I worked some more on my storybook this week. Here are a couple of sketches.
I’m learing a lot of things as I go. For one thing, the colors on the first picture are noticeably clearer, because the drawing was done on high-quality board paper.
The 2nd picture is a bit more smudgy, because it was done on cheaper paper. (Well, that’s okay..these are still drafts). Plus, the scanner isn’t the best quality, so the colors in the actual pictures looks better.
This time I tried to color in the sky completely (as opposed to my other cartoons). The sky color might be a bit too vibrant, I find. Perhaps I might have to try a more subtle shade. (Maybe do the sky with Photoshop, instead of with the pens).
As for the story…I wasn’t sure whether to work on the words first, and then add the pictures after. But what seems to be working (right now, at least) is to keep drawings the pictures first, and the story seems to follow quite nicely.
I have a game plan, and I’m starting to develop the characters. The older kid (holding the leash) is Michael Mobeel, and he’s about about 8. His younger brother following in the trike is about four and will be called Finster.
The story will be told from the eyes of Michael Mobeel. Basil is really HIS dog.
The basic plot is:
Some dogs do “X”. Basil is special, he does “Y” And when he does “Y”, “Z” happens.
And usually, “Z” will involve something getting destroyed or messed up, at someone else’s expense. Except fpr Michael Mobeel, who is conveniently unaffected by Basil’s shenanigans.
Basil is a big PAIN in the butt, he drives everyone nuts. But you can’t really blame him…he’s just a rambunctious stupid special yellow lab. And he redeems himself in the end. You’ll have to wait and see how.
So anyway, that’s where I am right now with the story.
That’s all for this week, kids. Till next time.