Reading the story and sketching some ideas for potential scenes was the first thing that I did. Then I set up a board on Pinterest with research (what other illustrators drew for the same story) and reference photos. That helped to not unconsciously repeat what was already done - for instance the "animal tower" (when the dog climbs on the donkey, the cat on the dog and the rooster on the cat) was the most recurring image so I decided not to illustrate that scene, as I found it more funny to imagine anyway.
Using the reference photos I made some quick study sketches to familiarize myself with the animals.
Then came some color sketches and defining the characters. This meant simplifying the shape of the animals to make them easier on the eye.
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| Illustration #1 - The Common Dream |
Out of a few thumbnail sketches, the first composition was selected and enlarged. I used black marker for the outlines and color pencils as well as some Copic markers for filling and shading.
A clean workspace plus a moodboard for inspiration can go a long way...
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| Illustration #2 - Rooster Spots a Light |
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| Illustration #3 - Robbers & Treasure |
It's
nice to have a little helper, too. And for extra company I find it's nice
to have some chatter in the background, especially when working alone
in a room. Currently rewatching (or more like listening to) McLeod's Daughters for maybe the tenth time, ha.
Don't underestimate the value of fortunate accidents! My outline marker ran out after the third illustration, thankfully, and I had to use a liner (S size from Faber Castell), which improved the look of the last illustration considerably.
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| Illustration #4 - A Feast |
Meruna.
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