The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Book
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?
The publisher of this Pop-Up book 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 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 this project’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. Expanding market reach with illustrations!
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.
For the book to work, it was crucial that my artwork accurately fit the templates designed by paper engineers. 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, balancing creativity and commercial viability
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!
Interested in collaborating? Whether you’re a corporation, a design group, or a publisher, I’m here to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something that not only looks amazing but also tells a compelling story. Drop me a message, and let’s get started on this creative journey together!