Hello! Here is the second thread for my BEHIND THE SCENES and #AskAlexSpecial™️ about my book
So here is how I created this spread:
First I very roughly design the Penguins. (Separately)
Then I scan them in an place them. #i print that page off then and using a light box use the page as a guide to draw the line work
Here is the final line work which I then take onto the computer to colour in. I mainly use Procreate on my iPad Pro to colour and then faff about tweaking bits in photoshop
TADAH!
Now, things don’t always go to plan. I. The book the bear spread was initially brown bears but when I looked at it all, it was t right. It needed, of course, to be POLAR BEARS. So back to the drawing board and start again. 🙄
I think you’ll agree that the polar bears are...
So... back to my earlier point about fashion. I love designing clothes and costumes. I have reference books and also look online. Here are some inspirational images I found for Eloise’s wardrobe (she changes outfit each day). I used these to design her clothes
And has she got some looks, HUNNY!
This book also has on every text spread a collection of postage pieces from the parcels Eloise has received. I designed all of these from scratch using this marvellous copyright free image books.
They add a touch of period detail to the book and an extra layer which is important
I got quite nerdy with this. This stamp features an actual partridge nestled in the blossom of a pear tree. I digitally collaged all these bits and recoloured them. I also created a series of companies where Grandma ordered the gifts from...
I think adding extra details into a book is vitally important. It adds depth to a story and allows extra things to be found each time the book is read.

Eg. Grandma wears a suffragette badge. #VOTESforWIMMIN #StepInTime!
And we also find out how granny finds all the gifts...
After the pictures and details are done,Designer Alison expertly puts the whole thing together.She picks the right typefaces, places things just so and sprinkles the entire thing with magic. I never lose the thrill of getting the files back from her& am always floored with wonder
And then the book is ready!

My main advice for making picture books from this is:

- get to know your characters really well.

- think of the book as a whole product not just a story with pictures

- don’t be afraid to get change things if they aren’t working
I hope you’ve enjoyed this and also enjoy the book.
And next year do look out for my next Christmas book: a sequel to #HowWinstonDeliveredChristmas called

#HowWinstonCameHomeForChristmas

Any questions about making books etc fire away until 7pm
Use #AskAlexSpecial to join in!
Thank you for attending this presentation and having a look at it all with your eyeholes.
You can follow @Alex_T_Smith.
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