drills thread and it's so awesome!!! I love the energy and personality in your pieces. SO GOOD. Thank you for taking your time to offer your advice. I really appreciate it!

Hello!

This is the first time I consciously tried to create a completed scene. The story is that the ghostly gentleman is waiting for his wife who is lying on her death bed inside the window surrounded by family members. I made so many thumbnails and different crops and this is the best I came up with. I think I may have cropped it too close, but I'm not sure. I feel like it could be better in so many ways, but I'm feeling stuck. I might start over on this idea if you all have any suggestions. Thank you for taking your time out to take a look!

Hi Kathryn!

Here's a link to their interactive class, Creating Great Book Cover Illustrations, which started last month. I'm not sure when they'll offer it again, but just letting you know it's there:

https://courses.svslearn.com/courses/creating-great-book-cover-illustrations

@IgorWoznicki This is so awesome! Love all the details and I especially love the character's backstory! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!