Blue Balliett

About the Illustrator
How I Draw, with Brett Helquist

The illustrator shares some of his techniques.

Every piece of art has a skeleton that starts with a few lines.
One way to determine if a person’s head is drawn too big or too small for their body is through proportions: For young people, the body is usually five heads high; adults’ bodies are generally seven heads high.
Illustrators often have to draw the same character over and over again with different expressions. With each small adjustment the character begins to come to life.


This bonus feature was adapted from the After Words edition of the book Chasing Vermeer. Find more interviews, information, and interactive features for Chasing Vermeer and other favorite titles at the After Words site.

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