The Illustrated cover for Oz
Illustration commission for The Wizard of Oz
This illustration project involved a collaboration with upcoming author Hope Swan. Together, we embarked on a creative journey to craft a series of illustrations inspired by her contemporary interpretation of The Wizard of Oz.
Project Kickoff: A Dystopian Oz Unveiled
This was a collaboration with Hope Swan to give The Wizard of Oz a dystopian twist. Imagine Oz under the rule of this ruthless dictator, Marcus. We wanted to suck out the magic and turn the yellow brick road into a faded memory.
Shared Vision: Bringing Darkness to Life
Hope and I were in sync right from the start. We were out to create a desolate Oz, and as an illustrator, my toolkit was a mix of pencils, pens, and ink. All those vibrant colours? Faded to different shades of grey. The whimsical landscape? A shadow of its former self. The challenge was to capture the essence of darkness while keeping the heart of the story alive.
Hope in the Shadows: The Rebel Crew Emerges
But in this darkness, there's a glimmer of hope. A group of rebels, led by Dalia, a university student who was transported to Oz during a storm and a hurricane. Their mission? Reclaim what's rightfully theirs. Restore balance and magic to a place choking under Marcus' rule. It's a story of resilience and rebellion against the odds.
Illustrative Choices: Crafting Timelessness in Grayscale
Let's talk illustrations. For the internal pages, I went with grayscale. It gives off this timeless vibe, you know? Every stroke of the pen was aimed at immersing readers in a world that's hauntingly familiar yet strikingly different. The challenge was to make them feel the desolation while holding onto the echoes of what Oz once was.
Visual Portal: The Cover and Back Design Dive
For the cover and back design, I used the greens of Emerald City. It's like a visual portal, pulling readers into this reimagined Oz. Crafting a colour palette that breathes life into these elements is an invitation to a fantastical world.
Book jacket for Oz. Cover and back illustration and graphic design.
Illustration of the street festival after the liberation of OZ
The Grand Finale: A Conversation of Words and Images
Wrapping it up, this project is like a conversation between the written word and visual interpretation. It's about breathing new life into a classic, transporting readers into a world where dreams defy the darkness. Hope and I aimed to create something that sparks the imagination and leaves you with a sense of awe. It's like inviting you to join us on this journey, where every stroke of the pen is a step closer to the magic of Oz.
Testimonial
“When I finished the first draft of my book, I knew I wanted some illustrations to accompany the words. As a first-time author and a full-time university student, I was very hesitant about how to find someone to help bring my dream to life.
I’m so grateful for having found Matthew. Not only were my book illustrations amazing, but he was so supportive and very kind to someone who had never collaborated in this way. I’m now on the verge of publishing a book that looks amazing. From the cover to the interior pictures, his work provides my work with another level of excellence and professionalism. I truly can never thank him enough.”