After I created my rough designs and was content with my outcomes I started to proceed in producing my final piece. To being with I measured out the basic size of what the components of each piece, as I worked previously using A6 I scaled my approximate measurements by 1/3 and finalized my lengths. This was a very important as the measuring is key to making the pop-up function correctly and smoothly. I also drew out any pieces that were part of mechanisms or structure that would not be illustrated further.
I then mapped out in pencil the basis for my illustrations within my basic measurements, I only scaled from my roughs by 1/3 because I wanted to leave room for any elaborations on my illustrations. I them added detail and penned my illustrations. I found this a rather easy process after all the pieces were measured out as the illustrations were disconnected from each other meaning I did not have to worry about certain key elements when drawing such as posture and anatomy to a lesser extent, which was very refreshing for me.
Once I had drawn and inked my elements for the pop-up I had to create background I decided that I wanted to create something similar to Carters Alpha Bugs book I researched and use a very simple background but instead of using pure white I created a unique watercolor wash that was thematically appropriate to the character these were created using basic watercolor techniques including adding salt and using frisket. I them scanned my images and edited on Photoshop and added text which consisted of a couple of lines per page of rhyming content about the monster in question, I felt that it was important to rhyme as many other children targeted books find that is a very good method of communication and my plan is to keep the facade as accurate as possible.
Once completed I then had to print my images, which I wanted to get professionally printed for a higher quality paper and print than what I could achieve on my own with my own limited resources. I actually found it very difficult to find afford A4 printing that was of a good quality as none of my usual websites actually offered an affordable service for what I needed. Eventually I was recommended the website Printed.com which didn't offer a direct service but offered to print A4 flyers which had exactly the same properties as what I desired, they allowed me to choose my paper thickness and upload a various amount of different images rather than just one all. Overall I had 16 sheets of imagery and 4 copies of each, as to allow for error when cutting. It all came to a relatively affordable price of £50 approximately.
Whilst my images were being printed I decided to design my cover I had a very clear idea of what I wanted from the start which was just a simple "spooky face" which would look innocent and harmless. I wanted it on a fabric background to give the cover a traditional and refined edge to it. I designed my cover on Photoshop using basic child friendly shapes and dubbed it with the title "What is under my bed?" which isn't particularly inspiring or offensive which is the goal. When I came to building the cover I used a gray-board based and bought a fabric online. Sadly the fabric was not as described and I received a very thin, tacky polyester that would not work at all so I had to used a high quality black cardboard which arguably looks a lot more presentable and a bulky fabric. The design was screen printed onto the cover after construction.
Once my printing was returned I started to cut out each element and construct my pages this process was very time consuming and delicate but I enjoyed the process. Once glued I attached them to the paper pages. which I then stuck together and placed inside the cover. Overall I would say that the process was very rewarding and I felt that I actually achieved something more than just a drawing.
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