Here are some 'grabs' from work towards a portfolio piece. I am just finishing off images to head up some manuscripts I have written.
I purposefully kept the character anonymous, I like the idea that Shaun Tan moots (thebirdking.blogspot.com) of allowing the reader to decide who the character is. The book intends to engage readers of all ages - the boy simply gets older through the book and this is denoted by the evolution of his form and the appearance of his face as he begins to have a relationship with himself. See the final piece below. I am looking to combine detail and ambiguity. The letters in the ballon could do with a little more contrast.
The simplicity and texture in the character came from looking through the beautiful work of Grace Hawes who has some gorgeous and provocative images - http://gracehawes.com/Heart-of-Darkness-II - She was shortlisted for the folio Society's annual illustration competition. http://www.foliosociety.com. That would be worth submitting to. Which way is the boy heading - towards or away from the city?
Heading away from the dark, grey city I reckon! Up, up and away. Love this series.
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