© copyright Alicia Padron
After taking a few days to think, I finally started doodling.
I really think in pictures most of the time. I can't help it. Even when I'm writing a story I am seeing the pictures as I go along. And it's usually a picture that pops in my mind out of nowhere and then I think about the story behind it. How is it with you?
Anyway, from the several ideas that came to me, this is the one I liked the most. Please don't ask me why I thought of a girl on top of an elephant's trunk offering ice cream to a lost penguin, because I have no idea.
There is definitely a story on this. I want the postcard to first raise a question, followed by the person understanding what's going on and hopefully ending everything with a smile. :o)
I first sketched random parts of the idea on a piece of paper. I really don't think much of it. I am not trying to loose time making the perfect setting. I just try to translate the basic idea of what I had in my mind on the paper.
After I sketch some of the most important elements, I scan it and then I play with it in Photoshop. I vary the sizes. I change positions. I look and think if it's working. The sketch is not really done yet I only want to be able to set down on paper the composition.
© copyright Alicia Padron
Right now I know there will be a little boy in the boat for sure and he is going to be holding his ice cream minding his own business and the polar bear is going to be paying more attention to him than anything else and will have his tongue sticking out and paw over the edge of the boat.
The bigger boy next to him will be holding his glasses with one hand and the other will stay as is, as if he is very intrigued by what's happening.
The main girl will be leaning towards the penguin and her expression will be more of wonder, happiness and excitement.
I haven't done any of this yet, that's fine. This will come later. I really don't like to overwork a sketch until I am sure of what I am doing. I love sketches and treat them like small treasures, so I avoid going over them too much.
There are more important things to think about right now and that is what position should the run-away penguin be in?
Should I make him sad, lonely and unaware of what's going on like on this sketch?
© copyright Alicia Padron
Or should a make him standing tall with confidence, looking up with wonder at what's coming to him?
I am not sure yet. I have to think what has a better impact on the story and on the postcard.
I like the first one because I get to show sadness and loneliness. Showing emotions like these is important in storytelling and ultimately on postcards too.
© copyright Alicia Padron
I am not sure yet. I have to think what has a better impact on the story and on the postcard.
I like the first one because I get to show sadness and loneliness. Showing emotions like these is important in storytelling and ultimately on postcards too.
I also like the second one because there is sort of humor on his pose. Somehow he seems smaller visually on this one than the other one, and I like how he looks in comparison to the big elephant. I also like his reaction of.. well nothing. Its sort of funny, don't you think?
So should I go with sad or funny? I don't know yet.
Hopefully I'll know by the next post. :o)
To read the Making of a Postcard Part One click here.
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10 comments:
Alicia - so nice of you to share this process, it's really wonderful to get some insight into how other artists work.
I like the sad little penguin, because you know exactly what the NEXT moment is going to be and we anticipate it! That moment he turns and sees this boatload of new friends is just going to turn his little sad world upside-down in such a wonderful way. :)
I also take my small sketches and cut them up and move things around in photoshop - kinda cool to see others do that too!
-m
The sad one makes me feel too sad... I want the little penguin to have set off adrift on his holiday, and to have met these new friends in their jolly boat.
I like his open look - not sad, not relief or joy at being found, just 'open curiosity'. You can almost hear him thinking!
It makes me wonder what adventure they will all have next... finding someone else afloat perhaps?
But of course, it is your story to tell, and this is just my interpretation. I look forward to seeing what happens :o)
Thanks for sharing your process. I can't wait to see how the final cards look! I think your idea is great... it seems so intriguing, like it's a moment from a story you're not telling. Very cool. Love your blog!
Thanks Melinda and June!
Hmm.. you both have a point.
I like what you say Melinda because it's true. People want to see and they anticipate that moment of happiness. I even sketched a happy jumping penguin at first and that was one of my options too. But then I thought, that would be too easy. Too self explanatory. I want to create more tension, spark some more interest, you know? But you do have a point.
I agree with you too June, because I too like to see him standing there with that attitude. This image shows more of his personality rather than just being sad. Everyone can be sad, but not everyone can react this way. I like that and that is why I left it as a possibility.
Thanks so much to both of you! You've given me good things to think about :o)
Thanks so much Jane! :o)
I doubt you could go wrong either way. Adorable! I love that your sweet personality shines through in your artwork!
This is such a cute idea! I know what you mean about thinking in pictures. When I was a girl, while my father read stories to us and I would be seeing the whole story in vivid, living color in my mind. I have to write myself notes in doodles instead of lists. Thanks for sharing.
Aww.. thanks so much sweet Nina! :o)
I know exactly what you mean Fay. I remember doing that too. Still sort of do. Thank you! :o)
Thanks for sharing the process - it looks lovely already.
Thanks Brigitte! Glad you like it already :o)
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