Illustration Notes for Episode Fifty-Two

This week’s episode image—like this week’s episode—was special!

Depicting the Archivist was an unusual challenge in that his specific appearance is almost irrelevant. Things about the nature of his work make it either necessary or desirable for him to appear in many, many different guises. Literally ANYONE you run into out on the world could be the Archivist—no matter what they seem to be. So…what should he look like? …I wasn’t really sure!

Happily, my TWICE illustration collaborator, M. Scott Hammond, was once again available to help me out this week! So, I did what any self-respecting administrator would do—passed the buck to Scott. :]

I said, ‘Hey Scott! I need a portrait of the Archivist! He’s a VERY important character in this episode—and in the whole story—and guess what! He can look ANY WAY you imagine him! Just go for it!”

Because Scott is way too nice for his own good, he said okay. Because Scott is AWESOME, he sent me an amazing drawing of someone who looked nothing like I had imagined the Archivist—but was SO right. Working with Scott is—repeatedly—like MEETING the people I’m writing about, and discovering the places they are—instead of just inventing them in my head—which makes for a MUCH richer creative experience for me! Thanks Scott!

What I have also learned from this experience is that I must be more careful to make sure I’ve seen Scott’s finished inventions BEFORE I start writing the episode! While I think what he’s drawn works great with what I’ve written, I know SO MUCH MORE about this character since I’ve SEEN him than I did when I wrote most of the episode, that I know having ‘met’ this man before I wrote would have been even more useful. :] I’ll keep that in mind as we launch into Season Two of TWICE with Episode 53 on July 10th! Until then, cyber friends, enjoy the uncropped illustration below—and have a great summer during this season break—in which ever room at home you’re spending it! ;D