Minna of the Meadow

We've wrapped up another month over at Let’s Make Picture Books. This month's theme was Mythical. We were challenged with the illustration of a children’s book cover with the mythical character of our choice. We also learned all kinds of tricks for adding hand lettering to our work. There are so many fantastic final pieces from the members - some are popping up over on Instagram - I am in awe of the talent and creativity.

Here is my final piece - a cover for the imaginary book Minna of the Meadow - the first in a series. Minna is the lone fairy in the meadow - her name means "determined protector" and she has lived up to her name - I hope her adventures make it into a real book series some day!

I've learned so much being part of this group. I think it might be the best place on the internet, thanks to Denise Holmes & Stephanie Fizer Coleman.

I’m also including here the original final I did, but after some very helpful feedback from the group, I simplified. I adjusted the colors, removed some flowers and created more contrast between my two main characters. I’m very pleased with how it turned out.

some sketches and thumbnails - trying to work out the characters and the layout.