Thursday, 14 April 2016

Character / narrative Research - The Spiderwick Chronicles

The spider wick chronicles provided huge entertainment and inspiration for me as a child, I was absorbed by the mythical wold of goblins, and griffins, which were brought to life by Toni Ditzerlizzi beautifully detailed and charming illustrations.

These chapter books are aimed at children aged 7 and up. Writer Black describes the stories as "unnerving and frightening, not little horror stories... more adventurous than anything else." The books illustrator Toni Ditzerlizzi adds, "But they have to have danger, just like any fairy tale. Kids don't want candy-coated. They want a little grit."

Accompanying the novels, was "Aurthors Fieldguide." I think what really appealed to me about the books is that the imaginative world is written as though it is real. This accompanying book devels further into this mythical world in more detail and presents it in a factual way, the way its written makes it seem so real to the reader.
I love the highly details illustrations - so much has gone into creating the characters - their visual appearance and characteristics.
"In addition to the fifteen creatures featured in the first five Spiderwick adventures, this extensive volume features an additional fifteen creatures to delight and astonish, such as mermaids, gargoyles and leprechauns. It also features snippets from Arthur Spiderwick's journal... information that specifically links the Guide to the Spiderwick Chronicles. There are even cameos from all the favourites in the series. From clever and informative introductory sections on essential materials and faerie world basics, through sections featuring fabulous faerie species, to an addendum created by Jared Grace, correcting Arthur Spiderwick and cross-referencing with the story books, this is the field guide to end all field guides!"

- When thinking about my final outcome i primarily would like to create a book, however i would also like to consider how i could engage and possible interact with the audience. In the latter half of the field guide, there is a write-in section for children to record their own sightings of these mythical creatures, which i think is a great way to involve the audience and promote the book.
- A book could also be potentially too much to take on however. - but considering a field guide? or even just some book covers? would be more achievable perhaps.















I really admire the character design for these books, each creature has been so carefully and thoughtfully constructed, - so much imagination has gone into the creation of each character, which make them seem more real and believable. 
It Isn't just the visual quality considered, it speaks about their environment, where you can find them, their characteristics, - Its all these small details that have contributed towards the success of these fascinating and captivating designs.
- Media considerations. - I love his use of soft pencils and watercolour to create such detail.

Other thoughts; - Moving research forward;
- It would be interesting to know how Toni, and holly came up with these creations? the creatures are unique and created for the purpose of these novels, yet some do evolve around long standing myths,/stories - but developed in a new and exciting interpretation or combination.
- As much as I would perhaps enjoy creating my own entirely new 'creatures' and narrative, I feel that with the time limit of this brief it may too much of an investment. I also might struggle as an illustrator - not only to create illustrations of new creature/characters - but to come up with an accompanying narrative as I personally do not consider myself a strong writer.
- I feel that it is worth looking into existing myths, and legends, and look to create my own illustrated interpretations that are based around these tales. - create a new, fresh, exciting spin on them? I think this direction would provide me much inspiration, and I'm excited to see what i uncover. - Perhaps aim to look at little known/unheard of myths/legends? ones that have not been illustrated so many times.








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