Brambletale

Brambletale Press is a Portland-based publishing company focused on adapting classic literature into engaging, accessible children’s books. For their debut title—an adaptation of Moby-Dick—they came to us looking for help defining a distinctive visual style and creating the full set of illustrations for the book.

They had a very specific vision in mind: a look inspired by rubber hose animation, with a playful, vintage feel that would still resonate with modern children. While the style was clear, they had struggled to find an artist who could both authentically recreate the aesthetic and adapt it thoughtfully for a children’s book format.

We began with a series of test illustrations, exploring character design, line quality, and movement to ensure we could faithfully capture the rubber hose style. These early explorations helped align expectations on both sides and confirmed that the visual direction was a strong fit.

From there, we collaborated closely with the head of Brambletale Press to map out the visual storytelling of the book—defining character moments, pacing, and tone for each spread. The illustrations balance classic influences with warmth and humor, bringing a timeless story into a form that feels inviting and playful for young readers.

Once the artwork was complete, we prepared all final assets for both print and ebook production, ensuring consistency across formats and meeting the technical requirements for each. The result is a cohesive visual identity for Brambletale Press’s first release—one that sets the tone for future adaptations while honoring the legacy of the original work.