Sorting through some papers I was shocked to come across these very early pictures of Ella Bella. How different she looks here! These are the very first drawings I ever did, before writing a story or doing any of the considerable research I undertook before developing Ella as she appears today.
While these are competent enough they are rather ordinary. I wanted Ella to be more special somehow, the character more charming and easily recognisable. Above all, I felt these drawings were just too close to the illustrations for Katie. Nevertheless, I emphatically did not want to develop a “style” that was at odds with who I am and the way I draw. But research into vintage printing processes and retro design inspired me to try using different techniques and approaches to composition. I learned to be less literal and conventional. The drawing remains MY drawing in both Katie and Ella Bella books. But the different techniques create a whole different atmosphere. It’s been a wonderful journey of experimenting and learning.
Now, as I move towards completion with Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan Lake, it feels like I’ve always illustrated like this. But when I see these early drawings, I’m so glad I pushed myself that little extra mile to see what I was capable of. One of my many mottos has always been to never say: “Oh, that’ll do”.
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