My rep asked me to do an illustrative exercise using Aesop’s fable of The Fox and The Crow. I had never heard of these fables but I was intrigued. All of Aesop’s fables have lessons and I found the story of the Fox and Crow both smart, short and relevant. I’ve never been one for lip service, but of the mindset that a person’s actions speak to their character.

The lesson is below.

A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree.

"That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree.

"Good day, Mistress Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking today: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds."

The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox.

"That will do," said he. "That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future: "Do not trust flatterers."

A little bit of process

I sketch out all my problems and solutions, even when it’s a POS display or campaign. Pencils always come first.

character sketches in pencil

layout sketches and poses