Project 2: Literal Illustration
“Dead Man’s Boots” by William Ingram
For this project I am tasked with creating illustrations for a book, based on a collection of stories by the Man in Black. My given extract is called Dead Man’s Boots, which follows the story of a married couple moving into their new home, only to discover a pair of work boots, containing a newspaper clipping of a new article concerning the murder of a woman who previously owned the home. Soon, the victim’s husband returns to haunt the couple, but as for why, who knows?
Research:
Charles Keeping
Examples of Horror Book Illustrations
Colour Palettes
Books
Photoshop Tutorials
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Notes on story:
Design Ideas - Full Bleed Illustration:
After listening to my extract I had an idea of how to portray the genre of the story through the use of symbolism of death.
Design Ideas - Full Bleed Illustration (Rethink):
After receiving some feedback, I decided to slow down a little and think of how to keep a focus on the subject of the story. So I made rough sketches for what I want to depict.
Thumbnail Ideas 1 (Full Bleed Illustration):
Out of the thumbnails above, I decided to choose the last one as it was the one thumbnail I spent the most time on, and also it gave me the opportunity to work with textured layers and make it look more like an ink print. This felt like the most appropriate approach for this genre of book.
Thumbnail Ideas 2 (Full Bleed Illustration):
Of the thumbnails above, I chose the last thumbnail for similar reasons to my other full bleed page. I experimented with textured layers, but also used a bigger control of contrast, and I felt the last thumbnail was the one with the best results.
Double Page Spread Mockups Designs:
Chapter Heading Designs:
Page Spread Design
From the thumbnails above, the final one was my choice, as it kept the focus of the heading the pair of boots, but also it is a different drawing to the boots for my full bleed page.
Front Cover Design Ideas:
Front Cover Designs:
From the thumbnails above, my choice was the 6th option. It accomplished two things: it was simple and it gave the impression of a disturbing man, provided by the heavy control of black.
Final Front Cover Design:
Book Spine
Front Cover Book Mockup:
Final Product Outcome