PART TWO IDEAS: 

Writing a Brief...

Identify a piece of work you have some connection with...

This was easy. As a mother of two small children, I have spent the last 9 years reading my way through children's books, admiring and talking my way through the pages and illustrations, feeding my two little minds. I decided to ask my children which book, which illustration or "picture" to them, they would like us to discuss. 

The answer, Matilda... Illustrated by Quentin Blake. 
Matilda (Paperback)


Knowing the story, very well indeed, from my own childhood and now reliving this wonderful tale as a parent, I brainstorm for 2 minutes. What does the name MATILDA mean in my mind...


THE BRIEF:

To design a book cover, to be published in high volume, worldwide, on large hardback (6"x 8") and smaller paperback (5"x 8").

This book is expected to be a no1 best seller globally.

Target audience: Children 5-15 years of varying reading and academic ability. 

A cover that will present to the reader, the main character, Matilda. 

The illustration will be significant in providing the visual of Matilda. Readers must know, be informed of her appearance before they turn the first page. The reader must like her. 

The illustration must include Matilda's distinctive character traits to educate the reader on who she is...
  •  She is a child. School age in illustration, 5-6 years. 
  • She is lonely, alone. 
  • She is small in stature, needs a box or stool to stand on to be noticed. In strength and bravery, she is far taller than she is made to feel. 
  • She is a neglected child, so her clothes should be subdued, dark tones, grey or blue. 
  • The power of her mind is her greatest gift and the super power that saves her in the end.
  • Highlight her huge thought processes, her dreams, blue thought bubbles, her mind is bigger than who she is in size, go big on this. 
  • She is a reader, a thinker. Top of her class.  
  • She is incredibly intelligent, a lover of books, books are crucial to the illustration as they are her escape from those who neglect her,  and will prove to be her rescue. Include a large pile of library books, she visits her local library on a daily basis. Go big on books. 
Matilda needs to be the central focus. Background: Bright, captivating colour, pink or orange, feminine yet childish. Simple, so as not to distract from Matilda. Bright colour must be contrasting against the huge, darker blue toned thought bubble. 

Modern in design, bold and youthful. A sketch, pen and ink in style, black outlines. The child reader must want to examine this illustration for a moment or two to see Matilda. 

Text to be included on book cover: ROALD DAHL MATILDA Illustrated by Quentin Blake. The illustration must describe the character enough, without the need of descriptive story text. 

_________

REFLECTION: Thinking Quentin Blake's illustration through has been a complete joy! I have loved this exercise, once I started, my mind flowed!  

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