Case Study: Molly
I’m fascinated by the way illustrators and designers transform raw ideas into finished works. With that in mind, I’d love to share a recent case study: my process behind creating Molly, the Introverted Performer. This book takes a fresh look at what it really means to be a performer, challenging the common assumptions shaped by the spotlight—whether on stage, online, or in the studio. Drawing from personal experience, the project explores the realities of deep introversion in a performance-driven world. Through its characters, the book offers an honest and heartfelt window into performance anxiety, the solitude of touring, and the joy of creativity that flows from the studio to the stage.
Research
Before developing initial ideas and sketches, I began by researching a wide range of illustration styles. I explored examples incorporating typography, watercolour, mixed media, line work, printmaking, and digital drawing to determine which approach would best align with the theme of The Introverted Performer. By categorising these references into groups, I was able to clarify which visual directions resonated most strongly and identify the styles I wanted to draw influence from. I also read articles and a book based on the characteristics of introverts.
Life Drawing
Building on my understanding of introversion, I focused on capturing characters in real-life settings to inform the illustrations. I observed posture, gestures, expressions, and even clothing, seeking to understand how these subtle details convey personality. Many of these reference images were gathered through careful observation in cafés, capturing characters from multiple angles- side, rear, and front - to create a well-rounded visual library for the project.
Technique Pratice
While drawing from life was essential in shaping my final characters, I also focused on developing several key techniques: colour choice, texture, use of negative space, and narrative. Early studies explored colour experimentation (such as the bird), multiple landscape angles, and eventually led to my preferred palette of greens, greys, and browns. These tones were layered to create depth and leverage negative space, while narrative experiments—presented in a comic-book style—brought three characters to life. Texture played a crucial role throughout, subtly conveying the layers and complexity of an introverted character to the reader.
Rough Draft
After creating a series of thumbnails to establish the narrative structure, I drafted the story summaries. At this stage, there was still room to refine the narrative, but it was time to begin translating ideas into sketches. These examples showcase the process—from experimenting with textures to refining character positioning. Typically, one page of my sketchbook was dedicated to mapping out ideas, testing textures, and exploring colour, while the facing page contained the first draft. Iterations followed whenever the draft needed strengthening. As my understanding of the story deepened, however, I found it increasingly easier to produce compelling images on the first or second attempt.
Typography
Testing the copy typography, including the front cover heading, was a crucial part of the design process. The text needed to be legible while fitting within a limited space, so I explored several serif typefaces to complement the illustration style. While experimenting with more expressive fonts for the heading was enjoyable, I ultimately chose a clean, simple sans serif with a high “x” height, creating a sense of warmth and approachability.
Editing & Refinement
All of the illustrations underwent careful editing to refine the final images. Adjustments included whitening backgrounds, enhancing colours, and in some cases simplifying or reversing elements. Characters were drawn on separate sheets and then composited in Photoshop, allowing flexibility in layout and composition. A few ideas were ultimately discarded to ensure clarity and balance. The result is a cohesive, refined illustrated book that provides ample space for the text to breathe. To view the final book, follow this link.
I’m delighted with the outcome, the colours of the physical printed versions and the joy and intrigue the book has brought to readers.
