This illustration is part of a series I'm creating for a book cover about the founding fathers and the truth behind some of history's most famous stories. This one debunks the myth that Thomas Jefferson was the sole creator of the Declaration of Independence. In fact, many people had their hands on the document before the final version was adopted, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
I wanted to make sure these figures were recognizable to children who would be connecting them to the stories. I chose a realistic approach to their faces with deep shadows and highlights, while creating a bobble head effect with the rest of their bodies as a nod to my cartoon style (and to appeal to a younger audience). I focused on the details in the men's clothing and hair to bring the scene all together.