top of page

Week Three Assignment: A series of three illustrations

​

If you are working with a manuscript:

If you haven't already started dividing the text of your manuscript over a 32 page dummy, do that now. You will get a sense of how it will read from page to page. Read through and adjust for balance and storytelling. You will see where words need to be added or subtracted. You will notice ideas need to be slowed down, or sped up, or transitioned more smoothly. Keep adjusting and changing as ideas come to you. Choose the size of your book based on: what makes sense with your story, what fits on a shelf, and what feels good to hold. Sketch three scenes from your story. Choose the sketch you are most drawn to and bring that to a final illustration.

 

 Your illustration sketches and final should feel consistent and be from the same world. Your character and settings should be thoughtful in relation to each other and in relation to your story or theme. You may want to incorporate a visual storytelling mechanism if you are inclined, but it's not necessary.

​

 

If you are working based on a theme:

If you are working based on a theme; choose the size and format of your book. Think of the shape of your book related to your theme. Should it be horizontal, vertical, square or another shape? Choose the size of your book based on: what makes sense with your story, what fits on a shelf, and what feels good to hold. Consider your character and consider your setting. Where would you like to see your character? What would you like your character to be doing. Whatever you are drawn to follow that path. Don't let not knowing the story deter you. Follow your intuition and illustrate the character doing the things that you ideally want to illustrate him/her/it doing.  If you need some direction, make two lists: 1) where you would like to illustrate your character. 2) what would you like to illustrate your character doing? List 25 ideas for each list and choose the three that you are most drawn to. Sketch three different illustrations for your book and bring one of those sketches to a final illustration.

​

Your illustration sketches and final should feel consistent and be from the same world. Your character and settings should be thoughtful in relation to each other and in relation to your story or theme. You may want to incorporate a visual storytelling mechanism if you are inclined, but it's not necessary.

​

Consider:

1) Composition 

​

2) Color: We have talked about color in relations to character, setting, and storytelling. How will you use color in your book? Do you have a strategic use of color in mind? Create a color palette for your book. You can modify and change but now is the time to start forming color.

​

3) Are there elements you can use to bring more cohesion to your story or theme?

​

4) Your maps can help you identify places and scenes in your world. 

​

Below is a mood board showing a series of illustrations from different books or themes. They are examples of images that relate to each other. 

​

Posting your work: Please post your progress in the Facebook group and I will create an album on Sunday for you to post your three sketches and final illustration. Please make sure your name is visible on your work. 

 

Have fun!! I'm looking forward to seeing your creations! 

 

I hope you enjoyed this lesson.

xo,

Kristen

​

© 2018 by Kristen Balouch

k@kristenbalouch.com | Brooklyn, NY 

  • Facebook - Grey Circle
  • Instagram - Grey Circle

k@kristenbalouch.com | Brooklyn, NY 

© 2018 by Kristen Balouch

  • Facebook - Grey Circle
  • Instagram - Grey Circle
bottom of page