So, here we are—working on the final artwork during this cold, snowy week in January. I’ve ‘finished’ the first spread and have started working on the second. I love this part of the process!

Although many illustrators seem to prefer working digitally using software such as Procreate, Photoshop and Illustrator, I’m using ink and watercolour for this book. As mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been a graphic designer for over 20 years now, which means I spend most of my days designing corporate or marketing campaign layouts, websites, logos, etc. on my computer. I love my job but part of the thing that appeals most to me about creating picture books is stepping away from the computer and doing the artwork by hand.

For these spreads, I’m using the thumbnails and dummy book that I made last week as reference to draw the final artwork in pencil on 9″x12″ watercolour paper. Once I’m satisfied with the composition, I ink the lines with a fine point permanent marker, and then start adding colour with watercolour paint.

They say that you should only do the final artwork for two or three spreads since your editor and publisher will want to make changes if they decide to publish your book, but since I’m new to this, I think I’ll start working my way through all of the spreads for practice if nothing else, while waiting to hear back from the publishers and possibly agents that I’ll start reaching out to soon.