CASE STUDY
Valamar resort: children’s area
When I am hired for a commission, I follow a streamlined routine for project development.
It all starts with the client's instructions and wishes.
Upon the first reading I visualize a possible solution. I start the process with rough sketching, that is, looking for the perfect composition.
As I find the compositions and/or character designs I send them for a review. Once the client approves the sketches, the fun part starts - coloring.
I approach the colors depending on the atmosphere and mood required in each illustration. If it is a story with a series of illustrations,
I look for and determine the colors for each page after emotionally mapping the story out beforehand. Each page works for itself but also as a whole, all the illustrations constantly supporting the story.
For this project with Valamar I did not have to develop the characters, but I had to perfect them further, adjust their colors codes and create new environments, settings and children’s games with the given instruction of format and their use. All the materials were published by Evenio publishing house.
“A professional can be creative on demand.”
Project brief
My task was to illustrate the children’s menu with entertaining exercises and games on the backside, covers for a planner, a calendar, and a poster. I was working with a pre-existing character design. My client wanted me to improve on the background paintings and incorporate the characters into more 3D space.
Children’s menu composition
Editors instructions were a scene in front of a restaurant, characters sitting down and eating specific meals from their offer. While the main character Maro is standing and holding a menu. During my approach to this sketch I had to keep in mind to leave some space for the actual text and prices of the meals. I decided to go for a clean and simple design, with a few Mediterranean details to give the illustration a cozy coastal spirit.
Color scheme
Throughout the painting process of the environment I was using mostly oranges, yellows, neutral red, and pink. I wanted to conceive a feeling of a pleasant summer sunset and a carefree dinner. To support that, the colors of the table, chairs, and surrounding area remind us of colors of pasta, dough, or even bread oven. Overall the atmosphere is intended to be warm and welcoming.
Menu - Backside
For the backside of the menu, my task was to create four fun exercises. A labyrinth, find a way, coloring page, and a simple algebra task. I decided to use the branding as a starting point of creating inviting and playful setting for the layout. Sea stars, shells, and other details around are in the official colors of the Valamar resort, making the brand visually present even in the details.
