In partnership with
My Current Illustration Process
As mentioned, I have joined WildStork along with 200 other artists in one united mission - get families outdoors. To be in nature can be truly healing and naturally reduces stress. Families who spend time outdoors together can use the opportunity to draw closer and learn together. These books being created help in that learning journey bringing out fascinating facts about locations and nature around us that we can enjoy when we just slow down.
Be sure to checkout the WildStork webpage as well as the companion 30 30 nature journey, an interactive opportunity to immerse in nature daily [learn more here].
From a young age, nature has brought me peace and comfort, and now it features quite heavily in my work as a recurrent theme. You could often find me with my toes in the mud under the shade of a tree!
We visited Hocking Hills many times as a family that it became a favorite place of wonder and beauty. Hiking through the park with friends was even my husband and I's first date! Revisiting and sharing some of my favorite locations through the illustration of this book has been amazing.
This month I thought I’d share a little bit of my illustration process for the nature narrative I am working on for WildStork. As it is intended to be an accurate representation of the science relating to the park, not a children’s picture book, I have really strived to find the best reference images possible to work from - whether from my own visit to Hocking Hills or various flora/fauna sources online or in books.
Here are a couple shots from my husband and I’s trip to Hocking Hills this last August for our anniversary. I’m always amazed by the beauty of the cliffs here!
Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
Trail through the Old Man’s Cave gorge.
I have sat in the caves to wait out a rain-shower.
Perched upon the clifftops, taller than the trees themselves, reflecting on the majesty of it all.
And felt the gentle spray of the waterfalls, marveling at their power.
All of my digital artwork is hand drawn in Affinity. This is a fantastic software alternative to Adobe that has just recently become free for the whole suite of products - amazing for us artists on a budget! In no way am I affiliated, but I would recommend it all day if you are looking for a new software for drawing (vector & rastor), photo editing or print layout work.
(I think this bird spread may be one of my favorites!)
Smart starts here.
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If you follow along on Instagram (@ktcdesigns), check out the new process reels of illustrations for Can You Read Hocking Hills State Park?, an illustrated nature narrative coming soon in collaboration with Wildstork (be sure to check out the other beautiful books being illustrated and published!)
COMING SOON!
Thank you for joining me this month and I hope you all have wonderful and creative days ahead!
~Katie~
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