This is a test work I made for a children's book illustration job application. The client asked for an illustration based on Rumpelstiltskin.

Here is the initial sketch.

Below is some reference I used for fashion. I decided to use a medieval Islamic look for this illustration because I figured a European look would be too easy -- I was hoping a twist on this old story would be fresh and interesting, and it was a lot of fun to research for this piece!

I also referenced the work of the following illustrators for shape language, color, texture, and linework:

Anoosha Syed

Nabi Haider Ali

Tara Han-Tran Johnson