eperezart
Ellie Perez
AUB Visual Communication Lvl 6
470 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
bythelanelines
by the lane lines
drops-of-time
its an eternal storm
missadventuretraveler-blog
miss/adventuretraveler
lishaneys
and that's the damage
transjimlakejunior
Protag Energy
Text
Test printing
Originally I was going to send the book to uni print so that I know it would be printed in good quality and not have any mess-ups. However, from doing this test print I am really happy with how it turned out. With help from Jordy, I was able to print onto 300gsm allowing the cover to be a thicker consistency of the pages, which are 120gsm. The printer picked up the colours really well and the prints were of really good quality. If I was to print on my own again I would choose a glossy paper for the cover so that the colours really pop like they do in the rest of the book.
Slight changes
Whilst I was figuring out how to do the end splash pages I have managed to swap the pages around so that half the image cuts off at the spine rather than the end of the page. I will have to go through and swap this around. I will also be making the note from the author a smaller font and moving it away from the spine every so slightly so that it does not get cut off due to the perfect binding.
1 note
·
View note
Text
Creating a message from the Author
Having really struggled with nightmares myself I wanted to make sure that through the book I was able to make a connection with the readers. To show them that everyone finds nightmares scary and that they do not need to struggle alone. Throughout the book, the illustrations of Ted have been created from a reference of my own companion that after all these years still brings me comfort.
The message at the end is to reassure the readers that they're not alone and that their fears are valid, that even grown-ups sometimes get scared and that's ok.
So I wrote a small note for the end of the book, including an image of the real Ted, to show that this bedtime story is not only a source of comfort to help sleep but also a message and reassurance that with enough bravery and strength, they will always be able to face their fears and they never have to face them alone.
0 notes
Text
Creating the copyright and end pages
For the "this book belongs to page" I created a simple border using the fairy lights seen throughout the book, keeping it minimalistic so that it fits in with the rest of the story's layout. Originally I wanted to try to add more to the page but I found that no layout was working and it was too overcrowded. The fairy lights tie into all the end pages to help with consistency.
Having spoken to some of my friends on illustration I was able to get a better idea on how to create a copyright page and what I need to put in one. Having not done this in my previous children's book adding a page like this makes it look really professional. Adding a small dedication to the top of the page helped to create a hierarchy and add my own personal touch to the final outcome.
The end pages were a little bit harder. I was really struggling with what imagery I could include to create a pattern. It wasn't until I spoke to my peers that I realised I could use the illustrations of the dreams to create a consistent pattern throughout the double-page spread. Having the dreams slightly bigger and bleeding off the page created a much better layout and tied the whole spread together.
These are pages which I had not thought to include in previous submissions. If I were to go back to my work I would add pages like this in so that I can create a more professional layout. I always felt like it was missing something and now thanks to feedback I will be able to go back and adjust my previous book.
0 notes
Text
Front cover design
Using some of my favourite illustrations from within the book I experimented with potential ideas for front covers. I added more type to the back cover as I continued with my experiments and found that I was able to define a better hierarchy and create a more refined look, eventually settling on the image that is presented last.
Edit: upon looking at the designs I realised I wrote "adventure" instead of "routine" I will correct this in future edits
0 notes
Text
Final refined pages
These are the final spreads for my story. I am really happy with how they have adapted and changed throughout the process. I am also really happy with how the imagery turned out. Having not used this style before I feel as though I have been able to execute it quite well and that you can see where I have grown more confident with each adaptation.
Although these are the final spreads for the story I do have a few more pages that I need to create:
Front and back cover
End pages
Copyright pages
Message from author
0 notes
Text
Experimenting with typography
Allowing myself to be more creative with the typography on the spreads has created a far more engaging layout. The typography now no longer sits next to the imagery but flows alongside the story being told.
0 notes
Text
Adding typography
As I began to add the typography it started off very blockish and wasn't very playful. As I went through the spreads I began experimenting more allowing the typography to become more free-flowing and creative. Remembering the advice I received in my tutorial I will be going back on the previous spreads to make adjustments to the typography.
I also think I need to break up the 4th spread. Making it two pages will allow for the illustrations to be seen better as at the moment they are cancelling out and overpowering each other. I think by having them on two separate spreads I will also be able to distinguish a bigger difference between the nightmares and dreams.
0 notes
Text
Detailed spreads
These are the final refined pages created in procreate. Through this I was able to define their expressions and facial features so that they weren't too washed out from the painting. I was also able to add further details like fairy lights on the bed and the glow from the lamp to allow the story to flow through the imagery as well as the text.
0 notes
Text
Creating the layout in photoshop
After scanning the paintings I used the magnetic lasso tool in photoshop to remove them from their backgrounds. I then proceeded to use my storyboards to create the layouts that I wanted for each spread.
I will now be taking these spreads into procreate to add further detail and adjust any mistakes that I have made while painting.
0 notes
Text
Water colour scans
After creating my storyboard I used it as a guide to create the physical assets for my spreads. I will now take these scans into procreate so that I can add final details and then I will use InDesign to layout the text and pages
0 notes
Text
Storyboard
Following the story through I was able to sketch out an idea of what I want the pages to look like. Although some parts, especially the text, will change this gives me a good idea of how I want to move forward and what to start painting
0 notes
Text
Changing things according to feedback
The story:
In my tutorial, it was recommended that I change the story to first person so that it has a more personal and soothing approach. This way the message is coming straight from Otto and doesn't change the narrative throughout:
When the sun sets low and the stars twinkle bright,
I snuggle in bed, ready for the night.
