Filed under: Illustration, Shanda's Journey • August 30, 2013

…to write a story, create the best character in words (and then in art),

…then tweak the story, tweak the character (words and art),

…..then tweak the story, the character, question your purpose in writing… or life for that matter, etc. (repeat until you need therapy).

AND THEN ADD in drawing a character CONSISTENTLY!? I’m telling you- writing/illustrating picture books is so hard. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Here are 3 out of 6 views I’m trying to make of Charlie. There’s a 4th in there, but I’m undecided if that one looks similar enough. She started off very young and sweet in my earlier sketches on this blog, but the more I work on my story, hear feedback, and draw, this is who she has become- I hope I’ve made the right choices  :)

charlie_gazing_atdoll
charlie_hugging_doll
charlie_happy_withdoll
charlie_mad
Some of you told me that you enjoyed seeing the sketches before they were colored so here you go…

sketches3

Comments: »

  • Shanda,
    I really enjoyed seeing these latest renderings of Charlie. She’s WONDERFUL!! :)

    ~Tosha

    Comment by Tosha Sumner — August 31, 2013 @ 2:34 am
  • Oh my gosh, I love these so much. Man, you are good. Okay, I know I’ve waivered, but I think this Charlie matches the Charlie I originally pictured when reading your story.
    AWESOME!

    Comment by colleen — September 16, 2013 @ 7:34 pm

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Shanda McCloskey, Children's Illustrator & Author