Classic Rhymes, Illustrated

Intended to be used by a children’s library, my task was to make three scalable illustration that could be large enough to be hung from the ceiling as banners, and small enough to be used as book plates. They are based on three classic nursery rhymes: Sing a Song of Sixpence, Cold and Raw the North Winds Blow, and Wee Willie Winkie

To solve the scalability problem, I decided to use minimal details so that they would still be legible at such a small size. However, to keep the illustrations interesting enough at large sizes, I decided to use a variety of textures. I created the illustrations out of different fabrics on a flat surface, and photographed them to create the final product. They are intended to reference the look of a plush toy, perfect for a children’s library.

For the king character, I emphasized his large, furry collar and his hair. I embroidered blue lines within the large shape of his hair in order to add some depth and interest. To convey the surprising action of the scene, I placed the fabric birds over the king as though they are flying between him and the viewer.

Cold and Raw the North Winds Blow did not have any obvious characters, since it was only about the cold wind. Because of this, I decided to create my own character: a snowman I felt that showing a snowman with his hat blowing away was a good way to show the strong wind, instead of showing a windy landscape devoid of characters.

In Wee Willie Winkie, Wee Willie runs through the town up and down the stairs to children’s bedrooms to make sure that they are asleep. I chose to depict him as a child himself, wearing a nightgown and bunny slippers. His night cap is oversized to demonstrate his small size. He carries a lantern to light his way up and down the stairs as he travels through the town.