My Name in Print!

You may recall my self-congratulatory post earlier last year about my first paid illustration gig.  Well after weeks of sketches, color studies, full-bleed page spreads, corrupted files, late nights, long hours and maddening revisions, I finished my first book.  All 28 pages.  The client was a communications major who wanted a private commission for a portfolio diversifier.

Here are some of the highlights:

 

This was the first page I finished.  

It helped set the tone for the whole book as far as the level of detail,

 

design simplicity (it is a kids book after all),

 

and stylization of the main character.   

 

I had to keep in mind that there would be text on these pages, 

not just my images.  It took some getting used to,

 leaving large empty spaces in the pictures.

 As I find is often the case, the research for this job was the most fun.

Who doesn't love getting paid to study Star Wars?  

There is such a rich tapestry of characters,

 exotic planets,

 and futuristic tech, I had a great time 

recapturing the galaxy far, far away.

I don't expect to get famous over this, more than anything else, this was an extremely valuable learning opportunity for me.  I had no clue just how much time and effort goes into a book (those pages pile up quick on a deadline!)

I might put some samples up on my website (there I go again, shamelessly plugging my portfolio), but many of these pages will end up on tumblr for everyone's viewing pleasure.

If anyone was wondering, this is what swallowed up most of my holiday, which sheds some light on why I haven't posted anything in a while.  

Let me know what you think!  Comment, share, help me get the word out.

S