Tell us about your latest
release?
Jasmine's Got
Talent!
has just been released in both kindle and print formats. It's a
children's picture story book written by Maria Rochelle and
illustrated by me. This is the book blurb:
"Jasmine
the miniature-schnauzer returns in another dreamy adventure! In this
one, she's going to show off her talent and maybe win a prize! Join
her as she takes the stage in the third Jasmine Dreams book."
How was this collaboration born?
Another client of
mine, Kathy Mashburn, told Maria about me at a writers group they
both attended and showed her a copy of A
Birthday Clown for Archer.
Maria then got in touch and we started work on the first book in the
Jasmine Dreams series.
What's the hardest part of
illustrating this series?
The fact that the characters, both
animals and people, are based on real life animals and people. Maria
sends me photo's of them and then I turn them into the characters in
the book. It's not just some random dog. It's a specific dog with a
personality and owners that are excited about their pet being in the
book. I have to capture the real dog whilst also keeping to the style
of illustration used in the series. Sometimes it's easy. Sometimes
it's a real challenge.
How do you go from photo to
finished character?
I usually start
by doing a sketch based on the photo I'm sent. This helps me get a
feel for the animal and gives me a clearer idea of the basic form.
These sketches are done pencil on paper. I then scan the sketches so
I have a copy on my computer to use as a guideline when creating the
digital version of the character. Using Adobe Illustrator, and the
sketch, I then create the final character. I simplify the sketch and
add colouring to adapt it to the style used in the series. Afterwards
I add the accessories and develop the personality of the character. I
then send the character cards to Maria for approval.
Where can people get a copy of
the book?
Where can people find out more
about working with you?
At my website
http://www.jolinsdell.com/.
On site they can find information on my "work with me"
page, read testimonials from people I've worked with, see examples of
my work, and find out more about the projects I'm involved with.