A quick vector knock-up in Illustrator.

An experimental vector workout with the line art of the character added latterly.

Cartooning Around – Late in the evening, on Wednesday 17^th February, a bunch of dubious characters were seen leaving the premises of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Most of them hadn’t been seen before and, if truth be told, many won’t see the light of day again. For the characters were folded away, or put in briefcases, by the real people attending the session on cartooning run by Paul Clark of pctoonart.

This session was a very practical one with the aim of each person creating their own personal cartoon character. Like all good learning sessions the icebreaker of doodling provided an insight into your psychology. So this author is forceful, feeling powerful but feminine and protective. (Authors name on a postcard please…).

It was amazing to understand how to make faces from simple shapes, how to create a man and a woman with a rectangle and a pear, and simple tricks with eyes. As the event progressed so did our characters. Expressions added; arms, hands, legs and feet followed. The event demonstrated that it’s not too difficult if you understand the basic principles. You just need more knowledge and a lot more practice.

As the evening drew to a close Blyth McLucas gave the vote of thanks via cartoon pictures and that included the excellent hospitality of Christel Baudere of RSE.

So we weren’t all going to be great but some were ahead of others. Whilst we didn’t have an overall winner we can all say that Elvis did leave the building!

A current character design project commissioned from a local, (Edinburgh), based company.  The brief, to design and develop an identity featuring a haggis character, rolling around in a plastic ball, speeding downhill!  The haggi are a very shy breed and sightings rare, so accumulating visual references proved one the major challenges.

If you are interested in “zorbing” and live in or around the central Scotland area you may want to stay tuned to www.rollinghaggis.com for updates and news of opening offers.

If like me, you were/are ignorant to this growing global phenomenon, click here to find out more.

Adrift in tropical waters, almost heavenly if it wasn’t for the fact it’s five miles from shore and that air valve doesn’t look too clever! Still, better than being buried alive in an avalanche! Hand drawn, scanned and then traced and coloured in Illustrator.

In homage to the late great bluesman Muddy Waters who was born McKinlay Morganfield and nicknamed “Muddy” for his fondness of playing in the dirt as a child. Seems an obvious link to this week’s topic with a little humour thrown in for good measure.

—————-
Now playing: Muddy Waters – I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
via FoxyTunes

… or, more specifically,  how to be clumsy to your advantage at work. Warning – This technique only works under certain pre-determined conditions and even then, there are no guarantees. Useful hints. 1. Check the individual you are trying to attract is actually in his office and not on the golf course, this can save valuable time. 2.Gentlemen, your success rate may vary considerably.

…or what happens when Rapunzel takes delivery of the latest must have hair accessory. Grimm!

Created in Adobe Illustrator for Illustration Friday

Hatch
After the success of Match of the Day, I think I may have found a gap in the tv marketplace and so introduce to you Hatch of the Day! It follows the same winning formula of big hatch action and analysis and who knows, if successful there may be appetite for Hatch of the Day 2, The Big Hatch and, I know I’m pushing it, Book of Hatches! Goodnight.