I’m making good progress with finishing up illustrations for my third children’s karate picture book. This is for my Dojo Kun Character Book series. The books are fictional, but realistic, except for the monsters depicted. However, these could be just figments of the imagination. Main characters Makoto and Michi fight off colorful size-changing creatures such as Laziness, Procrastination and Dishonesty. In my new book, I’m working on the Quitting monster illustration. Today, I’d like to share the color tests with you.

The color tests for the protagonists and antagonists are one of my favorite parts of illustrating. I know they are just rough drafts, but to me they are also neat-looking art. And I like to see the colors that were considered. Above, you see the first set of Quitting monster illustration color tests. I received input on this as well as help with brainstorming. That helped me to hone in on the colors. I am always grateful to everyone who is willing to be a sounding board for this project.

Art Store Fun to help with Monster Illustration

Next, I made a trip to the art store to look at brush pens. It is such a simple pleasure for me to shop at arts and crafts stores, and has been since I was a kid. I am thankful to my step mother for fostering that in me. I think she enjoyed such shopping as much as I did. On my recent trip, I spent a whopping $3.09, including tax, on a single pen. I felt as happy with excitement as many people do when they buy a new living room set.

Above, is the second page of color tests. Even though I got input from other people, we artists, writers, and illustrators must remember that our own opinion is the most important for our own work. Which Quitting monster illustration colors do you like best? Which colors did I settle on? You will have to see the book to find out!

-Jenifer Tull-Gauger