OVERVIEW
Brave Face is a thoughtful children’s story that reframes bravery through emotional truth rather than spectacle. Through Dave’s journey, the narrative gently challenges the idea that courage is about being fearless, instead revealing strength in vulnerability, honesty, and connection. The story handles illness, confusion, and fear with care, offering young readers language and imagery to understand emotions that are often difficult to name.
OUR ROLE
THE CLIENT
Authored by Rachel Hardison, the project called for visuals that could hold emotional weight without becoming heavy. The intention was to create a visual world that felt safe and familiar, where children could recognise themselves in Dave’s expressions and experiences. Sensitivity, consistency, and emotional readability were central, ensuring the illustrations supported both the story’s depth and its accessibility.
Rachel Hardison
Author, Bollweevilbooks
USA
THE PROJECT
- Concept Creation
- Character Design
- Visual Storytelling
- Colour Theory & Palette Development
- Composition & Layout Design
- Narrative Pacing
- Print-Ready Artwork Preparation
The book was fully illustrated and designed with a strong focus on emotional storytelling. Character expressions and body language were carefully developed to reflect subtle shifts in feeling, allowing children to follow Dave’s inner world visually. Colour choices and composition were used to guide mood, moving gently between confidence, uncertainty, and reassurance. Page layouts were structured to balance breathing space with narrative flow, letting moments land without rush. The final result is a cohesive picture book where illustration and design work quietly together to reinforce the message that real bravery often begins with asking for help.
