June 26, 2011

Character Development

Some people expressed an interest in my picture book...so here is the development of the main character--cleverly, and oh-so-originally (for now) named, "The Thing."  He's basically a big, sleepy, bunny-like, well... Thing.  My vision of him from the beginning hasn't changed much--(maybe longer legs and slightly different proportions).  It seems I draw them pretty much the way they end up right out of the chute, so to speak.
(click to enlarge)
pen & ink, wax pencil
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25 comments:

  1. SuzeJune 26, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    You are gifted, my dear. Though I am quite content to have 'The Thing' lurking on this page rather than beneath my bed.

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  2. 24 CornersJune 26, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    He is certainly the most adorable under the bed Thing I've ever seen! He looks a little sleepy too...maybe he could come up on top of the bed and take a nap every now and then, when no one's looking of course. ;)
    Love him!
    xo J~

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  3. Jane and Lance HattattJune 26, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Hello Elizabeth:
    We find this 'development' most interesting to see. In the process 'The Thing' certainly does, to our eyes, appear to have lost a little weight around the tummy. Certainly we do not find him alarming, but we are not totally convinced that he is soft and cuddly either. He remains slightly enigmatic - which is probably just as well.

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  4. robin cox walshJune 27, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Love the ‘belly button’! Do you have to come up with a name for him? Or is he just going to remain "The Thing”? Might I suggest a NAME THE THING CONTEST? Just a thought. Ignore me if I’m out of line! LOL

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  5. Amanda DilworthJune 27, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    So pleased i found your blog. Great characters, i love your illustration style.

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  6. HeatherJune 27, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    i just love your style....it's so unique...and well done! have a great week!

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  7. RainJune 27, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    I'm really happy to see more pics of this little guy. I've always been so intrigued by him. Great to see initial sketches and concepts!

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  8. Pia DrentJune 27, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Yah, here he is again! My boys would love him. I think he is a bit thick in the head but beware to irritate him too much because he can be extremely mean all of a sudden. Maybe he is also a bit secretive.
    Pia

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  9. ColleenJune 27, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Wonderful! I love "Things" and your work! :)

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  10. naomi oranaJune 28, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    WONDERFUL!
    I just love his stripey legs and blue slippy toes! (they match his ears :-) )

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  11. FrikoJune 28, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    he's gorgeous. there must have been a lot of dust bunnies under the bed, either he is one himself or his coat has collected them.

    (he must be a he?)

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  12. nellekeJune 28, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    great to see his development, I like him :-)

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  13. UnknownJune 28, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Thank you for sharing this, so interesting.

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  14. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Great character development! Maybe the name will stick. It suits him.

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  15. gatheringwonderJune 28, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    this is fabulous - such creativity!

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  16. RedekerJune 29, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    What a delight to come here and your IF is great...no words for it...I mean, it is a thing that I would love to wear on midsummer night.
    And also those caracters here!! Fantastic!

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  17. AtelierBrigitteJune 29, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I am glad that 'the thing under the bed' is not as scary as I alwyas thought it would be ;)

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  18. PowpourriJune 29, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Your work is so fantastic! Unique and creative!!!

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  19. Jennifer van der MeerJune 30, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    I love your creature! He can sleep under my bed, no problem. He seems nice, maybe a bit grumpy, but he is cute anyway! It's nice to see how you developed the character, thank you for sharing your sketches!

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  20. LuTiJune 30, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Typical inhabitant of deep forests. He lives in fairytale tree house between ferns. His diet is mixture of blueberries and nuts. Solitary creature.
    ( I like this guy)

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  21. theartofpuroJuly 1, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Love it!

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  22. ShirleyJuly 1, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    OH golly - he is awesome!! The Thing's personality is already full of intrigue and charm combined. Can't wait to see what you do with him...fabulous work!

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  23. Trade Your TalentJuly 1, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    The Thing is great. I love the way his ear sticks out and the look on his face. That's the look I get when I'm really tired and I just need some time off. Probably he got that look from lying under the bed for too long :) Can't wait to see where he lives :)

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  24. Bish Bosh BashJuly 18, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    The dour, woeful expression and the pot belly. The stripey socks mke him look almost fetching.

    Looks like one of Yoda’s gofers.

    Poor, old, cuddly, ‘Thing’.

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  25. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Your nasturtiums are stunning, Elizabeth...but your drawings and characters are truly wonderful and your *own,* especially this one. Best of luck (and a large dose of perseverance) in the book illustration world! And thank you for visiting and appreciating my book cover entry. :-)

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