Dinkers
Visual Development based on an existing IP
'Dinkers' is a property I was hired, by Monster Entertainment, to develop for animation based on the 'Sherford's Lost Valley' series of books by Dee H. Dodgson. The series of books are about a group of tiny wild bears who are forced to leave their valley home. The star of the show is a tiny bear called Bertrum, who comes up with an idea to find a human child to help them find a new place to live. Leaving the safety of the woods, he throws himself into a world he doesn't know.
With Dinker's, a number of artists had made attempts to create designs for the show before I started. Those designs were sent to me for feedback along with some notes from the producers. Like any project, I started by putting together a document outlining my thoughts and idea's including references so that the producers know were I wanted to take the development process and for me to get feedback on those ideas before starting any visuals. In my notes, I explained that a degree of experimentation would be required to develop all aspects of the show but due to budget constraints I was only required to design the hero bear and some of the children based on a treatment for the pilot.
Approved designs including colour variations for Bertrum, the tiny hero bear of the series.
Final approved children designs of Kerry and Caitlin. Some of the other styles explored were more appealing to me but the producers have final say of the design direction they wish to pursue.
An alternative design for Kerry which I felt was contemporary and better suited to the animation process.
A traditional illustrated 'children's book' style was explored of Bertrum, Kerry, Josh, Caitlin and Morton the Dog giving an sense of scale through size comparisons in this piece.
Final approved background design (Left) by Berta Sastre based on the layout design by me (Right).
Global Style Exploration
A selection of design pages showcasing the early development process to identify a style that fulfils the brief and pleases the producers.
Specific Style Exploration
A selection of design sheets exploring 'contemporary' animation design styles for the lead human character 'Kerry'.
Based on feedback from the producers and following the reference materials provided, I developed more 'traditional' styles before settling on the top left designs.