Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Help!


Which is a stronger style for a story about a brother and sister? I've been trying to decide all day. :-\ These were both done fairy quickly as test images, so it's not the strength of the drawings themselves I'm worried about, but the style choice. My Kingdom for some fresh eyes!

10 comments:

Laura Zarrin said...

They're both great, but I think there's more warmth and intimacy in the lower one. They also look more like brother and sister. It reminds me of my boys. There's a sweetness to the second one, like she's trying to be a part of his life, but isn't quite sure how or what that means or how to do it.

Anonymous said...

I like the one on top best, the children look old enough for homework, the expression on the girl's face is great!

Paige Keiser said...

Laura and Nancy, thank you VERY much for your feedback!

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

They're both great looking illustrations but I think the one on the top would be best for a brother/sister story. It seems like you'd be able to get more expressions on their faces than the ones below. And we all know that brothers and sisters get on each others nerves, then are best friends, etc. Have fun!

Mary Beth said...

To me, the one on top is a little more realistic - is there a boy alive that wouldn't rather do his homework complete with music?

Phyllis Harris said...

Man, that's a tough one! I really love them both.

I think the top style gives a nostalgic feel as well as strong emotion and the bottom is more a sweet style that might be more appealing to a younger audience but in saying that, I really enjoy both styles...the sweet simplicity of the bottom is very appealing but the top has a timeless feel for me somehow. Also, since there is most likely a lot of rivalry between brother and sister... the top one seems to evoke that ability to show those strong emotions.

You really can't go wrong with either, Paige. In the end, go with your heart!

Paige Keiser said...

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments and for being my emergency critique group! This is one of those times when it's important to get a fresh view of the work, which I probably wouldn't be able to do without putting it away for at least a month before coming back to it. I very much appreciate it, and I've decided to go with the top style! I agree about needing to show expressions, especially since the relationship between the two is a little rocky in the beginning. And I also like the nostalgic feeling of the style (and like that it comes across as such--that's what I was shooting for). Thanks again! :0)

Anonymous said...

They're both lovely, but the top one has a stronger composition, having said that, the blonde girl's expression describes the relationship well.

Michelle Henninger said...

I prefer the lower image. I think it brings the scene closer to the reader, and is more intimate. I love the little sister peaking over her brother's shoulder. The eternal quest of the little sister, to be like the big brother.

Both are lovely though.

Paige Keiser said...

Thanks for your imput Jess and Michelle! One thing I should include though, in this particular part of the story, the brother and sister have not bonded yet, so closeness is not my aim for this illustration. In fact I'm going for a lack of closeness.