Sketching CHARACTER DESIGNS! (Sketchbook spreads based on my book)

Sketching characters designs in my favorite Moleskine sketchbook of characters from my book, The Year of Fallen Stars.
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theyearoffalle...
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[@mjpete27]

I would say graphic novel rather than comic! I am glad that you have decided to move forward with your book! The cost of printing has dramatically dropped and the difference between color VS black and white is not as wide as it has been in the past. You might consider doing some watercolors, if I am remembering correctly and that you still paint? I am excited for you and I am looking forward to seeing more of your development of your book! Thank you for sharing this wonderful news with us!

[@fuzzydragons]

nice page of character design, illustrating your own story would be great, and hopefully you do get to do that one day.drawing the characters in clothing from 175 years ago (1848ish?) would be so interesting 😀

[@melindarivera6598]

I was reading your name on your book cover. I'm not sure how you pronounce your last name. Could you spell it out phoneticallly, please?

[@safaiaryu12]

This is really lovely, I love your style! ❤ I keep intending to try lineart with a dark pencil like you do. And huge congrats on your book coming out soon!
May I give a hint about contrast and composition? This is something I struggled with a lot when learning (as if we ever stop learning!). So like, always try to back up light things with dark things and vice versa, to create more contrast and highlight important stuff like people. So, for example, in the top right illustration(s), her hair is basically the same tone as the cliff face and sand behind her on the right. The background behind her on the left looks good because it's darker, so she stands out more against it! Basically, you have two options: either change what you're drawing to have a dark background for light subjects and vice versa (not always feasible!), OR, just subtly lighten or darken portions of the background to add contrast. For example, just on the right side of her head, where her hair tone matches the cliff face and sand, do a subtle grey gradient out from the edge of her hair, literally like a quarter or half inch, fading back into the white of the cliff or sand. Just enough to make the hair stand out more against the background, but also darken that border further if it feels right. I hope that makes sense!

[@HeatherBryant22]

Oh my, I am sorry you left supplies in England!! I want to read your book even more now, can't wait.

[@pb5335]

ooh what pencil set is that?