I want to keep the artwork simple for A Crying Shame minimal colour and line, but I also do want to ensure the pages feel full, with depth and emotion.
I decided to experiment with adding heavy black to the pages, with details in white/negative space. Below is a side by side comparison of Page 2 with and without the black, and below Page 3 with the black. When the lettering is added I feel the heavy black will add to the tone and overall feel of the page. The comparison between the light and dark will also aid with the stories sense of hope.
I will now go through and sketch, then fully ink every page based on the dummy book I have just finalised, once the pages are inked I'll go back and add in the black as above.