Illustration Techniques
Step 7: Colorization Technique- "Drawing Like a Printmaker"
Once I developed the pencil sketches, I began to apply color to key illustrations in the book. My approach combines traditional and digital techniques in a process I have named "Drawing Like a Printmaker."
First, I scanned the original pencil drawing and printed it on watercolor paper. Then on the print, I painted with watercolor and popped details with colored pencils to achieve highlights, blending, and texture. I scratched with sand paper and Xacto knife.
Next, to polish details and the characters' facial features, I scanned the painting and digitally overlayed it with the pencil drawing. Finally, I made edits to color and value contrasts using ProCreate and Photoshop techniques for the best printing results.
Step 8: Rationale for Black and White, Color Interior Illustrations
Traditionally picture book interior spreads are full-color. I chose to combine black and white with color illustrations to heighten the dramatic moments of the story.
Step 9: Lighting and Seasons
Throughout the book, changes in the light, color, and atmosphere of the New Englad farmstead setting create an immersive sense of the ravens' world. These illustrations are based on my direct observations of how seasonal lighting, time of day, and weather conditions affect the landscape's appearance.
