Front Cover Design

  I scanned the different layers I did with ink into photoshop.

 i then deleted the background by changing the threshold so it was fully black and white. i then used the magic wand tool to select the white background and deleted it.

 i changed the colour for each of the layers. i changed the colour of the leaves to three different shades and the body of the ladybird to red.

 i placed all the layers onto one photoshop and layered and lined them up.

I used the paintbrush to create the splodgey effect. I again used three different shades of green to create interest in the background.

i used a fine paintbrush tool to add the black parts of the lady bird in.

Copy then Emulate 2

I found an image on Pinterest which I liked and then I decided to copy it in ink and edit it on photoshop.

I drew the image out in my sketch book. I pressed heavily so that it was easier to see and be able to paint the ink onto normal paper by tracing.

I used black ink to paint the different colours. I did this by using separate pieces of paper to ink the different colours.

Once they were scanned into Photoshop I did the gradient so they were fully black. I did this because it means i can select it properly so i can change the colour.

When I had done the gradient for all the colour layers, I started changing the colours. I did this by deleting the white background and then selecting the black and filling it with colour. I then moved the layers so they were lined up correctly to create the cat.

For my emulate, I drew the ladybird character out in my book so i had an outline to work from when I used the ink.

I painted the different colours in ink on separate pieces of paper and then I scanned them in. This is the main colour of the ladybird which I did in red.

Once I had scanned them in, I opened them in photoshop and did the threshold and deleted the white background. I did this for the three different colours/parts of the ladybird.

I selected the black and then coloured them to the colours I wanted.

Once I had coloured all the different parts, I put them all on one page. I lined them up and the ladybird was done.

Copy then Emulate 1

Firstly, I drew my illustration copies in pencil. 

I added the first layer of water colour and some of the detail on the scarecrow. The detail on the pom-poms was done with watercolour pencils. I did this by dotting the colours to create the texture. 

I started the detail on the spikes and I did the base colour for the hedgehogs tummy. I started colouring the balloons by doing a dark, slightly watery, layer of the colour and then adding a few spots of water to the lighter areas.

I finished the little drawing off by adding extra detail with a pencil to the outline and the face. Nick Butterworth (the illustrator) used a pencil to add detail as well. The tail was done by using a fine brush to make it look like it had fur.

I coloured the ear and the rest of the corks with watercolour and then I used a white watercolour pencil to make the spikes stand out. I used a normal pencil to, again, do the outline of the corks and the whiskers.

I designed my own front cover, drew it in pencil and then started watercolour. I used a light green for the base colour on the leaves and then I did shapes in a dark green to add detail.

I then coloured the balloons in the style of Nick Butterworth. I did the ladybird's body in dark grey and then added a bit of detail with black to show the body's shape. I used a pencil to do the outline so it was following the style of Nick Butterworth.

Digital Type

I chose a range of different fonts which i was considering using for my children's book. I annotated them all to narrow down the ones i could use. I finally decided on "DJB HOLLY JOLLY B'GOLLY" (3rd one down). I felt this font was perfect for my book cover as it was childish writing but easy to read.

Graphics Analysis

Contact Sheet

Hand Drawn Type

I started by writing the fonts with pencil and then I did the main colour with a felt tip. I added the detail with a fine liner. 

Drawings of Subject Matter

I drew out the outline first and then used watercolour paints to do a base colour on some of the drawings. I used watercolour pencils to add the detail to the animals.

Drafting Ideas

I used the sheet to design my own front covers. By doing this it has given me more of an idea as to what my composition will be like.

My Own Scamps

Scamps of Other Book Covers

I did scamps of other book covers because they help to give me a deeper understanding of the detail needed to design a children's book cover. I also did this because it will help me design my own front cover as I'll be able to add a lot of detail into my own design.

Basic Typography Poster

 

Propostion

Conventions of Children's Books

Pinboards

I went on Pinterest and chose suitable images that related to my book, book covers or just inspired me generally. By doing this I created a broad range of inspiration that would help me design a book cover suitable.