The Disappearing Dark

The dark is a tricky business to try and catch in the act.

Mini Zads comic strip

I thought it would be fun to put a little sequence like this at the beginning of the book before the title page just to show Zaddison looking around and being curious about the dark one night before she goes to bed.

Zads explores under the stairs...again

Zads getting ready in the morning

New Zaddison Design

After trying to watercolor Zaddison, I felt like she looks too elf/sprite-esque so I played around and came up with this more monstery-ish version of Zaddison.

Studying John Tenniel

Looking at all the children's books I loved growing up was a kick in the crotch that I need a lot of practice before I can illustrate a book that kids would enjoy.

So I went to the library and picked up some books to study their artwork and learn how to draw better.

These sketches were done after studying John Tenniel's illustrations for Alice in Wonderland. I looked specifically at the way he proportions Alice's face and practiced drawing my character several times and while trying to keep her looking consistent.

Meeting Doodles