Olio: Workshop Two

Book Cover Brief

Penguin Classics

I chose to illustrate John Steinbeck's, The Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck is one of my favourite authors and although it is one book I had not actually read, I was drawn to this title to illustrate. The story is about a mass exodus following an exceptionally long drought. Although I was in Paris when the workshop was taking place, I set about completing the task with the same time frame as was given, as this was another chance to experience working in the real world of illustration.

Thumb nails

I considered the content of the narrative very carefully, as I wanted to ensure that this was communicated to the viewer. It was also important to me to ensure the design was of the era, 1930s, whilst subsuming a post-modern demeanour that would attract attention, yet be right at home on the shelf in a book shop around the corner. I think that I succeeded in all of the above by combining the use of an authentic variable nib dip pen and ink with a digital, yet classic, gradient colour scheme and a distinct Art Deco influenced composition.

Rough

Due to my working on this brief simultaneously with brief number three, I had discovered the joy and beauty of the Risograph printer and decided to print this illustration on said printer. I had learned that it was possible to use it to reproduce gradients with a variable controllable speckle, and the end result was a great success. I intend to produce a set of limited edition prints to sell.

Rough colour

Feedback from Georgina was very positive and encouraging, especially as it was all a bit of an experiment, working in ways that were new to me, particularly the digital aspect. Mark also commented, saying it was one of my most successful pieces so far, a great compliment.