Long term followers may remember that back in 2020 I decided that I was going to fulfil a long term desire of mine to illustrate my copy of Northern Lights. It was a huge under taking, illustrating all 23 chapters and a second bonus design for chapter 3. As part of that I also designed a front cover, which I was incredibly proud of and included an Alethiometer that, through symbols, explained the whole story of the trilogy.
This year, however, I decided to decorate my office with more of my art, and as part of that I wanted to make a poster version of my Northern Lights cover. With 5 year's worth of experience, and much bigger paper (and significantly better quality watercolour paper at that) I have managed to create something that, while maintaining the same feel as the original, far better depicts it in a way that I am incredibly proud.
In particular I love the truly tiny details I managed to include, like Lyra, Pan, Roger and Salcilia walking on the Oxford roof, and how much clearer I was able to draw the Alethiometer symbols. I really liked how in the original, the 4 sections at the bottom showing the locations of the novel had their own vibes, with Bolvanger in particular giving a clear feeling of Dread. I am also so much happier with the Aurora and seeing Cittagazze shimmering through. I used the city scape that I designed for my Subtle Knife cover to tie the designs together better as well.
I truly can't wait to get it framed and up on my wall, and I hope you all enjoy it too.
