Thursday, April 16, 2009

Selected Sketches from Charlie the Choo Choo: A Day Away…




This is the second in a series of books by author Cyle Young, the first being Charlie the Choo Choo: A Day At Work. Such a fun story to illustrate!

Though I've been using Adobe Illustrator for over a decade, this is the first time I've done such a large project using only vector art. I traditionally use PhotoShop for a more textural and loose feel, but I wanted these images to be bright, cheerful and clean. I think Charlie would animate rather well.

I utilize a lot of clipping masks when I work in Illustrator and create my own blends rather than relying on Illustrator gradients. You get much more control and color brightness this way. I'll be posting some Adobe Illustrator tutorials shortly. Stay tuned!

3 comments:

Jennie Norris said...

I love these Kerrie! Such a sweet style. Can't wait to see more. Hope the world of illustration is treating you well.

kerrie said...

Thanks Jennie. The stories are so great that I find it impossible not to be inspired.

I hope my own unique style is starting to develop. I keep thinking, "oh, I'd like to draw like this, or that," but really, I need to draw like me!

Creative Crafter UK said...

Hi Kerrie - thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I'm glad you liked my designs.
I'm loving your illustration it is so fresh and I agree would look great animated!

It's good to see the work in process from sketch to finished artwork.

Look forward to seeing your tutorials soon.