Sunday, April 28, 2013

Creating a Children's Picture Book.


Every illustrator has their own unique way in making a picture book. Using my latest book "Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe" as an example, here is a short summary of my own art process.


1. Thumbnail sketches.
After reading the author's manuscript, I put together very rough thumbnail sketches of how I envision the book to look. The sketches all very loosely drawn for ideas, the kind that's not really meant to be shown to anyone.
 


2. Research.
Photo references are a very important part of my art process. For this book, I use my nephew, Tyler, as the story's main character. 

The pictures are not for me to draw exact depictions, but to get the "feel" of the character. I also collected dinosaur references for this book which was a lot of fun.



3. Sketches. 
At this stage, there is usually a bit of a back and forth between me and the art director. Ideas are exchanged and revisions are made before the final sketches are approved before I can finally paint them.



4. Final Art. 
Below is the book's opening spread with thumbnail and pencil sketch. I make sure to leave space for type. This way, kids can enjoy reading the book and look at the pictures easily.
 


5. Bonus: Cover Art
And here's another example with the Cover art. You can see two sketch versions on the upper left. The book designer and I also toyed with the idea of having a 1950's design for the word "Deluxe," but we later ditched the idea.




 I hope you enjoyed the tour!
"Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe" written by Tim Myers is now available online and in stores



Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe.

My latest picture book "Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe" is out today. A good one for kids who enjoy a sprinkle of dinosaurs in their stories.

I was also pleased to find out that the normally picky Kirkus gave it a great review.

“Pamintuan's artwork ably matches the text, each brilliantly colored dinosaur a distinct individual. Perspective, size, body language and facial expression all play a role in capturing the story's moods . . . A romping-stomping choice for dinosaur lovers and those similarly afraid of soap in their eyes." - Kirkus Reviews



Written by Tim Myers.

Now available in stores and online.