Monday, October 3, 2011

Sketch for a New Book Project


I'm working on a new picture book and I thought I'd post one of the sketches - it's a bit rough but I thought I'd post work in progress as I get going on it. This will be another ebook that I will finish down the road. I say down the road because I know this one is going to take much longer than the other ones I've produced in the past. I've decided to gamble more time in order to produce a final product that I feel is worthy of long term recognition. Illustrating children's books is still probably the funnest thing on earth next to sneezing 9 times in a row (my personal best) and when I'm working on one like this -time seems to move x 10.

19 comments:

  1. Really nice, love how you did the flashlight!

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  2. okay, this is going to be fabulous; I can tell I'm going to love it already :)

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  3. Looks great will! I love the design of that monster in the back!

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  4. Reminds me of another monster in the bedroom piece you did a while back- was that one the inspiration?

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  5. Thanks you guys! Yes Greg - definitely re-visiting a theme from earlier work - I think I was damaged as a child....and don't worry...the cat doesn't get it in the end...however.....

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  6. I love everything about this post! Wanting to give your best, noting this is the funnEST EVAH! The only thing I take issue with, and it's a perspective thing. Some of us sneeze MULTIPLES, QUADRUPLES OF MULTIPLES and more importantly how embarrassing is it that people "bless you" until both of you are guessing when you'll stop... Just saying, I think I'd rather be able to stay under water longer than Diane Tanguay or have been able to run around on my ear like a Bowery Boy without having worn the groove in the floor needing some serious sanding and relacquering, and who knew what stimming was or what a kid could do when left on her own?

    Will, I love your posts, I love your heart, and most of all I really love, dig your art. Who knows in another fifty years I could give you a run for your muney, till then, I just <3 your characters and colors.

    Agy Wilson

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  7. Love the sketch overall! Especially like the monster and the cat...wonderful emotional dynamic there:-) Not sure about flying saucer (?) near the monster's head (unless it's an alien monster) and the Bart Simpson puppet on the bedpost in the foreground seems too distracting from your characters. Also the use of wallpaper in the bedroom seems a little dated (but might be on purpose based on when story takes place). dresser drawer pulls look a little too much like a file cabinet right now (of course, its only a sketch and this is only my opinion). I look forward to seeing this sketch evolve and will definitely want to read the story when your Ebook is published!

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  8. Again, thanks so much for the support! Agy - you're way too kind!

    A few notes on the sketch: The flying saucer is just a toy that's hanging from the ceiling - I think the string lines are too faint. I am trying to give it a more traditional feel with the wallpaper but it might be too much. Also I'm going wordless on this one - experimenting with visual storytelling alone to see if I can pull it off. I love challenges!

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  9. Awesome! Love the cat being silenced by the monster in the back, great creative touch plus lots of yummy details. :)

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  10. I love seeing your work in progress. It gets me that much closer to my goal of completely copying your work and style and then mass producing it... just kidding... I'm serious though... not really... honestly though. I'm looking forward to seeing this completed. I love the cat gag.

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  11. Rip away Camster - I need someone to rip back on :)

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  12. Excellent sketch.

    I really love the monster covering the cat's mouth. Really funny. Can't wait to see the finished book. =)

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  13. Great sketch! I wish you well as you move through this process..very exciting to see it as it progresses..and wow, 9 sneezes is incredible! Great illustration and fabulous blog!

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