Another opening...

In between working on books I do do other work. Recently I designed the flyers for a show by an Edinburgh AmDram company Allegro for their up and coming production of Sweet Charity.

 

Here's a bit more about the process.

Enjoy!
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Here are two sketches for original concepts that I came up with. I wanted to draw on the colour and vibrance of the 60s and the flower power themes in the show.

 

We liked the idea of using a silhouette in front of a funky background. But thought something black would let the figure in the foreground stand out while allowing a busy background to shine. So, we went back to the original stage poster for inspiration and went with the iconic Gwen Verdon pose.  

 

I lurve the silhouette! We had to add the lines to really define that she is looking over her shoulder. Bob Fosse moves are really great for silhouette because they're so sharp and stylised. I played with a few other Fosse poses but they were too identifiable as other shows, this one being Chicago:

Anywho, go see Sweet Charity (15 - 19 October at Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh). Check out the Allegro website for ticket and time information. 

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Plating up

The final plates for the book are finished. What do you think?

Enjoy!
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Begging you for Mercy

Mercy is one of Gemmy’s classmates who we meet in Chapter 2 at the scientics fete.

“She had straight black hair that was cropped just below her ears. Her eyes were a deep violet and were always wide as if she were expecting a surprise.”

  

She’s one of my favourite characters, but sadly this illustration won't make it into the book. We get just two short chapters with young Gemmy and a lot of other characters are more integral to the plot. But, I just had to draw her.

Though it's a brief meeting, Mercy is one my favourite character for several reasons:

1. The young Mercy is mostly an amalgamation of two girls that I actually went to school with when I was five, both named Carol. 
2. In my head she looks and acts like one of my little sisters when she was that age – a bit shy but mostly because she’s a lot wiser than her years.
3. Writing her and Gemmy’s interaction was so much fun for me.
4. She’s just adorable. And who doesn't like adorable characters?

Even though this picture isn't in the book, it may not be the last we see of Mercy Valdein.

Enjoy!
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In a Manek state of mind

Manek is an affable young man introduced in the second chapter of the book. He helps Gemmy set up his infamous science project.

  

Manek is a student at the University where Gemmy's parents work, and works part-time as a driver and minder for various University families. He ends up watching Gemmy most evenings after school and is the only person that Gemmy feels pays attention to him. Gemmy looks up to Manek and imitates him every chance he gets to try and seem more 'grown-up'.

I wanted the drawing of Manek to reflect the congenial nature of the character. As someone who looked after children in my teens it takes a lot of humour to keep kids entertained and to get them to listen to you when you're not their parent. Above all, you have to be their friends, and I wanted Manek to look like the type of guy who would be able to earn the trust of a very cynical young Gemmy.

Enjoy!
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