GALLERY
While writing my initial first draft, I had a collection of images for my characters that I’d taken from the internet. While those images helped, I felt awkward relying on other people’s art, so I commissioned my first art from Jin Amber on Etsy. Her character designs inspired me so much that the day I received the first image of Evan and Hana, that I wrote from 2 pm that afternoon until 4 am in the morning. Only stopping because my brain was jelly and the quality of my writing was awful. When I woke up the next morning, I picked up right where I left off, with my manuscript on one side, and my commissioned art next to it.
I now work exclusively with Sarah Diaz (@Threadwing). A friend of my daughters and a truly talented artist. I adore her work and her take on my characters and the various scenes I’ve had her make so far. She is a joy to work with, and her art is stunning. Her artwork has elevated my whole project and continues to inspire me every day.
Below are a collection of images Sarah has created for me, with a quick blurb about each one.
Character concept art and profile images
Initial sketches of Hana Blackmore. I fell in love with the two upper images as it brings such life and character to her.
Refined sketch of Hana. Threadwing does her sketches in a 'chunky' blocky style, though most of her finished work have much finer line work. But I really liked the thicker lines and asked have stuck with that style throughout.
Finished colored character profile.
Initial sketch of Evan Morgan. This image of Evan had a very different face from my first artwork of him, and it took me some time to decide if I liked it or not.
Refined sketch of Evan. It didn't take long for me to really connect with this version of Evan, feeling like he had so much more character now than the stereotypical protagonist boy.
Finished colored character profile.
Initial sketch of Katie Pascal. This is a perfect example of how well Sarah somehow reached into my brain and put what she found on paper. In all my time working with her, we rarely need to revise her initial sketches, and often we move right into the refined sketch.
Refined sketch of Katie Pascal.
Finished colored character profile. We did go through a series of revisions for the color and design of her sweater, but the person herself was captured near immediately.
Initial sketch of Oliver Branch. She captured his goofiness immediately, though I felt his hair would look better being a little more balanced.
Refined sketch of Oliver. I think this took 2-3 revisions to get the hair just right, but everything else was perfect from the outset.
Finished colored character profile for Oliver. This is what I see in my head every time he's in a scene.
Initial sketch of Sarah Jones. So good! For Sarah, I had to do a bit of research on ethnic hair, as I wanted to properly reflect Sarah's heritage and not shy away from it.
Refined sketch of Sarah. Unique to Sarah, I had a fairly clear idea of her clothing, as she is a little more stylish than the others. This is a quasi-reflection of what she's wearing when introduced in Chapter 2.
Finished colored character profile. Amazing. I love how her hair came out.
Rough sketch of Mara Blackmore. Mara is one of my favorite characters, and I wanted to reflect a broader range of body positivity and showcase the Grecian heritage of the Blackmores. (though Hana is pale due to her 'condition')
Refined sketch of Mara. I nearly always see Mara in the laziest, most comfortable clothing imaginable with no concern for modesty or social norms. PJs and underwear all the time...
Finished colored character profile.
Initial rough sketch of Ellie (Morgan) Brooks. For Ellie, I've always seen her personality so much stronger than her image, I struggled with this image. Sarah's art really helped me see her as a person, and less as just 'the little sister'.
Refined sketch.
Finished colored character profile.
Initial sketch of Deidre (Didi) Lewis. Hana's BFF, I'm reticent to speak too much about her for fear of spoilers. Suffice it to say she's, uh, complicated...
Refined sketch of Didi. Now you get to see some of her nature oozing out in her expression... She's a huge driver for the events of book 2. Can't wait to share that with you.
Finished colored character profile. We went through several color variations on her dress, and ultimately I thought the blue worked best when stacked next to the other characters.
Insert Art & Marketing images
Evan's 'Dream', as he considers the significance of the necklace that he needs to set aside if he wants to get closer to Hana.
Hana's 'Old Friend' whose shown up for a little 'fun'.
'Death Incarnate' as Hana battles to bring it in line.
Death's First Kiss!
Strangeness manifests shortly after Hana's arrival.
Perhaps Evan should have just gone home...
Evan's Dream, colored.
Hana's 'Old Friend' colored
'Death Incarnate' colored.