Illustrating a Children’s Story, Part 1
Alright…enough of these serious productivity, business, and worst-case scenario musings on this blog for the time being. It seems I’ve been writing more than drawing lately, and since this site is called DaniDRAWS, I think I’ll go and pick up a pencil already!
Because I haven’t had a lot of time for self-promotional work recently, I’ve decided to start up a new project, out of which I hope to get a few good portfolio pieces. In a previous post, I mentioned that I once made a small booklet of the story of Little Red Riding Hood, which worked out well for me. Well, I want to do something similar and document the process here.
I’m going to make another booklet or promo piece, this time using the story of the Three Little Pigs. Sure, this tale is probably overdone, but I’m willing to take it on. Cute animals…a variety of environments…a simple story… If I do this right, it could prove to be a great way to show off my illustration abilities and original style for the children’s book industry.
This will be an ongoing project; I’m not really sure where it will go or how long it will take to finish with my schedule, but I guess that’s half the fun of it. But by putting this out to the public, I’m hoping I will actually commit to getting this done. Also, since the process behind making a booklet like this is a lot like my picture book process, this will also serve as a great mini process tutorial. Plus I’ll be able to get some feedback from you readers.
So here we go!… Step 1 in my process is always brainstorming. These are my first exploratory sketches of some pig characters.
So what do you think? If you see something you especially like or dislike, I would be happy to hear your opinion.
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13 responses to Illustrating a Children’s Story, Part 1
It would be nice to see an off beat interpretation of the Three Little Pigs, like:,’Three Little Pigs II: Revenge of the Wolf’ or maybe some way to add something a little fresh to the mix…I’ll stay tuned to what your doing. :)
Cool topic, and I hope we can all join in by keeping you motivated and commited with our comments. I’m sure this will be a lot of fun.
I really like the aproach in pigsketch08.jpg and pigsketch09.jpg with the elongated head nose and body, and the stubby feet in contrast.
The above feel more original compared to the usual “cute little potatoe like” aproach as in pigsketch16.jpg, pigsketch17.jpg
Thats just my 2 cents.
I’m loving this little fellow:
http://danidraws.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/pigsketch13.jpg
I think classics are timeless and this story is no exception. Your sketches are adorable–I especially like the one with the long snout (with his snout in the air) and the pig with glasses.
Cool! I am doing the same thing right now to beef up the ol’ portfolio so it will be fun to see your work and process at the same time. I also agree with Addiso. Pig #8 and #9 have the most charm to me and I think that he would be great paired with a #16 that has a real small head and even bigger glasses. It would be great to push him (#16) a little bit. Good luck!
I like pig 8 and 9 as well. #2 is great for another type story! Attitude for sure. Great work.
I like #12 and #17 together. Short and fat with glasses (#13) has a classic look, but has been done quite quite a bit. One of the things I like about #12 is that it looks as if you had a really good time and took your time drawing him to get it just right. I hear a lot of other artists say, “Draw what you like, what interests you, and it’ll feel less like work and turn out better.” That also shows well in #12’s appearance in the more complete scene of #11.
Can hardly wait to see more!
I love your ideas. You have some really great sketches here. I’m no professional, just an enthusiast/ wanna-be artist. I came across your website and just love all the great information on your site along with the pictures of things you are working on. I check in on your site regularly to read your blog. I asked my kids to look at your sketches today. They especially liked the fatter pig sketches. My seven year old said it made the picture funnier. My two year old was also drawn to picture 5 as well. He immediately noticed the big belly. His absolute favorite was the “mad face” as he called it on the sketch 002. He kept asking to see if over and over. Good luck with your work! You definitely have talent and skill! It is very evident that you love what you do and it shows in your work and on your site!
on the second row down, over 6, I love the chubby little pig with the glasses! So fun! It definitely gives him character!
I like the big fat pig. Im a bit late in following the posts but i figured you would till want to know. The Fat on has a unique graphical flare to it. Its funny.
Dani, I am studying animation at the Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale… And to tell you the truth, I’ve grown tired of seeing the stuff and style everywhere… It’s always either furry cute creatures or monstrous and exaggerated males or females characters drawn in the anime style. Before I got into the school, I was one of the kids who would love to draw the anime characters, but now I’ve grown quite fond to children’s book illustrations and a little bit of realism mixed together… Only problem is, when I try to put them together it doesn’t work for me.
I would like to know the difference between the styles and if it has something to do with the fact that I got used to draw anime.
Thanks a lot.
Evany, If you want to move away from anime, my advice would be to just draw and experiment as much as you can and consciously stay away from the anime look. Look at other artists’ work and find styles that you like. The way you develop your taste will also affect your style.
And as far as animation, Disney and Anime may dominate the field, but there is A LOT more to see if you do some research. Animators are working in a variety of interesting and quirky styles, some of which might suit your tastes better and inspire your work. I would start with Cartoon Brew. The guy there regularly posts stuff about many different types, styles, and eras of animation.
I’m in love with the grumpy one… I hope you someday get the chance to use it for another sort of story.