postcard mailer - back to school
Truthfully, I was never a big fan of school.
The feeling I wanted to capture with this image is that uncertainty a child might feel at the beginning of a new school year. The image started out larger, with more background around her--but I realized that in the scope of our postcard, she would've been lost, too tiny to really see. I zoomed in on her so that she was more legible. I didn't want to lose the surrounding atmosphere, but sometimes, you have to. I wanted to show the hard lines, and the very vertical world of a school hallway--those things that could feel daunting to such a small person.
Here are some sketches of my schoolgirl in various stages:
Not a huge difference between the 2nd and final sketches, (of the few that didn't hit the wastebasket) just small refinements.
6 comments:
Oh Laura.. I just love this! The little girl piggy is so sweet and looks so worried too. I know what you mean because I remember feeling that too, and you convey that perfectly!
The colors are so lovely and the choice to do a tile floor is great, I really like how soft an subtle those colors on the tiles are.
Beautiful!!! :o)
I am identifying so much with this little piggy. I remember feeling this way often.
This is such a wonderful illustration, Laura. I love the mood you've created and your main character is so precious.
Love it!
Ohhh, love this, Laura! Wonderful contrast between the little round piggy in the warm sunlight and the cool, slick, straight edged, echo-y school.
Love seeing your sketches too, I especially love her little toes pointing in on sketch #3. Too much!
Well, I hope you do a follow up sketch of her at the end of her day, with a smile and a new best friend. Otherwise I'm going to be worried about how her first day went! :)
What a sweet lil' pig. I absolutely adore the brown polka-dot skirt with the striped tights.
Laura, I was really drawn to your pick on the sidebar, Oliver Finds His Way, because the artwork looks amazing and I hadn't heard of that book before. So I ordered it and it came today and I love it!!! The colors, the little bear's expressions, and the pastel textures are just stunning. Thanks for recommending it!
Thanks so much Guys! I appreciate the kind words.
Don't you LOVE his work, Kristi? He's an amazing artist, and really knows how to develop a character. I've learned a lot looking at his work.
Thanks Patty--you are so observant. I was trying to find something very subtle to show that vulnerability, like a turned in toe.
such a sweet little pig.. it looks like she needs an encouraging hug. great promo!
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