Debut book illustration commission.
A story of a little girl called Zesi, who goes on a sartorial journey based on the Queens of Africa.
I approached this exciting and enriching project by first understanding the historical aspect to each of the real life figures represented in the story. Researching their cultures, attire and symbols was a crucial.

Vibrant Colours set each scene. I chose colours that reflected the royal status of the queens, while maintaining a whimsical, child-friendly aesthetic. Traditional African patterns were incorporated into clothing to add texture and cultural depth.
Building the character of Zesi was integral to the authenticity of the story ensuring that she was a accurate representation of a young black girl of today. From the choice of hairstyle to her style of her facial features is something that I paid close attention to to ensure that the character would resonate with both children and adults alike. 

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