I added a pattern to the grass and then used layer masks to help the trees, bushes and flowers feel like the fit into the grass.
Pattern has been added to the tree tops and bushes.
To give form, I use a blue violet to add shadow to the different shapes.
Every once in a while I add a new layer and draw on top of the image and then save it. When I go back to AI (Adobe Illustrator) the template updates and I can create the additional parts that I need.
This is a screen capture from AI. It shows the template faded in the background with new vector shapes drawn on top.
The elements are copied in small groups from AI and pasted as paths in PS(photoshop). (I have painted each group a different color.) Each group is then converted into a smart object.
Because the elements are grouped as smart objects, when I double click on the layer icon in PS they open in a new window. I can have as many layers as I want in the new window, but when I save and close the window the layers appear flattened. I open each smart object and add basic color. The colors will change so for now the colors are just quick picks from the swatch pallet.
I am beginning a series of four images that involve the same snowman in each of the four seasons. In my book, Un-Brella, a little girl can control the weather and so she can have a snowman year-round. Some of the illustrators out there may be interested in my process. I am saving key frames and making some basic comments. If you have questions I will try to answer them.
I start with a simple drawing that functions as a plan. I need to know the approximate size and placement of the elements.
Then I import the drawing into Adobe Illustrator as a template and use the drawing tools to construct the basic shapes.
Once the shapes are drawn I copy and paste each element into Adobe Photoshop individually as paths. I make a layer for each element (each tree, bush or snowman) and fill with a flat color. Then I convert them each into smart objects.
Then I add a drop shadow behind each layer to separate the different elements. At this point I can see the basic composition and move things around and adjust sizes as necessary.
I will have more progress tommorow.
I am getting started with the promotion of my first book and so everything is new to me. I have been handing cards with my web address out like candy, sending e-mails to friends and family, maintaining a web site, posting a book trailer to YouTube, blogging here on Blogger and on the Un-Brella page on Amazon.com, attending conferences and visiting libraries and bookstores. All of this and the book doesn’t come out until April 3, 2007. I am really excited about Un-Brella and want to give it a chance.
It will be interesting to see what works. My book trailer was featured today on Book Trailer Park. I have made a DVD with the book trailer and a slideshow that I sent to the publisher. I had fun today making the packages and labels for the DVD. I sent them to my editor this afternoon.
I did find out that it is really easy to set up a book signing at Barnes and Nobel. I took my book in just to show the people in the children’s department so that when it came in they would remember it. Within minutes I was asked if I wanted to do a book signing. The strange thing was that they didn’t even look at my book before asking the question. Which means that anyone can get a book signing!
I wonder what will happen when the book comes out . . .
Here is a final version of my book trailer for Un-Brella. It is featured today on Book Trailer Park. I hope that you enjoy it. If you do be sure to tell a friend about it. Un-Brella is being published by Roaring Brook Press and will be available April 3, 2007.
Roaring Brook sent me two wonderful surprises today 2 hard bound copies of Un-Brella and the Spring 2007 Catalog. Every day the birth of Un-Brella is a step closer. It is so great to hold the finished book. (Not quite as good as a new baby, but pretty close) I have lived with this story for two years and now it is going out into the world on its own.
I was leaving my house on my way to my office at the University this afternoon and when I opened the front door there was a package from Roaring Brook Press. I thought it was the catalog and so I was very surprised to open the package and discover 2 perfect bound copies of Un-Brella. No one was home to share the joy with and so I headed for the school and showed it to some of my students. I hope when I look back at this book years from now I still like it.
I signed one of the copies for my wife Brenda to whom I dedicated the book. I couldn’t have done the book without her help and encouragement. It was fun to give it to her! (I think I need to work on my signature though, and figure out where to sign Un-Brella).
Have a great day everyone, I am!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am looking forward to attending the Mazza Museum Weekend Institute 2006. This year the speakers are, Tedd Arnold,
I gave my daughter the Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You (Spiderwick Chronicles)
Smoke: Feline P.I.
When you just need to know, Smoke the Feline P.I., is the cat for the job. This is an UnBook not written by Scott E Franson. But you never know, one day when you least expect it at your local bookstore—Smoke, will be there.
UnBooks are a creative exersize for me. Each Friday morning I wake up and go to www.illustrationfriday.com to see what the new word is. Then over the course of the day I develop a book cover, usually for a children’s picture book, with an occasional novel. It is a nice opportunity to experiment and have fun. Before this morning, I had never met Smoke, the Feline P.I., and now I have a new character that can begin to inhabit my stories. I kind of like this cat. He is here for me whenever I need some company, and he doesn’t eat.
I have enjoyed creating this image. I hope that you enjoy it!
Another small step forward. Last night I discovered that my book is now available at Amazon.com for pre-order.
The original idea for the book came in a dream in April of 2005. I dreamed an image of a girl dressed in rain gear walking with an umbrella. Underneath the unbrella it was raining and she was splashing in puddles, but the rest of the image was a beautiful clear summer day. I woke my wife up, (I know, not nice) and asked her to help me remember this really cool dream. From April to late June I worked on the story idea and put together a dummy for a conference, (Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, the very best workshop/conference I have ever attended) that I attended at Brigham Young University in Utah. At the workshop with Eric Rohmann, he an the class helped me workout a critical transition in the story.
Then it happened for me. Eric asked if he could take the story to show his publisher, Roaring Brook Press. Well of course I said as calmly as I could, but inside I was saying, “YES! YES!! YES!!! Within 2 months I had a contract and started working on finishing the art work. There were ups and downs in the process, but for the most part it was a fabulous experience. I delivered the final artwork on April 17, 2006. What a relief to have finished such a big project. Roaring Brook Press is an amazing publisher to work with, just amazing!
After the artwork was finished, the blues set in. I had been so occupied for several months with finishing the book and then all of a sudden It seemed like I had nothing to do. I couldn’t come up with another story. There is a year wait between finished artwork and the publication date. “I don’t want to be patient” (Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas)
And to finish where I started, I am on Amazon.com!
I am having a great day. I hope the same for you.
An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.
Un-Brella | What if instead of an umbrella you had an UN-brella? Imagine that when this unbrella was opened it suddenly made the world around you change in exciting ways. Open up this book to find out how one little girl's unbrella changes her world.
Digital painting | experimental digital paintings
A-Line | a limited edition series of digital drawings
Life in Lyman | stamps from my wonderfully ordinary life
A doodle-a-day | 100 daily doodles