Illustrating a 24-page, full-page illustration children's book turned out to be a far more challenging endeavor than anticipated. This project stands as the most interesting and demanding one I have ever completed. The client approached me with a set of low-quality pencil sketch scans, which had been previously drafted by another artist, and required someone to finalize the illustrations. By utilizing Adobe Fresco on an iPad and employing InDesign for pre-press work, we successfully partnered with IngramSparks publishing company to facilitate the production and distribution of printed books and eBooks for sale.
Amidst the challenges, one page stood out as my personal favorite. However, upon seeing the final printed version, I discovered that some of the intricate details were lost. While this is an inevitable aspect of the process, I still enjoyed the painting style, particularly in the garden area.
My client exhibited limited familiarity with technology and the publishing process, making it necessary for me to guide them through each stage. As my first and only children's book project, I also encountered a steep learning curve as I took on nearly every aspect of the project.
Working with someone else's drawings taught me valuable lessons. Although I appreciated the client's character designs, which were agreed upon before my involvement, maintaining the original integrity of the designs proved to be a significant challenge due to the stark differences in our drawing styles. With the drawings approximately 85% complete, I had to fill in the remaining gaps and occasionally reposition elements that were not thoroughly planned.
This project acquainted me with Adobe Fresco, which initially presented challenges. Through an extensive exploration of countless brushes, I came to the realization that maintaining visual consistency relied on utilizing only a select few. This understanding drew upon my background in traditional art, where I recognized that excessive brush variety could result in a disjointed aesthetic.
Despite moments of uncertainty throughout the journey, completing this project proved to be immensely rewarding. There were instances when doubts crept in, but my unwavering commitment to finishing what I start prevailed.
The client is already contemplating the creation of another book, this time with me as the sole illustrator. The future holds exciting possibilities!
On this particular page, I encountered some challenges related to the crease, which required me to make adjustments to the placement of certain items. Furthermore, I noticed that the previous artist had left the feet incomplete.
