Back in early 2017, I started to put something down on paper and as I am first and foremost a drawer (illustrator if I’m trying to sound professional), I began sketching. Some may write first and illustrate later but that’s just not how I’m made. I’ve had a sketchbook and pencil in my hand for my entire life and that is how I feel most comfortable.
The initial concept was clear to me so the sketches for the first four or five pages came out quite quickly. After that, I took my time. I knew where I wanted to start the story and where I wanted it to go so it was just a case of knitting it together fluently. After each page I thought hard about the next and gradually built up my story. Some parts just naturally came out but others needed more thought. It was a long, enjoyable process which lasted a good few months. Some pages were drawn and then completely crossed out, while others were adapted and changed.
I didn’t want to be too strict on myself by saying, “I must sketch a page a day!” I figured this would be putting pressure on myself to force the next page when perhaps is wasn’t quite ready. I chose to take a more mindful approach by developing ideas when they were ready.
Eventually, after drawing, rubbing out, drawing some more, crossing out, rethinking certain pages and drawing some more, I was finished. I was very pleased with my final storyboard and I was ready for the next stage… going digital.
