I love the map, and the symbols make a lot of sense — the book should be in comic book form. It’s not only what you do, it’s how you write, in my opinion. One thing to consider (or not): The drawings currently introducing most of the episodes are adorable and not the least bit scary — for little kids. Is there a way to go somewhere in between your usual polished comic style and the more “silly” look of the sketches. The ape is not too scary in the sketch, for example, but it could use more definition (and color) to conform to your usual style. Either way, I’m sure I’ll pick up a copy when it’s available.
Those are great points, Shannon. Yes, that is my style in writing...and it took me years to just be okay with it, honestly. The drawing style I'm looking for...hmmmm...you gave me an idea.
Maybe I should redraw the episode art...which are Ro's drawings...and those will continue through the released series. He's agreed to do them, which helps me, anyway...but yes, something a bit older, but not scary for younger kids.
I've been trying to decide how many pictures to release in the books?
How many for each chapter...so I'm searching through popular book series to see if there might be an average number, or if it's just the preference of the author?
Yep. You've got a map with each den highlighted. Now what about that same map a single, faded den symbol behind the island and just above it like a watermark on the map? Just an idea.
I think I may have confused everyone by posting that map. It was meant to be the example of the symbols available for each den. I was going to include the map IN the book, but not on the cover.
...and I'll show more of this next week when I have more developed.
For the cover idea, I think there would be too much going on to include an actual map...of any kind. That scribble example show show much needs to go on the back cover, and the front cover is, I hope, to center the event happening (Ro being chased by a Bunder).
Maps are a wonderful thing and draw attention, at least to me...so I love using maps, but unless it's the center of attention, it's likely to draw attention away from whatever else is on the cover, IMO. If you think differently, Kummer, I'd love to hear it...cause we both love maps.
Sorry for confusing everyone with the map -- I just wanted to show the different den symbols I had on this one.
QUESTION: How do you feel about having a cartoon face for my pic, instead of an actual picture?
The artwork with Ru (the little Underling on the mouse) was still in development, but I was so stressed at meeting a publishing deadline (one of my 'things'), I released it so readers could see what the main idea was...
I alove watching concepts and designing in art! Speed drawings sketches and design processes. And that foreshortened hand… very nice.
I only have one gripe (which I think will mostly be fixed when it’s finished) is there is little to go off of for a sense of scale. Without focusing on it for a second you get the impression a boy is getting chased by a giant gorilla (you know a king kong like character). Again I think this will be mostly if not completely fixed once the leaves are added to reference scale… anyway just what was going through my mind.
Yeah, leaves will be added, and I'm playing with some reference to Ru as well, but I'm trying to keep the focus on Ro. This is being done in layers, even in color, using smaller strokes of ink, so I can keep the comic book feel to it that I love.
As I've told every client since 1986..."the details come out in the ink".
I love the map, and the symbols make a lot of sense — the book should be in comic book form. It’s not only what you do, it’s how you write, in my opinion. One thing to consider (or not): The drawings currently introducing most of the episodes are adorable and not the least bit scary — for little kids. Is there a way to go somewhere in between your usual polished comic style and the more “silly” look of the sketches. The ape is not too scary in the sketch, for example, but it could use more definition (and color) to conform to your usual style. Either way, I’m sure I’ll pick up a copy when it’s available.
Those are great points, Shannon. Yes, that is my style in writing...and it took me years to just be okay with it, honestly. The drawing style I'm looking for...hmmmm...you gave me an idea.
Maybe I should redraw the episode art...which are Ro's drawings...and those will continue through the released series. He's agreed to do them, which helps me, anyway...but yes, something a bit older, but not scary for younger kids.
I've been trying to decide how many pictures to release in the books?
How many for each chapter...so I'm searching through popular book series to see if there might be an average number, or if it's just the preference of the author?
Thank you for the feedback, Shannon =)
Helped me a lot.
You get what the girl is saying, right?
Somewhere in the middle, like between Lili on a bad hair day....and Monkey when he's grumpy.
To me it seems like it would be fun to use a faded den design per cover.
Okay, you have my attention, Kummer....what do you mean by a faded den design?
Like a map?
Yep. You've got a map with each den highlighted. Now what about that same map a single, faded den symbol behind the island and just above it like a watermark on the map? Just an idea.
I think I may have confused everyone by posting that map. It was meant to be the example of the symbols available for each den. I was going to include the map IN the book, but not on the cover.
...and I'll show more of this next week when I have more developed.
For the cover idea, I think there would be too much going on to include an actual map...of any kind. That scribble example show show much needs to go on the back cover, and the front cover is, I hope, to center the event happening (Ro being chased by a Bunder).
Maps are a wonderful thing and draw attention, at least to me...so I love using maps, but unless it's the center of attention, it's likely to draw attention away from whatever else is on the cover, IMO. If you think differently, Kummer, I'd love to hear it...cause we both love maps.
Sorry for confusing everyone with the map -- I just wanted to show the different den symbols I had on this one.
QUESTION: How do you feel about having a cartoon face for my pic, instead of an actual picture?
I think a cartoon face for your picture would be perfect! It would fit in with the comic book feel in my opinion.
It's kinda what I was wondering. I think an actual photo would throw it all off...
I agree, it would
This all sounds fantastic
No suggestions?
I hope your grand daughter has enjoyed the story so far? (smile)
She has, I think. Sometimes hard to tell in a non verbal little one. But she's quiet and attentive during reading time, which is unusual and lovely.
So glad to hear it =)
...been thinking about crafting a coloring book for this series.
Makes good sense
I love giant rats! The art is so on point for kids, so animated!
Thanks DM! Welcome to our little community =)
Thank you! So happy to be here. :)
This is beautiful work. Some really great draftsmanship here. That first image of the girl riding the mouse reminds me of an 80’s cartoon called The Littles. Here’s the wikipedia page if you haven’t heard of it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Littles#:~:text=The%20Littles%20are%20a%20family,Little%20in%20the%20TV%20series).
Thanks, John. Yes, love the Littles.
The artwork with Ru (the little Underling on the mouse) was still in development, but I was so stressed at meeting a publishing deadline (one of my 'things'), I released it so readers could see what the main idea was...
It’s still great work.
I alove watching concepts and designing in art! Speed drawings sketches and design processes. And that foreshortened hand… very nice.
I only have one gripe (which I think will mostly be fixed when it’s finished) is there is little to go off of for a sense of scale. Without focusing on it for a second you get the impression a boy is getting chased by a giant gorilla (you know a king kong like character). Again I think this will be mostly if not completely fixed once the leaves are added to reference scale… anyway just what was going through my mind.
Spot on, young Padawan.
Yeah, leaves will be added, and I'm playing with some reference to Ru as well, but I'm trying to keep the focus on Ro. This is being done in layers, even in color, using smaller strokes of ink, so I can keep the comic book feel to it that I love.
As I've told every client since 1986..."the details come out in the ink".