Words and pictures are important. Put them together and they are the best way we have to communicate our stories and feelings to others. I’ve put together a few steps from my most recent illustration to give you a little behind the scenes perspective.
Step One: Research-
At the marshes along Fort Fisher.
I’m incredibly blessed to live in an area where I can launch a kayak in the name of “research."
Step Two: Roughs
Back from the kayak adventure. With ideas swimming in my head, this is where I get the lead out!
Thumbnail sketches are used to bring the best idea to light.
Step Three: Concept Development
Believe me. No crabs were injured in the making of this illustration.
In this step, I work on issues with scale, proportion, character design, composition, etc.
Step Four: Design Development
Sometimes those little faces just make me laugh.
The chosen concept gets tightened and is transferred to watercolor paper.
Step Five: Paint!
First I paint in the lines then go back and fill in the color. Assess and repeat (if possible). In this illustration, I decided the sky was a little too bland so I gave it a magenta boost.
More visual impact and clarity was still needed to tell the story.
After I gave Little Shrimp a flag, I needed to give him antennas (again).
For some reason, it seems like many of my pieces highlight the food chain. However, Little Shrimp’s flag is not a sign of giving up but rather a plea for help. Once I put in the S.O.S., then Mr. Crab’s heroism became apparent. It was so very nice of him to help Little Shrimp out...
...especially in a pinch!
Make it #simplefunmeaningful
Smiles,
Wendy