Annotations so far

So for my annotations I printed off my sketches so I could add notes to each illustration without spoiling the originals.

I started by putting my illustrations in order, there is still one illustration missing, page 11 which is a half page spread. I need to go back over all the pages and think of a new composition for this 1/2 page so it works better than my initial rough, which was very similar to the illustration pages before and after it, so it felt a bit the same.

So I started to look back on the character designs and what else I needed to think about these sketches.

So with Flora the main thing I need to work on is facial expressions, and how her face will look. I also need to keep in mind that on the illustrations and in comparison to the other characters Flora is tiny!

With Rory and his character design, I need to make him a younger boy, decide on the colour of his clothes and paint him in the different stances. Also to look at his face and expressions too.

With the other kids in the book, I need to work on the proportions better, and again look into faces and expressions.

With the animal characters and butterflies, birds and insects I need to make them more characterful, so work on the eyes to show expression.

Full page spread 1&2: I want to add more detail into the foreground, more plants, more twigs on the ground, as though it looks a bit sad for itself. I have put in a box of where I think the text should go, this is based off some research that said always get the reader to read across the page so it will turn over the page. So if I get the eye to move from the more fuller illustrated left side to then read from the right side this will get the reader to turn the page.

1/2 page, page 3: Add more detail to the background, more plants and details, so there’s lots to look at. I have placed the text under the main part of the illustration, this also helps with the conversation between Terrence and Flora.

1/2 page, page 4: Add more background interest, landscape of the garden. Maybe do an even more closer view – zoom into the picture. I have added the text again under the main characters as there is a conversation going on between them.

Full page spread 5&6: Add more detail into the foreground, more broken twigs and branches, crushed leaves, animals running away. I have placed the text to the slight left in this picture, I will have an animal running down to the right hand corner so the eye travels to turn the page.

Spot page 1 of 2 for page 7: Add lovely textures to Terrence and concentrate on the detail on the tree and Flora. I have added the text box above flora this time, but it also works as there’s a conversation happening.

Spot page 2 of 2 for page 7: Add lovely details into Flora, blur the background a bit, or don’t add too much detail behind her. I have added the text box above Flora as she is thinking.

Full page spread 8&9: Add more detail into the dip area, add more houses and detail into the street. Add a lovely sky or make it dull so Flora really shines out. Add Rory standing at the window. I have added the text box to the left side, as the illustrations will take the eye across to the right.

Spot 1 of 2 for page 10: Add a lot more detail, give the edges of the illustration a wash effect. Tiny details like mushrooms, little creature, ants etc. I have added a small text box below Flora.

Spot 2 of 2 for page 10: Zoom in more to both Rory and Flora, focus the detail on them, so the view point is different from the other spot, or maybe change this one?!

Full page spread 13 & 14: Add more detail in the foreground, add Jaya into the picture and some birds flying away. I have added the text box up on the right hand side, this is to pull the reader to the right hand side to turn the page.

1/2 page 15: Add loads more detail and background, show sadness on Rory’s face. I added the text box above on the right, but this will probably change once I’ve added in a lot more background.

Spot page 16: Make it look like they are flying through the sky. Whooshing effects, blur the background. Focus on Rory and Flora, maybe zoom in a bit more. I have added the text below Rory and Flora as though it’s flying with them.

Full page spread 17 & 18: Add the sky, butterflies, birds, animals, make it really colourful and bright. Move the tree over to the left, so the text box can fit on the right side, again to get that left to right continuation.

Spot 1 of 2 for page 19: Add a bit more detail to the foreground, but overall good composition. I have added the text box in the middle of the picture to show a rounded illustration.

Spot 2 of 2 page 19: Add more animals around Rory, maybe put Rory to one side, or even think about this view as an animal looking at what’s happening. **Research this.