My latest project here is a 32 page Children's Book entitled "The Misadventures of Elephant and the Monkey Brothers". I have thoroughly enjoyed developing/creating this story. Here are the 2 pages of storyboards above. The story text is inserted into the panels. Editing has been ongoing throughout and I know it will need further editing. SCBWI conferences have taught me to use as few words as possible and let the images tell the story. I have heard it over and over again Revise, Revise, Revise and Revise some more.
This project started 2 years ago based on words from the website Illustration Friday. The word SUSPEND started this whole project and to look back now I had no idea it would be developed into a storybook. I knew there was a story somewhere in that first sketch/illustration and it is now come to fruition.
From the first drawing, I envisioned this Elephant and those two Monkeys trying to reach some bananas. It made me wonder what other predicaments can those Monkeys get Elephant into? This project is the end result. No matter what happens Elephant still wants to help them, it's just in his nature.
This project started 2 years ago based on words from the website Illustration Friday. The word SUSPEND started this whole project and to look back now I had no idea it would be developed into a storybook. I knew there was a story somewhere in that first sketch/illustration and it is now come to fruition.
From the first drawing, I envisioned this Elephant and those two Monkeys trying to reach some bananas. It made me wonder what other predicaments can those Monkeys get Elephant into? This project is the end result. No matter what happens Elephant still wants to help them, it's just in his nature.
I am creating a dummy rough of this book so that I can decide which drawings to take to final illustrations.
I had an idea recently that turned the tables on my characters. Elephant encounters the Monkey Brothers again but this time the Monkeys help Elephant search for the perfect peanut and already I have new situations they will endure together.
Focusing on the first story is important to me though while writing/sketching/developing their continuing adventures. I have some great characters I am really getting to know. I look forward to seeing what happens to them next.
It may have taken me two years to get here but the journey has been well worth it.
I had an idea recently that turned the tables on my characters. Elephant encounters the Monkey Brothers again but this time the Monkeys help Elephant search for the perfect peanut and already I have new situations they will endure together.
Focusing on the first story is important to me though while writing/sketching/developing their continuing adventures. I have some great characters I am really getting to know. I look forward to seeing what happens to them next.
It may have taken me two years to get here but the journey has been well worth it.
Charles Vincent Antonsen
