Collaborating with Silly Goose Studios was a dream come true. Their expertise in bringing Kim to life was extraordinary. The book’s success is a joy, and I’m excited about our future projects together. – Sara McFall
Kim Bakes A Cake
Client.
we had the pleasure of working with Sara McFall. Sara’s a gifted writer with a deep passion for children’s education. Her project, “Kim Bakes a Cake,” aimed to blend fun and learning, targeting children fascinated by animals. She envisioned a book that was both entertaining and educational, making learning a delightful experience for young readers.
Challenge.
Sara approached us with a unique challenge. She wanted “Kim Bakes a Cake” to feature a Komodo dragon protagonist that was both scientifically accurate and endearing to children. The goal was to balance the Komodo’s distinctive features with a warm, appealing character design, something that initially proved tricky due to its reptilian nature.
The Steps.
Brainstorming &
Conceptualizing
Our journey began with intensive brainstorming sessions, delving into a myriad of ideas to strike the perfect balance between authenticity and approachability for Kim, the Komodo dragon. This phase was crucial in laying the groundwork for Kim’s character development, ensuring both factual accuracy and a friendly demeanor.
Target
Audience
We then put pen to paper, sketching numerous designs, each adding to Kim’s character. With our target audience in mind, our creative process transitioned from ideation to visualization. We produced a range of sketches, each iteration contributing distinct elements to Kim’s burgeoning personality. This meticulous sketching phase was pivotal in shaping a character that resonates with our young audience.
Artistic Inspiration &
Design Process
Inspired by the anatomical intricacies of the Komodo dragon, our studio embarked on a detailed design journey. Our objective was twofold: to maintain scientific authenticity while infusing Kim with a whimsical charm. To achieve this, we gathered insights from children at zoos, understanding their perceptions of Komodo dragons. These valuable insights were then woven into our design process, ensuring Kim’s appeal was finely tuned to captivate our young audience.
Client’s
Perspective
Sara, our client, played an integral role throughout the process, offering insightful feedback. She expressed particular admiration for the meticulous attention to detail in our illustrations. In response, we evolved our strategy to encompass a vibrant color palette, moving beyond the traditional greys associated with Komodo dragons. This approach transformed Kim into a more dynamic, lively character.
Font Choices &
Layout
In terms of font selection and layout, we opted for a playful yet readable typeface, enhancing the story’s accessibility for young readers. The layout was designed to be intuitive and engaging, with ample white space to let the illustrations breathe. Strategic placement of text alongside the visuals ensured a seamless narrative flow, making the story both easy to follow and visually compelling.
Colour
Palette
Our approach to color and texture brought depth and personality to Kim. The introduction of tinted pink glasses, a signature element of Kim’s character, symbolized her optimistic perspective. This choice added depth to her persona and versatility to the narrative, enriching the storytelling experience.
Client’s
Perspective
Sara’s satisfaction with the final design was palpable. Her enthusiasm, coupled with her son’s deep engagement with the book, was a testament to our successful alignment of Kim’s character with her vision. This positive feedback was a strong indicator of the project’s success.
Project
Impact
The project’s success was reflected in the overwhelmingly positive reception from both Sara and the target audience, reaffirming our belief in the power of thoughtful design and storytelling. As we conclude this project, we are inspired to embark on future endeavors, carrying forward the insights and experiences gained from bringing Kim to life.
Reception
“Kim Bakes a Cake” has seen remarkable sales success, further underscored by its inclusion in the Nashville Zoo gift shop, coinciding with the opening of their new Komodo dragon exhibit. This strategic placement not only boosted sales but also enhanced the book’s relevance and appeal.
Author’s Journey
Sara McFall’s journey into children’s literature was driven by her aspiration to educate and inspire young minds. This book, a culmination of her creative and educational aspirations, represents not just a story, but a dream realized.
Conclusion
“Kim Bakes a Cake” stands as a benchmark in children’s literature, balancing educational content with engaging storytelling. The collaboration between Sara McFall and Silly Goose Studios exemplifies how imaginative character design, aligned with targeted audience insights, can create a meaningful and successful literary work.
