Sketches for Illustration Friday

Last weeks word for "Illustration Friday" was family. This online platform allows illustrators to practice their skills and create something based on the word of the week. I decided to create sketches of a potential movie poster. Below are 4 potential thumbnail compositions sketched out.

When sketching these compositions I didn't want to choose a stereotypical approach to the word "family". I decided to choose a darker theme. I intended the sketches to be depicted gory with the use of dripping blood. The four siblings are shown that competing for the throne are shown, but the main female lead is larger. The death of the king can be interpreted through the empty throne or funeral. 

My inspiration for these sketches is a book that I read when I was 14. Unfortunately I cannot remember the proper name to research the book cover. The book was about a maid that is top spy for the queen. She must do what ever it takes to protect the queen at all cost.

Above is my first attempt at sketching digitally with my new Wacom tablet. I choose this design to sketch because I thought that is was the better composition. The girls enlarged head and crown at the top draws in the viewers eye. The dripping blood from the crown moves the viewers eye down through the composition to the bottom of the composition.