Taylor Dolan
The Phantom of the Opera

Commissioned | Professional

Why did you make this work:
My work and experimentation often bleeds into theater production and dance. Unsurprisingly then, the final illustrations are heavily dependent on utilizing exaggerated bodies to set the tone. In the end, I published a series of pen and ink drawings full of pained bodies that wouldn't be amiss in the cabarets of Weimar Germany. They are a revelry in strong lines, curated pattern, and gargoyles.

How was the illustration used:
I was hired by The Folio Society to bring focus to the horror elements on this classic tale. That included a full binding design and forty interior illustrations. Some of which are in full color, while the chapter headings were done in black and white.

How did you make this work:
The binding and illustrations were made in the style of lithographic posters from the turn of the century, so I knew there was a certain texture that I had to find a way to capture. I desperately wanted to screenprint them, but I live deep in rural Arkansas with no access to facilities. So I flew (twice) to Chicago to gain access to a screenprinting studio, and made my final pieces there.

Commissioner Name :
Raquel Leis-Allion
Commissioner Company :
The Folio Society

Social Media:
twitter.com/taylordolanart
facebook.com/Taylor Dolan Art
instagram.com/taylordolanart

Personal Website:
taylordolanart.com/


Currently Based:
United States

Biography:
Taylor Dolan is a Trinity University alum, having graduated in 2012 with her bachelor’s degree in Art. She went on to receive her master’s degree at the Cambridge School of Art in Children’s Book Illustration. She works as a full time illustrator and author on all sorts of exciting projects from re-illustrating classics like “The Phantom of the Opera” (The Folio Society) to writing and illustrating her own series “Ghoul Scouts” (Guppy Books).

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