"Goodbye Number 10" Short Story Book Illustrations

This is a sample from a series of illustrations and concept sketches for a published short story "Goodbye Number 10" written by Laurence Roberson, told from the perspective of an unusually intelligent catfish named Number 10. Originally the subject of scientific experimentation, Number 10 is released into to the wild by her kind and remorseful scientist keeper and lives a contemplative life outsmarting fishermen — and eventually crossing paths once more with the very scientist who once experimented on her. This narrative blends fantastical storytelling with grounded emotion, grappling with ethics, intelligence, and the quiet dignity of life under the surface. Artwork reflects a storybook visual style with subtle emotional and psychological undertones. The story is beautiful and the project was a pleasure to work on.