This project marks an exciting continuation of my collaboration with the author as we expand the vibrant world of Tommy Rhu in this second installment. Building on the foundation of the first book, we worked in lockstep to evolve the enchanting atmosphere and introduce new layers to the story. By refining our shared creative vision, we’ve brought even more depth to these beloved characters, ensuring a visually rich and immersive experience that grows right along with its young readers.
As Rhu grows, so does his iconic look. This character sheet explores Rhu’s updated designs for the sequel, highlighting a new array of unique hairstyles that reflect his journey in this story. Because his hair remains a central narrative element, these sketches experiment with fresh textures and shapes—ranging from sleek, adventurous cuts to even more expressive, untamed manes. These designs capture Rhu’s maturing personality while maintaining the whimsical essence fans first fell in love with.
This visual deep-dive was vital for establishing Rhu’s identity in Book Two, ensuring his appearance evolves naturally while staying true to the heart of the series.
These black-and-white spreads offer a behind-the-scenes look at the early development of the sequel. These preliminary drawings are where we solve the puzzles of composition and pacing, mapping out Rhu’s latest adventures before the final stage of rendering. This foundational work allows us to fine-tune the energy of each scene before we breathe life into the pages with a brand-new, vibrant color palette.
These sketches showcase the artistic evolution of the series, demonstrating how a rough concept matures into a polished, high-energy masterpiece for the next chapter of the saga.
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