WIA
WIA


Enter NowWIA The AOI Di
2024 | Longlist | Book Covers
  • pronoun
    she/her
  • Why did you create this work?
    My student project questioned how illustration can evoke more empathy towards street dogs in Sri Lanka, a country where the perception is that human issues get priority (eg no animal welfare laws yet). The picture book aims to foster a love of dogs in kids by looking at how humans, animals and nature are all connected - that it is not a case of helping one instead of the other, but all together.
  • How were your illustrations used?
    I used this piece to nail down the visual language of the rest of the book. It shows information gathered through observational drawing, and combines this more experimental approach with somewhat traditional character design. I now use this as a portfolio piece along with some spreads of the book. I hope to get it published one day.
  • What materials and techniques did you use?
    The observational sketches of jungle trees were done using watercolours, followed by cutting, colouring, final layout, typography, and the illustration of Jungle the dog on Procreate. The background texture was also done on Procreate. I prefer starting illustrations on traditional media as it captures a certain spontaneity, and then finessing them digitally.
  • Was this project commissioned?
    Un-commissioned
  • Agent
    N/A
  • Agent Instagram
    N/A
  • College / University
    Falmouth University
  • Course and graduation date
    MA Illustration, part-time online, August 2024
  • Personal Website or Portfolio Link
    3mongrels.cargo.site/
  • Instagram
    @3mongrels
  • X (formerly Twitter)
    @SamW3Mongrels
  • Biography
    Sam is a Sri Lankan illustrator who loves making visuals for young audiences, especially picture books and comics. Her favourite things to draw are dogs, plants, and people. She has a BA in graphic design, and has just completed an MA illustration at Falmouth University via their online programme. She is new to the industry and hopes to make great strides in publishing soon.
  • Where are you currently based?
    Sri Lanka
Sam WeerawardaneSamWeerawardane_Jungle of the Jungle_image1