Writing and Illustrating Middle Grade Fantasy Books

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Another peak at “The Conjurers” book two. Another double page spread. The text will be overlayed in white on the dark, crosshatched top half of the illustration. It’s technique I love and try not to overuse. Too much can be annoying to the reader methinks. But it is a fun way to blend the prose with live action shots.

I think this is from chapter nine. Can’t tell any details, although it is a big moment in Emma’s character art. After all her struggles, it was cool to come upon a scene in which, while everyone else was running from danger, she was running straight at it.

Aesthetically, I once again employ using deep perspective to make the drawings lift off the page and add drama. Perspective is an amazing tool and one I encourage young artists to work with. It can be terribly frustrating and I rarely get it close to correct, but the effects are worth it. I think I’ll include a simple perspective lesson in one of my live-streams.