Illustrations for child's space-themed mural?

August 4, 2009 11:01 AM

Our son is getting too old for the animals on his wall, and we'd like to do a space theme (rockets, the real planets, etc). We've found that by enlarging an image and printing it out on clear label paper, we can make murals using our favorite illustrations, either found online or in books (technique originally posted here). So, we're looking for cool illustrations of the planets, rockets, etc. Preferably with a Mary Blairish, 1950's feel. Any suggestions, either on the internet or book recommendations?
posted by ericbop to home & garden (11 comments total)

The books of William Joyce may provide some inspiration.
posted by ocherdraco at 11:22 AM on August 4

Have you considered letting him paint his own design on the wall?
Years ago, I met the renowned architect Arthur Erickson, and, curious about the roots of his genius, asked him about his childhood. He told me his parents let him paint anything he wanted on his walls, and he did a lot of that. He said that was the start of his artistic confidence.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 11:27 AM on August 4

Whatever you end up enlarging, don't do the multipage technique at your url, use the Rasterbator.
posted by rhizome at 11:29 AM on August 4

You might find some inspiration here. It's a promotional site for illustrators and has tons of work in subject categories.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 11:30 AM on August 4

how old is your son? because after a few years, depending on how long you plan to keep your original mural up there, he is going to wish it was all star wars - trust me, most boys follow that trajectory
posted by Think_Long at 11:31 AM on August 4

Take a look at H. A. Rey's The Stars: A New Way to See Them, first for the 1950s space style, second because it's a great book for kids that age.
posted by xil at 11:37 AM on August 4

-le morte and xil, those are great links, thanks!

-think_long, he's already there. :-) but just because he's a fan, doesn't mean we want wookies and droids all over the dang walls.
posted by ericbop at 1:00 PM on August 4

I'm afraid I don't have any illustration advice, but I wanted to mention that Olive Kids has outer space themed bedding and accessories. It's not quite the iconic space rocket, but it's pretty close, and has the advantage of not being some sort of toy tie-in.
posted by Janta at 2:12 PM on August 4

You might like these public domain illustrations made for NASA and you can loot some images from retrofuture.
posted by shothotbot at 2:33 PM on August 4

The retrofuture link got me to searching under retro, then 50's, and then I came up with this.

It's a start!
posted by ericbop at 5:38 PM on August 4

These retro, space-themed wall decals on Etsy are pretty nice, too.
posted by slightlybewildered at 10:09 PM on August 5