THE CREATIVE PROCESS FROM PENCIL TO PAGE
CREATING ACE THE ACORN
It sounds simple, but getting the “acorn shape” just right was a massive challenge. I wanted Ace to look cute but sturdy and expressive enough to carry a whole adventure on his shoulders. Through countless trial and errors, I explored different proportions and expressions until Ace finally clicked, going from a simple forest nut to a cheeky hero with a dream.
SKETCHING THE STORYBOARD
Once the characters are defined, the most important part of making the book begins – the storyboard. This is where the magic (and the mess) happens. Before a single final line is drawn, there are hundreds of rough sketches. These storyboards are the heartbeat of the book.
There is a massive difference between a spark of an idea and a finished piece. While a rough sketch might take only ten minutes to capture a gesture, a single final illustration can take 2 to 3 days of focused work.
Stepping away from the screen allowed me to embrace the magic of pencils and paper. Every illustration in the books is hand drawn, embracing the smudges and textures that make each page feel alive.
Initially, the world of Ace looked very different. In the beginning, I planned to illustrate the first book using watercolors, and the characters had a different aesthetic.
However, through experimentation, I discovered that pencil was not only more enjoyable for me but allowed me a level of detail and fun that watercolour couldn’t capture.
Once I switched to pencil, Ace finally clicked.
My studio is a place where the floor is usually covered in pencil sharpenings and the coffee always gets cold. I believe that a bit of chaos is necessary for a good story. Here you will find a mountain of pencil shavings and a desk full of sketches. Ace was born in this beautiful mess.
Since moving away from digital art, I have gone through thousands of pencils. There is something incredibly satisfying about watching a pencil get shorter as the story gets longer.
