A Global Conspiracy of Scientists
I was commissioned to illustrate a short story by Matthew Baker, in which a woman reconciles her anti-vaxxer beliefs whilst raising her child. The story is upfront with themes of loneliness, grief, guilt, and shame.
We chose the last concept, as the ominous shadow enhanced the sense of foreboding you feel in the story. I decided to run with the idea, but changed up the composition so as to present a more visually appealing image.
Using colours inspired by risograph printing, I picked a bold bright blue and offset this with a contrasting flat gold. I kept the illustration simple, choosing to do something a little different than usual with more graphic lines and shapes. The vast amount of ‘white space’ gives a sense of distance to the character, as she pushes herself away from other people and common sense.
I also finished up a second version that didn’t get chosen, but I like enough to share here! I used the same blue but contrasted with fluorescent pink, and a more detailed figure. The tight framing mirrors the possessiveness of the narrator, who closes in on herself and her son to the point of self destruction.
Tools: Adobe Fresco, Kyle T. Webster brushes, iPad Pro, Apple Pencil
