A slice of drafts

I’ve been doing some sketches and drafts for a book cover illustration for my friend, which I am showing here. These were all rejected ones, hence I can share them with you!

The process was definitely fun for me. This was the first time I actually attempted something like this, which a big thing, because I am not a professional illustrator. Quite a lot of people have asked me whether I am an illustrator or an artist, and I don’t think I’ve quite reached that stage yet. I’m still figuring out my own style and hoping to see it solidify as I progress, before I can firmly say that I am either.

I’m going to be drawing up another set, and hopefully if it gets published, I’ll be able to share them with you all!

One thing I did learn was that constant practice is essential to get ahead, and it’s something that I keep repeating to myself everyday. A good yardstick that I measure myself with is my bird drawings. They seem more organic and less forced the more I worked on them! 🙂

+ Here’s an interesting article by Shaun Tan about the creative process, and the question of what originality is.

Claudine Hellmuth

Evie Felt the Ring Slide on Her Finger – original cigar box collage

Doing the Dishes — reproduction on wood

Have you seen the quirky work of collage artist Claudine Hellmuth before? I love her palette of colors and the 50s — 60s vibe from her old photos (which came from her own collection, by the way).

You can buy her prints and original cigar box collage art at her Etsy shop, and she also does commissions too.