A few weeks ago Ashleigh Heaton, AD over at Del Rey Books, asked me to design a paper doll as a promo for Silvia Moreno-Garcia's new book Mexican Gothic. The book is a gothic horror set in Mexico during the 1950's, and the main character is a stylish socialite with all sorts of cool outfits.
A chance to draw a paper doll with historically accurate 1950's outfits? Um yes yes I will absolutely do that!! The AD described four outfits from the story that she wanted me to draw - a suit, a casual outfit, a nightgown and a ballgown - and the author supplied lots of helpful historical references, as well as a Pinterest board and a Spotify playlist! Wow!
First I drew the doll base. The character is described as looking like "a young Katy Jurado." I posed for the doll myself, wearing a retro-style swimsuit and some high heels. (But, for once, I will refrain from posting those reference photos on this blog.) Then I just upped the hourglass factor to get that 1950's pinup shape.
Once the base doll had approval, I started sketching the outfits. I looked up specific references for each piece, making sure that the photographs were from the early 1950's. I laid out the outfit sketches along with my references for the team to see.
Everything was approved, so I finished up the rendering. Then I added some tabs and printed everything out on cardstock to see if it worked in real life.
I did have to tweak a few things to make them all line up correctly. Then I sent the doll to the AD. "Wow, she stands up!" she said.
Okay here's the cool part: YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE PAPER DOLL FOR FREE! Thank you to AD Ashleigh Heaton for the incredibly fun assignment. I absolutely loved doing this. And congratulations to Silvia Garcia-Moreno on the release of Mexican Gothic! I pre-ordered the audiobook and I'm excited to dive in. (Note: This is an adult horror novel and definitely not for kids!)
I LOVE this gorgeous paper doll, and can’t wait to print her out! My cousin and I used to make paper dolls with vast wardrobes when we were kids, and I still love them. I’m so pleased that you tested that the outfits fit, it’s so disappointing when you try the clothes on the doll and they don’t quite line up properly (it’s more common than you’d think). Anyway, I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I love seeing all your process photos and lovely illustrations. Thank you for sharing, it’s always so inspiring.
ReplyDelete