Sketching is a hugely important part of the illustrator’s creative process, functioning as a way to experiment, express thoughts and ideas on the page, and to refine and distill ideas to a stage where they can be developed further.
Featuring a range of sketches, from a very first pencil sketch, to digital drawings, explore how illustrators take the seed of an idea, and use their sketches as a way to grow it into a final project.
See inside Bart’s sketchbook, using a range of techniques to develop his illustrations.
Nathalie’s creative process and thinking can be clearly seen in these first thumbnail sketches..
Digital sketches show Patti’s experimental approach to creating her illustration.
Lucia’s initial sketches experimenting with colour and layout, that were later incorporated into a printed gallery guide.
Jan’s first sketches (top row) evolved into the final rough (below), in a composition that is very close tot he final artwork.
Rosie’s detailed storyboards and sketches for her riso printed graphic novel.
Experimental sketches for a book cover design, exploring the motifs and typography to be used.
Ding Ding’s incredibly detailed sketches play with perspective and composition, before being worked into the final pieces.
Anna’s sketches are an exploration of formto create her abstract layered illustrations.
Jonny Glover’s mural is created by sketching, then hand drawing onto the wall, and finally painted in situ, in collaboration with staff and residents.
Naomi’s initial sketch is presented next to the final cover artwork.
From top left: initial idea, to refined sketch, top right, to the final illustration.
Pencil sketches that were developed into the final digital artwork.
Fernando’s sketches shown in the correct placement for a wraparound cover.