Behind the Scenes: Chapter Book Illustrations
Part 1 – Character Sketches & Creative Beginnings from My Sketchbook
In this multi-part series, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of building a chapter book illustration portfolio—starting with my favourite part: character sketches! From loose ideas in my sketchbook to more refined explorations, this post takes you into the playful beginnings of reimagining Wind in the Willows in my own style.
Hello friends,
It’s time to add one more story to my chapter book illustration portfolio—this one’s extra close to my heart.
You may have seen glimpses of these characters popping up in my Notes lately as part of my daily sketch practice. They’re from Wind in the Willows, a classic I’ve been dreaming of reimagining with my own twist for a long while now. This isn’t a commissioned project—just a personal one I’ve been slowly nurturing in the background in between client work, afterschool art clubs, and multiple storybook pitches. It’s one of those ideas that quietly sticks around, gently tapping on your shoulder until you pay attention.
Truthfully, this project has had a bit of a stop-start rhythm. Life has been unusually full in the past couple of months—between personal challenges, family needs, and the everyday hustle of freelance life, it hasn’t been easy to keep momentum. But I also know that’s part of being a creative person. Life happens to all of us in waves. I’ve been learning to be gentler with myself through the lows and keep going, even if it’s bit by bit.
That said, I’ve recently picked up my daily sketching again—and wow, what a difference it makes. The act of drawing each day brings me back to myself. It lifts me. It reminds me of why I do what I do. You can check them out on my daily notes as well as on my IG stories and sometimes reels.
So, I’ve decided to give this project the love and attention it deserves.
To make that happen, I’ve joined Katie’s Summer Project Club! 🎉 I may be joining a little later than the rest, but I’m so looking forward to meeting my accountability partners on the 22nd of July. I know from experience that I flourish when I’m surrounded by other creatives. I need community. I light up when I get to discuss ideas, exchange thoughts, and reflect out loud with someone else. That back-and-forth process helps me polish ideas and stay motivated. Community really is everything for me.
By committing to this club, I’m hoping to carve out dedicated time for this personal project. It’s not about rushing or overproducing—it’s about showing up consistently, building momentum, and trusting that with each small step, the work will take shape. Bit by bit, it’ll get done.
I’ve already started working on the first accountability sheet Katie provided, and I’ll be sharing more about that process next week. Can’t wait to show you how this story is unfolding—and hopefully get your thoughts and feedback as I go along!
Thanks as always for reading, for supporting, and for being part of my creative community. I’m feeling hopeful, inspired, and ready to sketch my way forward.
Stay tuned—and sketch on!
💛 Gunja
💫 P.S. Calling you all to join my Creative Summer Online Art Camp!
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The character explorations are looking great! And I feel quite inspired by the fact that despite having a full and busy summer, you found the time and energy to complete these for your portfolio! It makes me feel motivated to make that commitment to myself. Thank you for sharing!