I translated an image I’ve had in my head to ink and paper, and as someone who is absolutely anal about expression, I found it VERY unforgiving but VERY fun. I like the sketches as much as the final.
This is a difficult one. I have a lot of thoughts about it and am pulled in my different ways. One of the BIG things I like about working digitally is the fact that I really will die on the hill of my expressions being perfect, and this means either quickly moving things around digitally or redrawing the entire. Thing. If I’m not happy with the nuance of it.
But of course, the quality of line and life in the images is more tangible when you can see it’s traditional media. There’s love in the page.
I know Quentin Blake works with a sketch and a light box, so he can figure out how the characters are all holding themselves and then just make a few copies until he’s happy he’s got it right. There’s a ridiculous and counterintuitive element to the idea of working quickly, with life and bounce in your lines, and also to making it be right and good (one normally associates spending time on a piece with – not quality but – you know.)
So I’m sitting there thinking, my god, Quentin Blake… I do not give you enough credit.
Just in terms of what was successful, really chuffed with the colours I threw on there. I think it really establishes Antonia as a Willy-wonka adjacent character, keeping the colours the same on top and bottom keeping it clean.
SEASIDE ILLUSTRATION 