The Nutcracker

Crafting a mixed media illustration inspired by Eric Carle

• Client: Beyond the Barre Dance Studio

• Independent Freelance Project

• Mixed Media: Tissue paper, Acrylic Paint, Scanner, Illustrator, InDesign

1. Nutcracker shapes

I used Illustrator to create the basic shapes of the Nutcracker. I wanted the Nutcracker to be overall very big and graphic using bright colors. Originally, this simple graphic was going to be the program cover, until I went to the library for a source of inspiration and saw “The Art of Eric Carle” on the shelf. I’ve always loved Eric Carle and had always wanted to use his technique to create illustrations.

2. Patterns on tissue paper

It began with painting patterns on tissue paper using a paint brush and acrylic paint. Next, I used my basic shapes from Illustrator as stencils by printing and cutting out the shapes. I laid the stencils on top of the tissue paper, traced, and cut out the shapes from the tissue paper.

3. Assembling and Scanning

After, the shapes were cut I used Mod Podge to glue the assembled shapes to a thick piece of card stock. I scanned the artwork in at a high resolution and did some minor photoshop work (making sure there was no white showing between shapes etc…)

4. Layering Content

Using the Nutcracker as my background, the studio name, title, location, and date are added to the Nutcracker’s body. The Nutcracker program cover is complete. In addition to the program, I created and coordinated the rest of the program with cast list, scenes, acknowledgements, and advertisements.

5. Final Printed Program

In addition to creating the program cover, I also designed the inside pages and ads, sold ad spots, and coordinated the printing. I've included the final program image along with photography of the finished printed program.