Xander the Panther, a beautiful story written by Grace Buka

Situation:

Embarking on the illustration journey for "Xander, the Panther," authored by the talented Grace Buka, was an exhilarating endeavor. This narrative, centered around a world sans glasses, demanded illustrations exuding vibrancy and depth.

Task:

My objective was crystal clear: to translate Xander's exploits into captivating visuals that resonated with readers. This required a blend of thorough research, immersive museum visits, and unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of black panther allure.

Action:

Collaborating seamlessly with Grace, we delved into the task of translating her prose into a visual spectacle. Armed with a palette of colors and a keen eye for detail, I meticulously crafted illustrations that breathed life into Xander's realm. Each stroke of the pen and brush imbued the scenes with the enchantment and vigor they deserved.

Result:

The culmination? Not merely illustrations, but portals to a realm where imagination reigned supreme. Readers were transported into Xander's adventures through visuals that pulsated with energy and depth. This project garnered recognition on Behance, affirming its impact and creativity in the realm of visual storytelling.

My Inspiration

Moodboard

I like to draw inspiration from other artists to see their unique perspectives and styles. These are the artists I inspired by for this project: Emilia Dziubak, Mary Maka, Juliette Oberndorfer, Agnieszka Maszota, Febin Raj & Sanooj KS, Vuon Illustration, Vinh Nguyen & Rong Pham

Practising

1st Sketches

Drawing Xander was a labor of love, filled with countless references, studies, and visits to the natural science museum. It was a journey of trial and error, where each stroke of the pencil or brush aimed to capture his essence and convey his distinct personality throughout the book. Did you know that black panthers are actually jaguars with hyper melanism? Discovering this fascinating detail added depth and authenticity to the depiction of Xander.

Storyboard

Xander, the Panther

Buy this book here!

“I had the pleasure of working with Flor.P and I must say, the experience was amazing! Flor is an incredibly talented artist who took my project to the next level. Flor really took the time to understand my vision and bring it to life. The final product was beyond my expectations and I couldn't be happier. Throughout the process, she was professional, communicative, and always went above and beyond to ensure that I was happy with their work. I highly recommend Flor. I look forward to working with them again in the future”

— Grace Buka