Paper v’s digital chat

I am going back to paper again

Over the last few years I been experimenting with making books digitally.

I made my book of Fairy Tales on Photoshop: drawing on paper then scanning and building layers using the debaser tool to give it that old-school litho feel. I learned the debaser tool on the job, it was a bit of a headache to be honest, but I like the results.

First Fairy Tales written by Margaret Mayo, illustrated by Helen Stephens, published by Orchard Books

I made Drew, Moo and Bunny Too using Procreate, drawing straight onto the screen. I learnt Procreate on the job, because that’s how I learn best: under the extreme pressure of a deadline.

Drew, Moo and Bunny Too written by Owen Sheers, illustrated by Helen Stephens, published by Walker Books

I made Saving Mr Hoot on paper, then I scanned and built up layers on Affinity. Affinity Photo is just like Photoshop but MUCH cheaper, I love it. I learned Affinity on the job too, what other way is there? Ha!

Saving Mr Hoot, written and illustrated by Helen Stephens, published by Alison Green Books

And I made Smelly Peggy by hand on paper, with a bit of scanning and layering on Procreate.

Smelly Peggy, written and illustrated by Helen Stephens, published by Walker Books

All great adventures into working digitally, all learning on the job because that’s how I learn best.

But I am craving paper again. I swear I am an illustrator because I am trying to recreate the hours and hours of my childhood I spent lying on the caravan floor, drawing with felt pens and listening to the rain hammering down on the roof. A great din! But oh, so comforting.

So with my new book I am going back to good old paper and paint. I am hoping for lots of rain to patter on the studio skylight, failing that I have my John Watson - In St Cuthbert’s Time soundtrack and some headphones.

I am drawing everything by hand on paper and when it is done I will wrap it all up and send it by snail mail to the publisher.

How do you like working best? Hands on paper, or digital, or a mix of both? Do you have a soundtrack to help you fall into that lovely meditative creative space?

Helenx

P.S. There’s a new episode of the Good Ship Podcast out today!

We got this excellent question:

‘I'm not drawing as much anymore - Aghhhhh! Is this ok!?’

If you feel like you’re not drawing as much as you “should”, then you’re definitely, absolutely not alone. In this episode, we share our drawing ebbs and flows, why guilt often sneaks in, and how to let yourself off the hook when life gets lifey.

Submit your questions for the podcast here.