I started to build up the pages digitally, but before I did this I erased all the backgrounds of the small illustrations I created, so that it was easier to layer, put things behind or in front of the illustrations. This took almost a day to do, as I had over 45 individual illustrations to erase the backgrounds of and save them as PSD files.
Then I started on page 1, this was half of a full page spread, and you can see here I have added a Rhododendron plant, a small twiggy tree and some love in the mist. This will be my first layer, the next one will be adding in the surface pattern, which will be over the rocks. Then depending on the rest of the book and images, I will add more illustrations as I go.
Page 2: I added another Rhododendron plant, a twiggy tree that had fallen down, and a few odd leaves, to give the desolate look. Again this is the first layer.
Page 3: I added the Rhododendron to keep the continuation through the images, and consistency. I have added a wasp flying away, and again the twiggy tree.
Page 4: This is one of the spot/ cameo pages, I have used the surface pattern to add some background, I chose this particular design as it looks as though it could be a realistic background, dragon flys flying around, with bubbles or pollen. I reduced the transparency so the colour was not too intense and overtook the illustrations.
Page 5: part of a spread, Again here just for consistency I have added the Rhododendron and the twiggy tree.
Page 6: Again the twiggy tree and Rhododendron, and a few love in the mist for this first layer.
Page 7: On this page I used this floral background, again I chose this one as it could be part of a realistic garden. I also through this would work as a dream type design, as Flora is thinking in this illustration.
Page 10: I have done the same with this this page as above, but I don’t think it works in this design, I might try making the pattern smaller, so like a ditsy design, or trying something less busy altogether.
Page 11: I have not done anything to this page yet, but I have saved it to the size of the book, this illustration is pretty much done, but I am putting some surface pattern on the butterflies wings, once I have finished all the first layers.
Overnight I had a change of heart, I had looked at my surface pattern portfolio and found some more appropriate designs that would keep the limited colour palette for the first half of the book, before it got all colourful again.
I decided to change my plan for the next few days and rather than do the first layer of all the illustrations, I decided to concentrate on the front and back cover to get these complete, and all the layers added with the text.
I have decided at this stage to just get the pages finished for the book for my final project 10, I will work on the mock up of the book in my time that you have to get ready for assessment. I think this will be a better use of the limited time I have to complete this unit, also my main aim for this unit was to illustrate a children’s book, not create a mock up, so I have still met my brief on this.
I changed the surface pattern back grounds for these three spots, so they worked better with the limited colour palette. I still need to create the round cameo design but I think these work much better, and Im glad I changed them at this point.
I reduced the opacity just so they were not too bright and a bit more muted to work with the pages.
This design I am still not sure on, but working to see if it will work.
I completed these pages yesterday afternoon so have added these into this project.
I have added in the surface pattern design in each of these pages, also the small details and faces and expressions.
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