But before my adventures in Dreamland begin,
I follow a routine to help me settle in.
First, I brush my teeth, bright and clean,
Then I pick out a story, a magical scene.
In my cozy pajamas, snug as a bug,
I get ready for a bedtime hug.
With Ted by my side, my faithful friend,
I start to tell him, beginning to end.
"Tonight, my mind will take me on a ride,
In dreams so wild, with no need to hide.
"When I go to sleep, my dreams like to roam,
In the sky or under the sea, far from home.
But sometimes, Ted, my dreams aren't kind,
Monsters lurk, and my friends aren’t nearby.
“Then I wake up, I see you near,
holding you close, knowing I'm safe now you're here,
'It was just a dream,' I say with all my might,
'I'm awake now, all is alright.'
"Sometimes, I turn on the light,
to check my room, that everything is right.
No monsters hiding, nothing to fear,
Just toys and books, all near and dear.
"Then back to bed, with you by my side,
Feeling safe and warm, no need to hide.
But sometimes, even with all that might,
I just need Mum to hold me tight.
"Her gentle touch, her soothing voice,
Helps me relax, knowing no monsters will come back.
I know my dreams aren't real, it's true,
But even then, they can be scary too."
So, with Ted by my side and Mum’s love so near,
I drift off, without any fear.
Dreaming of adventures, in lands far and wide,
With Ted and Mum, right by my side.
If you’re struggling with scary dreams just like me
remember they're not all they turn out to be
the monsters aren't real, you're safe in your bed
You have so much bravery, now rest your head.
Repeat three times with all your might,
it was just a dream, I’m awake now all is alright
hug your friend close and take deep breaths in
you're safe and sound now no monsters have been.
I also changed some words that may have been too complex and made it easier to read.
Primary school teachers response:
Upon sending my story to a few primary school teachers that I know these were their responses:
"From reading your story I believe that the audience would be suitable for 5-7 year olds. Obviously, kids are capable of reading all different levels however from basing it as similar to something like the Gruffalo it is something 5-7 year olds tend to lean towards and would enjoy reading."
Opening up the audience:
From the feedback I have received from my tutors, it was recommended that I lower the target audience. However, from the feedback I received from primary school teachers it was hitting the 5-6 target audience that I was trying to achieve.
Due to this, I have decided to open up my target audience so that it can be used to soothe children of all ages who are struggling with nightmares. From the ages of 1-3, the book's rhyming narrative can be used to help soothe children to sleep and begin to reinforce the message behind the story in helping to face the fears of nightmares. Then from the ages of 4-6 children will be able to take in the message and understand the meaning more. They will be able to use the preventative and reactive messages throughout the story to help them face their fears. I have now changed my target audience to 1-6 year olds.
0 notes
Text
A first look into the pages and feedback
Good use of illustration
Change brain to mind or head
wild to lovely
get a bit more feedback from primary teachers maybe open the audience up so it can go to younger audiences maybe 1-3
Make narration from Otto might help it flow
make the repeat part of the story
use space more it doesn't need to be stuck to a grid
maybe more stuff in the background - colour wash
1 note
·
View note
Text
Deciding on a book size
Upon researching I found that most children's books are 20x25cm. I also created one of 16x24cm and created a quick sketch of what the first page could potentially look like. Deciding that the usual children's size book was best for what I wanted to create
0 notes
Text
Researching storyboards and children's book design
Using the book "The Bloomsbury Guide to Creating Illustrated Children's Books" by Desdemona McCannon, Sue Thornton and Yadzia Williams I was able to research storyboarding for children's books and the page dynamics that I will need to recreate in my own book.
The only thing I need to do now is choose a size for the book I wish to create and then I will be able to move forward with storyboarding and planning my pages. For my typeface, I will be using 'schoolbook' as I believe out of the recommendations it is the easiest one to read.
0 notes
Text
Mum's character design
Water colour
Developments on procreate
With both my primary and secondary research I feel as though I have really been able to develop my illustration skills and create a good beginning look at my characters.
From here I am going to be able to move forward with storyboarding and working on the pages in my book. I hope to be able to reuse some elements within the book so that when it comes to painting I will be able to paint things individually and being to layer them into a scene.
1 note
·
View note
Text
Researching into expression
Using the book "The Bloomsbury Guide to Creating Illustrated Children's Books" by Desdemona McCannon, Sue Thornton and Yadzia Williams I was able to get a better idea into illustrating expression. They provide a majority of examples for different expressions and how to create them. From this I will be using their examples to help me design Mums character.
I also looked on Pinterest to see a further use of expression in illustration.
I also used the film 'Zootopia' by Disney as a form of research as well. All of the characters in the film are animals and it was interesting how they animate and illustrate expression throughout. Within the film, they also have two otters who make a recurring appearance and I have been able to use them as a form to guide my own illustrations.
This research won't only help me with the character design but also with the rest of the book.
0 notes