Children's book illustrations - feedback please

[iArtist]

I am in the process of creating some book illustrations for some dark children's stories (more children's stories for adults than actual stories for children!) and would like some feedback please. The stories were written by someone I know very well and they are hoping to publish via lulu.com. A sort of self-publish thingy.

The pictures of course do not make sense without the accompanying text but to help, the singing moon cows are part of a sci-fi style short story and the girl in the cave is part of a dark..eventually unhappy ending story of shattered dreams. I'ev tried to reflect the creepy nature of the shattered dreams story by manipulating the colours and lighting of my original hand-drawn picture. The first pic is just meant to look lively and fun.

Thanks in advance for feedback.

All feedback very much appreciated.

Many thanks

Leah

 

[scribe]

I like them. I think they really stand out, you've done a really good job.

 

[iArtist]

Thank you

I'm trying different techniques with some editing software I have. It's great for manipulating the colours for different effects. Pic two is very much different in appearance for example to the hand drawn pic. when unedited.

 

[Vending Siting Services]

I like them too.

The colourful cows remind me of the Clangers! I loved the Clangers.

Barbara

 

[scribe]

Out of interest what software are you using.

 

[iArtist]

I like them too.

The colourful cows remind me of the Clangers! I loved the Clangers.

Barbara

Me too! Maybe there was some sub-conscious influence there

 

[iArtist]

Out of interest what software are you using.

A program I bought (allegedly) for my children

Toonworks
http://www.ikesoftware.com/products/toonworks.php

It's very easy to use (for children after all!)

 

[MikeD08]

I have to admit, I'm quite impressed. Being a bit of a comic book geek the quality of artwork will affect what I buy (unless it's an 'older' book such as Marvel essentials) and the same applies to a certain extent when buying books for my son.

Yup, I rather like your work here - a big improvement on your usual stuff.

 

I love them! I think they're fab!

Well done!

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Very good work.Keep it up.Hope it goes well for you.

 

[iArtist]

Thank you guys and gals

I am going to get some 'proper' paper today (I've been using very cheap printer paper would you believe!) so I can have a dabble with water colours.

Hopefully my art will continue to evolve and transform.

 

They are very good! You have a really unique style there but it's really striking. Well done

 

[iArtist]

Thank you Claire

 

[iArtist]

I've had a go with felt tips today re drawing modern style cartoon characters, this is my fashion piece.

Here we have hip chic, school-run-mum, emo kid and chav.

I can't believe how much good felt tips cost these days!!! Nearly £2 each.

This is a new style of drawing for me, not sure if I like it.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

I like it, especially the black shadowing.

 

[cmcp]

I really like the kids style ones, I think they'd be a hit if you made them really weird and abstract, like the creepy salad fingers cartoons and stuff that used to be about. My mate's always sending me mind bending sick photoshoppery from b3ta, and I quite like the ones that just don't make sense (like horses wearing gas masks with baby bodies for feet).

 

[iArtist]

I really like the kids style ones, I think they'd be a hit if you made them really weird and abstract, like the creepy salad fingers cartoons and stuff that used to be about. My mate's always sending me mind bending sick photoshoppery from b3ta, and I quite like the ones that just don't make sense (like horses wearing gas masks with baby bodies for feet).

ooh

I tell you what, my favourite all time artist is Salvador Dali and many years ago (15 ish) I used him for inspiration for a few pics I drew using oil crayons and meths. Not sure if meths is a common thing or not, but I used to use to create lovely effects. Can't really recall how now, so long ago, but yes I do enjoy weird creepy art, not sure about baby bits though

I shall definitely try this idea of yours!!

I've got a semi weird one here I quite like. I call it 'queue'.

A mix of felt tips and painting crayon.

I've drawn a more detailed one since doing this and called it

'crowd'

lol

 

[dingbat]

Cool illustrations. You've got some talent. I can draw bunny wabbits if you need any help.

 

[iArtist]

Cool illustrations. You've got some talent. I can draw bunny wabbits if you need any help.

Thanks

I am going to dabble next in some quick black and white sketches. I have some crude versions of the 'Love is' cartoons swimming about in my head. Every rotten thing I have to put up with cos I love 'im, type of thing.

I bet peeps here can think of some good ones for that!

For example:

Love is:

Putting toilet seat down after you pee - chaps!

 

[iArtist]

Love is:

Putting toilet seat down after you pee - chaps!

 

[iArtist]

Hello

I wonder if I could be very cheeky and ask those who left lovely comments here to add them to my brand new feedback form (created half a second ago) on my site (front page). It all helps!! Many thanks in advance

Leah xx

 

[Bri]

Leah, they are just brill. I like the inverted colours of the earlier post. You definately have a distinct style too. You should get a few commissions from here.

 

[iArtist]

I've finally had a go at shading on the pc

I took an older pic (as seen here) and shaded using free drawing software Pixia.

I have now gone technicolour bonkers!!