When the Impossible Becomes Possible
by Kristina Copilova
For Print
Illustration, Graphic Design, Book Cover Design, Editing, Photo Manipulation & Retouching
Software used: Procreate, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat
Background —
Creating a picturebook to raise money for a child with Cerebral Palsy.
Problem —
How can I best interpret the text into images to make significant perspective changes so that people can understand the journey of this child and their family?
Goal —
Create a visually appealing and meaningful children's picture book that attracts people to donate for the cause.
Approach —
Spending time with the family to listen and understand the circumstances and closely imitating them in my illustrations by enveloping them in a cloud of visual storytelling.
ILLUSTRATION.
Conceptualising the Main Character, and establishing the stylistic illustrations that the client wanted by breaking down their request for a 'life-like cartoon' character.
Using pictures from family portraits, I replicated the rest of the family and relevant key characters. The element of fantasy and myth to create fairies, wizards, dragons and fairytale environments was inspired by 3D animated movies and TV shows aimed at children.
Costumes inspired by anime fairy and wizard characters and environments by Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
Production.
Researching and drawing static and dynamic poses that convey the actions based on text.
Adding details on the illustrations to enhance the magical element by hiding items in corners and open spaces, so that the book as a whole can offer multiple readings with loads left to discover in the future.
GRAPHIC DESIGN.
Creating a wholesome experience for the reader who wants to get inspired and learn about the child's journey by immediately referencing the text with a matching image.
Creating mini illustrations to embellish and enhance the story by making it more immersive, almost as if the text comes alive and transforms into images.
Creating activity pages with textured illustrations for multiple readings but to also engage the adult and child to connect and feel empowered, just as the main character does at the end of the story!