While I’m writing, I might have an idea for an illustration creep into my head. But really, for the most part, I leave it until the end when the final draft is done. I’ll then go through the story with my notebook and scribble ideas for the images. I might work the sketches up a little bit from scrawl to something resembling a picture, and I send them in for approval. At this point it’s very likely that I’ll have had to start on the same process for the cover, as it is usually the first piece of art to get done (so it can be used to promote the book.) Once feedback is received, I get on with the final images.
There are technical things to consider - like not making the images too black-heavy as they print darker than the screen image and the ink might rub off on the opposite page (this is tough as I love black). Then you have to consider (carefully) what you think should be shown, and what should be left up to the imagination of the reader. In the examples here you can see how I’ve used wind or mist or trees to bring more white in, using the black only where necessary. I love working in grayscale, and I love the challenge that limiting the darker hues gives me. After composition, light and shadow are all-important. The samples also show the images I really want to be clear on - how the ogre looks, or the chaos of Ayla’s power, or how strong Fergus really is. The rest is up to the reader.
I am lucky with my job titles, not because I have achieved my dream, but because they are so harmonious with each other - practically the very same thing - and that makes it easy for me to get lost in either, or both. And I’m happiest when I’m lost in a story.
A Cage of Roots (978-1847176813) and Storm Weaver by Matt Griffin, books one and two in the Ayla trilogy, are published by the O’Brien Press, price £7.99 each.
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