Idea to Illustration

Bringing this story to life has been a truly collaborative process. After sharing very specific ideas for each scene, the incredibly talented illustrator Sandie Sonke begins by creating detailed sketches that capture the heart and movement of the story. These initial sketches are shared for review and approval, allowing us to fine-tune the details together.

Once a sketch is approved, Sandie thoughtfully layers in the color palette I selected and approved, transforming each drawing into a vibrant illustration that reflects the tone, emotion, and spirit of the book. Watching these sketches evolve into full-color artwork has been one of the most exciting parts of the creative journey.

Below is a peek behind the scenes at some of Sandie’s early sketches—where imagination first meets the page.