"It starts with THIS"

 

 

 

"It starts with THIS

Visual sequence is key to conveying feeling, action, storyline, interest and character, especially in children’s book illustration. One of the hardest things to do is to know your character so well—what he, she, or it looks like, how they move, how they project emotion, and at the same time to make the character immediately recognizable and consistent —all without resorting to a generic depiction, but making sure your character has charm, individuality and special qualities that make young readers fall in love with them. All of this is the same whether your character is human, animal, and yes, even vegetable! (Maybe inanimate as well) The task is to create a six-panel sequence that has a beginning, middle and an end that is obvious, featuring a character of your own invention. It can be funny, sad, dramatic or ordinary, but interesting and with lots of invention and finesse. I understand that there are computer programs that make “sequence” easier than good old-fashioned drawing. But, I don’t know any of them. I leave it to you. SPECS: 4 to 6 panels – illustrator’s choice SIZE: 8 ½” x 14” – horizontal or vertical *Please note–this is the size of the entire piece, not the individual panels.

COLOR: Black and White or Full Color – your choice

  NO WORDS"
 Tomie dePaola   

 

 A week ago today I was sent part 2 of this award contest and I'm almost done with the illustration.
I was asked not to share the content with the general public so I can't give details. All I will say is the text I was given is some of the best I ever received to illustrate and it has been fun to create a universe out of 4-5 line. I'm looking forward to sharing.
   

 

 

Part 1 I can share,

(Tomie's words)

Visual sequence is key to conveying feeling, action, storyline, interest and character, especially in children’s book illustration.

 

One of the hardest things to do is to know your character so well—what he, she, or it looks like, how they move, how they project emotion, and at the same time to make the character immediately recognizable and consistent —all without resorting to a generic depiction, but making sure your character has charm, individuality and special qualities that make young readers fall in love with them. All of this is the same whether your character is human, animal, and yes, even vegetable! (Maybe inanimate as well)

The task is to create a six-panel sequence that has a beginning, middle and an end that is obvious, featuring a character of your own invention. It can be funny, sad, dramatic or ordinary, but interesting and with lots of invention and finesse.

 

 

And I created that; it is easier when you make yourself the main character.

 I used my emotions, from feeling overwhelmed at last years winters conference, the loss of a dear friend, and I wanted to win! 

So know I'm working on part 2 and I still want to win! 15 artist are competing in this challenge from 200 or so who entered.  It feels close and faraway all of the same time. 

I am positive my creative process will help carry me.

Lets hope Tomie feels the same way :)