Book Illustration: Character Study

Portrait of a Bad Hair Day

Artist Illustrator: John Potter

Client: Matanzas Press
Graphite on paper

This illustration was created for a published short story centered on the theme of "bad hair days." The narrative called for a visual representation that went beyond a simple portrait to convey a specific attitude and emotional state.

The artistic goal was to capture the essence of a character who is entirely unconcerned with her appearance. To achieve this, I focused on crafting a specific facial expression—sleepy, nonchalant, and embodying a "devil may care" attitude. This expression, combined with the deliberately unkempt styling of the hair, works to visually communicate her indifference, aligning the artwork directly with the story's core theme.

This project exemplifies how custom illustration serves as a powerful tool for narrative enhancement. A skilled illustration does more than depict a scene; it interprets character, reinforces theme, and adds a layer of visual storytelling that deepens the reader's engagement with the text.

My professional illustration services include creating bespoke artwork for publishing, editorial content, and narrative projects. I specialize in developing character-driven illustrations that capture mood, personality, and thematic subtext, providing authors and publishers with original visuals that elevate their written work.

To view more examples of my illustrative work across various genres and applications, please visit my Illustration Portfolio. For inquiries about custom illustration for your book, story, or publication, please visit my contact page.