SPOT ILLUSTRATIONS

This project involved developing a series of one-color illustrations for a historical novel set in the American Southwest during the 1950s and 1960s. The author wanted the artwork to evoke the airy, detailed linework of mid-century children’s and young adult books while supporting the story’s period setting.
I developed a visual language using fine linework, crosshatching, and selectively placed solid black. Crosshatching creates softer shadows and texture, while solid areas provide stronger visual weight where appropriate, such as in feathers, the shadowed interior of a hogan, and the patterns of a Navajo rug.
Research informed details of architecture, clothing, footwear, and objects, helping ground the illustrations in their Southwestern setting while maintaining the requested mid-century aesthetic. The result is a cohesive illustration system that balances historical atmosphere, regional detail, and clear visual storytelling.