The Velveteen Rabbit

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is "Worn."  The first image to pop into my head upon hearing this word was the velveteen rabbit, so I painted this image.

"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.  But these things don't matter at all because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."  ~ Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit  

IF: Children

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon - By Heather Dent

My First Picture Book Dummy

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to get that cute little story (that took me no more than an hour to write) published as a picture book.  I have literally spent hundreds of hours researching, revising, and sketching.  It's been tough, but I now have a completed picture book dummy I can feel proud about submitting it to agents and editors.  I have come a long way since that first manuscript and learned so much!  Here is a little sneak peek into the process of picture book dummy making.

Step One: Story Board

The standard page count for picture books these days is 32 pages.  So in order to make sure my story flowed within the limits of 32 pages I created a story board with rough sketches for each page.  

Step two:  Time to Draw

Next I drew sketches for each page.  These sketches are more detailed than the storyboard scribbles, and give viewers an  idea of the layout and overall feel for the characters in each illustration.    

Step three: Page Layouts

Next I arranged the pictures and text for each page on Microsoft Word.  

Step four:  Showcase page spread

Finally I selected two pages to complete in finished form.  This will allow editors and agents know exactly what the illustrations will look like when each piece is completed.

Now for the hard part.  I have to send my baby into the real world to see how it does!  Wish me luck everyone!