CONCEPT
I did my first puppet a year ago, while I was learning
the basics about stop-motion animation. Since then I
was wondering how I could use it in my illustration
practice, and where I could apply it. While wondering
what project I want to do for my theme, I spot
an illustration of a puppet cat on my Instagram. From
here it was evident for me what I would choose – puppets'
aesthetic fits perfectly into the naïve style of Lem’s
books, and robots will look great – they are made of
segments anyway. I checked Etsy and there are a lot of
paper puppets for sale, so it is even more perfect – I
can add them to my shop afterwards.
After I made that decision, I needed only some element
to combine my puppets and give them purpose.
I will start with three or four puppets, all of them will
have specific names and stories. The series will be
encouraging behaviours which have a positive impact
on mental health. It will be possible to collect them
and make garland afterwards, or keep them as separate elements. I will keep a concept open, so I can
add additional characters.
Names are going to be gender-neutral, and each packaging
will include instructions, bag with split pins,
page with the main body of the robot, spare parts page
and/or vehicle. It will be possible to personalise the character
using spare parts.
I did my first puppet a year ago, while I was learning
the basics about stop-motion animation. Since then I
was wondering how I could use it in my illustration
practice, and where I could apply it. While wondering
what project I want to do for my theme, I spot
an illustration of a puppet cat on my Instagram. From
here it was evident for me what I would choose – puppets'
aesthetic fits perfectly into the naïve style of Lem’s
books, and robots will look great – they are made of
segments anyway. I checked Etsy and there are a lot of
paper puppets for sale, so it is even more perfect – I
can add them to my shop afterwards.
After I made that decision, I needed only some element
to combine my puppets and give them purpose.
I will start with three or four puppets, all of them will
have specific names and stories. The series will be
encouraging behaviours which have a positive impact
on mental health. It will be possible to collect them
and make garland afterwards, or keep them as separate elements. I will keep a concept open, so I can
add additional characters.
Names are going to be gender-neutral, and each packaging
will include instructions, bag with split pins,
page with the main body of the robot, spare parts page
and/or vehicle. It will be possible to personalise the character
using spare parts.
At first, I did rough sketches to plan what characters and personalities I want to
include in my project. I am usually aiming in a niche, rather alternative style so
this time I want to give it a tribute too. I am still torn in between using watercolours
and gouache patterns, but I will go back to it as soon as I will start making
first proper sketches.
include in my project. I am usually aiming in a niche, rather alternative style so
this time I want to give it a tribute too. I am still torn in between using watercolours
and gouache patterns, but I will go back to it as soon as I will start making
first proper sketches.
This is a rough sketch of the first character called Blake. The first page outlines the main body of the puppet (which can exist without add-ons too). The coloured lines are suggesting where the cut lines of different puppet elements are. I also put the signs where I am planning on making spots for split pins – and if it is possible, I tried to make it a part of the design. As soon as I will finish with those sketches, I will use tracing paper on top of it, trace outlines on
the watercolour paper and paint all of the parts separately. Then I will scan it and scale properly (if needed), add a backstory, a card with a name, and spread it with instructions.
the watercolour paper and paint all of the parts separately. Then I will scan it and scale properly (if needed), add a backstory, a card with a name, and spread it with instructions.
