Rags to riches
Rags to (hopefully) Riches
Hello everyone! I have been very busy since my last blog, knee deep in Rags sketches. (*See previous blog!) I’ve been scribbling away at the spreads for the latest book commission which is all about Rags, the dog. I’m calling it Rags to riches…
When I start a new project I tend sketch tiny thumbnail drawings to help get the pose right, and then up-scale my sketches trying very hard to (hopefully) retain the spontaneity and fun. Wherever possible I have to add a bit of humour, and this little story gives ample opportunity for me to throw dog food about, scare ducks and swans, add startled bees, and have lots of mud flying everywhere.
I’m often asked, “So, how does it work? Do they tell you what to do, or are you allowed to do whatever you like?” Well, as with life, the truth often lies somewhere in the middle. Occasionally I have met a client that has been very prescriptive, but this is rare – and may I just say to any clients reading this blog that it is a bad idea, because it can result in very dull, lacklustre illustrations. Often you’re given a brief sentence about roughly what should be happening on the spread, and the text laid out in pages of the right size and shape. Sometimes I’m told that the text can be moved around, which gives the artist a bit more free-range (but not eggs, mind.) Then there is a period where the client looks at the roughs and gets back to you with any changes. You then submit (what-you-sincerely-hope) will be the final roughs and once they are ‘signed off’ you can proceed to colour. These days, even if I am working conventionally with a paint brush in my hand poised to splash away, I tend to scan and send final artwork to clients digitally, it does speed things up. Quite often it is because they’re half way around the world! Anyway, without giving too much away, here are some sketches from my most recent commission, I hope you like them. Say hello (again) to Rags to riches!
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