505: tutorial notes

• now is the time to develop a 'story', but it doesn't necessarily need to have words or characters
• will it become a book of contrasts? i.e. kids having fun in scary places
• base it on experiences, be visceral
• don't worry about it being massively commercial, now is a good time to create something something sophisticated without the pressures of industry
• do some bookbinding and attend the In Design workshop. Think less about print making in this project, enjoy painting.
• Blurb is a site that will print books for you. This is more a last minute option if things go wrong!
• thinking about the format of the book may bring the project along
• look at Bill Bragg's paintings. I don't know much formally about painting but this is almost better, don't be over indulgent in the *technical* aspects of it

I also came across a Guardian article on the book that Jon Klassen has recently illustrated, The Nest. Author Kenneth Oppel says:

"When we were thinking of having illustrations for The Nest, we decided not to show any of the characters, or try to traditionally illustrate scenes. Jon’s approach was more atmospheric. He told me when he read the book it reminded him of The Shining - whose scary spaces are drenched with dread. Jon’s images are very still, sort of like stage sets before the actors enter, or right after they’ve left. You get the sense something terrible is about to happen, or just has. The images seem still, yet they’re filled with mystery and sometimes menace"

 It appears to be a very beautifully illustrated book and this way of thinking inspired me to approach my own project in a different manner (no words/ no characters)