Image Experiments...

Pages 1 and 2...

Here are a couple of composition ideas for my first page...

Out of the two ideas, I prefer the illustration on the left as it gives the audience an introduction to the character as a whole, as well as creating an interesting pose/angle for the Hedgehog to be viewed from.

After deciding on my preferred illustration, I used it as a starting point to experiement and develop on...

In the above illustration, I've kept the same composition to the Hedgehog that I decided on in my first sketch, but instead I've used a different medium (pen), as well as adding in some text and a paw print decoration.

In the two above illustrations I've used photoshop to layer the same black and white drawing of the Hedgehog over one of the leaf prints I created, just changing where I have placed the text.

I like the decorative aspect of having the leaves in the background as it fills up blank space and adds a second interest to the page, but on the other hand, I think it does become slightly detracting from the main illustration. I'm also not entirely happy with the way the illustration sits on top on the leaf pattern, it looks too 'placed' and therefore doesn't compliment the composition the way I would like it to.

When I look at other artists that use collage or decoration in their work - like Lauren Child - the illustrations and decoration look more natural together, like they go hand in hand. I've also noticed the drawings in said illustrations tend to be quite simple looking and not as built up and detailed as my pen drawings, so next I shall try a simple colour illustration to go with a patterned background instead.

'Clarice Bean, That's Me'
Illustrated by Lauren Child

'Clarice Bean'
Illustrated by Lauren Child

In the below illustration, I've painted just a simple acrylic Hedgehog on top of a leaf pattern on brown paper. I've used earthy tones in the background to mirror the seasonal feel of Autumn.

I think my colour illustration does look better on a patterned background, yet I am still not convinced about using this style to complete the rest of my illustrations in as I think the characters get abit lost within the pattern...

In the above illustration I have used a plain background page opposite a patterned page.

I think in terms of clarity, this design is probably more successful. The main illustration is left clean with a white background so it can be observed easily, whilst the page which has less going on in it has a leaf background to make it look more interesting.