Illustrated Pop-Up Book of the Seven Wonders
We all know what the Great Pyramid at Giza looks like... as it is now, maybe less-so how it looked… then. We can cruise around Rhodes in streetview but the Colossus won’t be making an appearance on our screens. And we'll never get a perfect Instagram shot of the Lighthouse of Alexandria or watch a drone video of the Statue of Zeus. Because the Ancient Wonders are (almost) all gone! But what were they really like?
Illustrating the Imagination
The publisher of this illustrated pop-up book of the Seven Wonders knew that because the truth remains slightly out of reach, this is a subject that will forever intrigue and tantalise. We’ll never know for certain what the ancient wonders were like, so it’s the imagining that we enjoy! We long to be whisked back in time and into our own inner worlds. We want to WONDER!
Illustration is the perfect way to transport an audience to that imaginative space, enchanting and illuminating without over explaining. The innovative use of paper mechanics, in this title, adding a further visualisation aid for audiences, while also increasing its potential to stand-out on shelves.
So, given a book of the Seven Wonder’s scope for broad audience reach, it was important that the book be filled with engaging artwork for children and adults and multi-layered illustrations, catering to different interests.
The Art of Balance
This called for an illustrator who could tackle both the imaginative and the practical- the poetry AND the prose! And my illustration approach of lively and expressive on top, disguising meticulously designed underneath- ticked those boxes.
Balancing Creativity and Precision
For an illustrated pop-up book to work, it’s crucial for the artwork accurately fit the templates designed by paper engineers. For this project, it was also important to use the right level of artwork realism to create illusion in those 3-D elements but all without losing stylistic consistency; maintaining energy and vibrancy when the pops explode into life. In this way, the outcome needed to be a happy medium between the functional requirements of the design and a colourful, dynamic illustration style to appeal to children.
A Passion for History
The subject naturally called for artistic impressions and dramatic renderings of scenes that no longer exist. As always, I got stuck into my historical research! I worked in rich colour, contrast, and my signature texture to evoke drama and awe. Aiming to create an end product beautiful enough to gift, with layers of detail that I knew fellow history fans would appreciate.
And in complete contrast to ancient imaginings was an additional challenge! The need for accurate and informative visual aids- illustrated How It Works diagrams and cutaway illustrations. But, since nerdy accuracy disguised by a handmade feel and human energy is one of my special skills, the design outcome on each of the pages retained the same visual feel throughout. Consistent uniqueness!
Work With Me!
If you are interested in collaborating on a timeless illustration project, drop me a line! I’m here to bring your vision to life.