Moving Along

As I continue working on this project, I find that my time is limited to the attention I can give and feel that I put off more of the work than I would like to. Nevertheless, when I do happen to find the free time, I fiddle and fix the story and have started sketching ideas for the illustrations.

I have just recently finished with my second draft of editing Mark of the Shadow and hopefully, it has a better sense of understanding and congruency. Alongside with the slicing, chopping, and rewriting here and there, the next phase has taken over and I have been able to work on some future ideas.

So, here is a sketch for what I want the title to look like and some ideas for the layout.















The rest of these are just sketches that I've been playing with as I research on how I want my first illustration to look like. I've decided to play with the opening scene, therefore, I want to have the old wise chief and three little Indian kids sitting around a fireplace inside a cavern. As I search for clothing, symbols, and props, as well as gestures and positioning, I try and keep in mind of the real idea and concept that I am looking for.
Since I like details, I try and work on concentrating on specific things I'm going to try and fit into my composition. Once I feel ready to work on the final composition I than start playing with these sketch ideas and try working them out.

I'm currently working on the first draft composition and am going to soon start playing with it and water colors to see what I need to play with. Once I finish a few experimental copies, I'll than sit down and work on the final.

As I'm working on this part of the development, I have two other main pictures that I'm thinking about doing. The second illustration will be Coyote calling out with Moon in the background, and the final one will be Coyote walking into the Sun with his shadow thinning behind him.
After I finish these three main pictures, I'm thinking of adding a few add in's to the composition. But before I do so, I'm going to put the story together with these three main pictures and title, and than work out the layout as it's own composition. My idea for this short story and illustration was to be a two pager, but I'm not sure how it's all going to look and fit. Therefore, this might actually turn out to be 3 pages. I'm hoping it turns out to my expectations and if anything, for your enjoyment.

Click here to read the story Mark of the Shadow