Sketch Progress for New Book Project

Back in September (that was a long time ago!) I started on a new book project, now titled Dimplemeyer's Design, that was put aside for awhile during the holidays so I could finish some other projects with more strict deadlines. Fortunately for me, the author of this book was gracious enough to allow me to take a break. Now I'm back on the project working on the final sketches before I start painting. Here's the evolution of one of the sketches from thumbnail to (almost) final sketch. I will be posting a few more in the next few weeks.

Thumbnail sketch just to get the gist of the narrative and idea.

Slightly more developed sketch with atmosphere and detail in the character. The stereotypical gesture of the character isn't doing it for me. But sometimes you just need to get it out of your system. That's what sketches are for.

Setting the composition. Still not satisfied with the character's actions...

Tight, detailed sketch fixing a lot of problems with proportion, composition, narrative, etc. Now the character is holding a dying flower which recalls an earlier event and also holds some symbolism in the story. (Hurray for symbolism!)

That's as far as I've gotten so far on this sketch. Next is to add value/lighting, and color before I can move on to the final painting. I'll need to finish all the sketches before I can do any painting, so that wont be for awhile. Plus I will be taking a month off to backpack through Europe with my husband (WOOHOO!) so that will put a hold on things even more. This book WILL be finished this fall (I'm determined!) and hopefully published shortly after. But we'll see how things play out. More to come!

Camp Gilligan Marketing Materials

Finishing up on some marketing materials for Camp Gilligan Christian Day Camp. I did a tri-fold Brochure, new Business Cards, a Letterhead, and Postcards. I might be doing some other small things like signs and such later, but this is the main stuff! I went for an "up-in-the-trees" feel with bright (and light) colors to go along with the website banner. The website has a more "down-to-earth" feel but was a little too dark for printed media.

This looks like such a fun camp! If I were a kid, I'd want to go! Visit the Camp Gilligan website at www.campgilligan.org.

Camp Gilligan Website

For the last 2 weeks I've been working on editing a website for Camp Gilligan. Someone else started the design (from a template), I just made some changes/edits and did a few redesigns on the logo/banner. Nevertheless, I'm proud of it, and it's now Live for everyone to see!

I don't necessarily consider myself a web designer, even though I did do my own website. But I can get by and after this project I've learned so much more! And now I'm a lot more familiar with Wordpress. I'm even thinking about revamping my own website...we'll see if I can find the time.

Camp Gilligan is a Christian Day Camp in Orange County that started last summer. Last year went so well that they are revamping the website and all their promotional materials, which I get the pleasure of doing for them! I did the original logo design last year. It will be fun to revisit such a fun project and make it even better!

Check out the website yourself! www.campgilligan.com
 

BE LITTLE Book Now Available!

My latest book cover is now available! Really excited about this one!...probably more so for the book itself than my art, although I'm proud of that too! It is a middle-grade novel by Chris Karim, whose story addresses the topic of bullying and the courage to overcome it. A great book for boys, in my opinion. It made me really excited and inspired to illustrate the cover. What a privilege!

Author, Chris Karim, started his own website for children (Letkidslead.com) as he starts his career as a children's author. This novel will be his first self-published book and certainly not his last! He is very passionate about his book and the message it gives. (I must say that I am passionate about it too)

Be Little is available at the Letkidslead.com bookstore as a printed book as well as Kindle version.

Vulture Verses

After a full month of nothing but painting, designing, and lots of tea and coffee, Vulture Verses is done and ready to print! WEEE!! Actually, there is still time for small edits before it goes to print, but the bulk of the work is done. I'm really excited to see it all done and in book form. Unfortunately, it doesn't come out until September, but that's ok. I'll just have to be patient I guess. There are a bunch of fun events planned to kick off the release of the book. I hope I'll be available to be involved! The biggest learning experience for me during this project was definitely the printing process and preparing for it. But that just helps me to know better for next time....and I believe there are thoughts and rumors of a second Vulture Verses book after this. Fingers are crossed!

Here are a few of my favorites from the book. There are plenty more to love if  you get the book! Let's love our unloved animal friends!

Vulture Verses Covers

Oh, hello. I haven't seen you in awhile! I've been crazy busy getting work done for a deadline at the end of January. I need to complete a painting a day to finish on time. But since I haven't posted anything in FOREVER and I was so excited to have finished a few paintings, I thought I'd take a few minutes to share what I'm up to.

I'm currently working on 3 books. Vulture Verses, a book from a small publisher in Pasadena is my first one. I started it in October. I just finished the paintings for the front and back cover last night, so here they are. The text colors will likely change, but probably not too much. Next I will start on the interior paintings. I'll post a few of my favorites as I complete them. I'm illustrating AND designing/laying out this book, so it's really exciting but a lot of pressure! The book will be out this Fall!

The oh-so-sweet and creative Diane Lang wrote all the poems in the story. Check out her website!

I'm also working on a middle-grade chapter book cover. I have to squish it into my painting schedule this month. I'll finish sketching it in my in-between times when I'm prepping canvases and such. I'll be posting that as soon as I get the ok.

Comparing Apples to Apples

Yesterday I redid a painting. I sold my original apple painting at a silent auction and the second bidder also really wanted it, so I offered to paint him another original...I personally think the second apple came out a little better.