Children's Book Critique Please

[Catherine]

Alright. So this is a finished project. Last year my friend wrote a picture book and I illustrated it for her. The was my first ever attempt at illustrating an entire book and BOY would I do things differently next time. My mantra was Jake's "finished over perfect" and I truly think that was the ONLY reason I actually completed this project (I'm a chronic non-finisher). For the bulk of the book I focussed on super simple illustrations that wouldn't take too much time. I didn't do much back and forth with the author so most of these were fleshed out drawings from first ideas (definitely did NOT make 50 thumbs for each page).

Please keep in mind that this book isn't precious to me (it's not my idea baby) and it's also been a year since I was actively working on it. As far as moving forward constructively into my own personal children's book projects, I'd love to know your opinions for what I could stand to work on for next time as I do want to grow and become better.

For critique:

• What skills would I most benefit from working on (character design, value, colour, composition, story-telling, etc.) for future illustrations?

• what (if any) positive things stand out to you that I should continue with or do more of moving forward?

• Anything else constructive you have to say would be helpful! I feel otherwise isolated from other artists and from genuine critique and that was one of my favourite parts of school.

Thank you in advance!

[carlianne]

@catherine-affleck great job finishing a book!!! I love the style, character design and use of color.

Ones of the things that stood out to me was the girl seemed to be different sizes/ages on many of the pages which caused a little confusion for me. So character consistency could be helpful

I thought the Illustrations were pretty great! Would love to see you do more

[Jeremy Ross]

Congratulations on completing your first book @catherine-affleck! Finished, not perfect is a wonderful mantra to push forward projects; it helps me too!

I love your style and harmonious color choices. I also like how you varied the illustrations (full spreads, half spreads, vignettes and spots).

I agree with @carlianne regarding character consistency and will add that I feel the little girl looks like a grown women in some scenes. Maybe it’s the placement of her eyes a bit high on the head?

With your style, I bet watercolor washes would look really nice and make your art pop further. Check out Rebecca Green’s website for examples.

https://www.myblankpaper.com/

Again, congratulations on completing a project! On to the next one!

[reelynn]

I really love the color choices and how you have the “then and now” stuff. I also love the rabbis above the toilet paper like it the gold at the end of the rainbow! I am new to illustration so I not have anything Moore to add than what’s already said. I really think this is a great idea.

[Catherine]

@carlianne Thank you! That's super helpful to know! Definitely something I'll spend more time working on

[Catherine]

@jeremy-ross Thank you! "Maybe it’s the placement of her eyes a bit high on the head?" <— that's super helpful! I'm not going to lie that character design and consistency was something that terrified me but it's good to know things I can specifically work on. And oh yes, love love Rebecca Green. Water colour sounds intimidating but fun to experiment with. Currently only working digitally but I think with my own project it would be lovely to add at least some organic elements/texture.

Also I love your work! Do you stick to one medium for a project or mix and match?

[Jeremy Ross]

Thank you for your kind words @catherine! I mix traditional pencil and ink with digital to attempt a traditional “feel”, and traditional watercolor paper washes for backgrounds and overlays.