Storytime Magazine contacted me to illustrate this british folk tale about two farmers -
the grumpy Mr. Miser, the happy Mr. Merry - and a bet with a magic dwarf.
At first I tried a Mr. Miser way more malevolent version. With sharp beard, thin eyes, pointed nose and cheekbones, a pitchfork and a flat square hat.
The editor thought he was too much frightening, wich I agreed with (I have no intention of causing nightmares for the little readers). After some studies, I smoothed Mr. Miser's design, looking for a The Tree Stooge's look like to keep the "old times" aura.
The large hat of Mr. Merry I change myself for readability reasons. The flowers turned out to be a much better choice.
Based on late 18th century farmers aesthetics, I choose the round shapes for the happy Mr Merry: the voluminous sideburns, the short and wide hat as well as the colorfull flowers and light colors.
For Mr. Miser: cold colors, a pointed hat, a square beard and a long and worn suspenders (because he is too stingy to by another one).
Since Merry has the dwarf to talk to, I suggested that Miser had a sidekick too: a mouse, so mischievous as the farmer.
The magic dwarf is a tradicional british folklore character that live in the woods. So I designed him with pached clothes (made by himself) and nature elements.
Bucolic landscapes of UK's traditional countryside with fences, flowers, low stone walls, tiny bridges over steams, fluffy sheep and vast green fields.
Mr. Miser's house, however, has the rough old west style.
