Behind the cover: with designer

BEHIND THE COVER THE COVER

The initial layout and content was briefed and open to my interpretation. After the fi rst sketch/draft was completed, there were a few tweaks to rework into a second draft.

By Verity Godwin DESIGNER & ILLUSTRATOR

Ever wondered what the process of creating art for publication entails? Or how and where the inspiration comes from to create best results for a client? Well here’s a sneak peek at the processes and stages involved with blossoming an idea and bringing those ideas to life! I have been working professionally as an illustrator/designer since the beginning of lock down (the fi rst one!) and it’s really kept me focussed during a tricky time. I was used to an extremely busy day job in the events/entertainment industry and when everything ground to a halt, creativity and drive pushed me into a different side of the creative arts - and I’m loving it! I developed ideas using fi ne liner pens to create portraits of animals in a quirky, different way which resulted in fresh, contemporary pieces. So where did we start with the front cover for this issue? At the very beginning, of course! Style of Wight wanted a unique, the very beginning, of course! Style of Wight wanted a unique, illustrated feel to this issue with wildlife and our beloved Island illustrated feel to this issue with wildlife and our beloved Island steering the inspiration. The key is in the detail, for example, using steering the inspiration. The key is in the detail, for example, using fl owers that are native to the island including wood calamint and fl owers that are native to the island including wood calamint and pyramid orchids. Also incorporating quirky, country wildlife with a pyramid orchids. Also incorporating quirky, country wildlife with a twist, conveying their personalities and stories and bringing them twist, conveying their personalities and stories and bringing them to life! Once the design was approved, work began on the fi nal piece. Firstly sketching, followed by adding the intricate details. Above is where the magic happens!

Finally, the next stage was to digitalise the drawing, adding the specks of colour and refi ning the layout to make sure the balance worked across the spread.