Blast From the Pirate & Penguin Past

Inspired by the delightful sketches of artist Werner Zimmerman from his wonderfully illustrated book, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree (written by the fantabulous Helaine Becker!), I thought it might be fun to share some early stage sketch ideas from my book The Pirate and the Penguin.

This is the first sketch I ever did of the two main characters. They've changed a bit since then, but I actually think that in some ways they haven't changed that much (other than getting gradually shorter and squatter over time). Looking at these sketches just confirms for me my belief in being really loose and relaxed and playful when starting on any creative project. Have fun and be goofy and silly – that's when some really interesting things can happen on the page (hmmmm ...maybe I should use these same concepts when approaching my writing, no?).

In the next sketch, you can see Pirate has started to shrink and widen, soon to become that charming little purple and green gumdrop...

Until at last – ta da! Those wonderful chubby, slightly crabby cuties appear...

I think all us creative folk need to remind ourselves when starting anything new that perfection on the page is probably the most non-creative approach to have. None of us are perfect people – like my loosy-goosy rough drawings, we gradually grow into who we are going to become (which hopefully is a positive growth!). We shouldn't expect perfection from ourselves (or others), so why should we expect perfection from our creative endeavours, especially in the early baby step stages? And yes, this post is really a conversation I'm having with myself a lot these days.

Ok, back to work, and remember, kids – have fun!

 

Comments

[Diana Evans]

oh so adorable!!!! and you are so right!!! I am off to sketch now!!!!

[Jean]

You're so right... There are times when I am disappointed with the words I write first, they seem so dry and ordinary and boring. Over time, with each read, I chip off their edges and make them 'round' and polished, that's when they begin to look more and more perfect to me... till one day I decide that they are ready to be perceived by the world. :)

And, oh yes I love the penguin and the pirate!