Current Projects
Illustration and Animation for Catherine Swan's New Book
I am currently volunteering to create a 3D animation promoting the first chapter of Catherine Swan’s new book. I have developed Simon (Ursa Minor), an elderly, beloved bear with a broken paw, and the images below showcase my initial concept sketches as I explored different designs to capture his personality, age, and gentle charm. My process involved experimenting with proportions, expressions, and posture to ensure Simon feels both endearing and believable on screen, laying the foundation for a character that audiences can immediately connect with.
Catherine chose Design One for Simon, as it was inspired by a traditional Steiff bear and perfectly captured the elderly, refined character she envisioned. She felt this design conveyed his age and slightly upper-class charm more effectively than Design Two, which reminded her too much of Ted from the film Ted (2012). To enhance Simon’s distinguished look, I added a waistcoat. I also considered a pocket watch, but since the book is aimed at children, I decided it might not be relatable or immediately recognisable.
I modelled Simon (Ursa Minor) into a 3D character, focusing on the design Catherine selected. My goal was to capture his elderly, refined appearance while emphasising his warmth and the sense that he is deeply loved. I paid close attention to his proportions, facial features, and posture to reflect both his age and gentle personality. After finalising the model, I rigged Simon to ensure he is fully ready for animation, allowing for natural movement and expressive gestures in the first scene of the project.
After reading the chapter, I created a concept design for the room where the story begins, the space belonging to Paul, one of the main characters. The book provided few details beyond a double bed, armchair, and wardrobe, so I expanded the design to reflect the story’s celestial themes. I incorporated planets, stars, and a telescope to capture the book’s strong inspiration from constellations, creating a room that feels both personal to Paul and visually tied to the narrative.
Work in progress. I’m currently building the environment for the opening scene of an animation, shaping a room deeply inspired by space and the constellations.
I developed a concept design for Pegasus, along with the environment where the character is first introduced, ensuring both elements feel cohesive and purposeful. In shaping Pegasus, I focused on conveying elegance and a strong sense of nobility, using refined forms, controlled movement, and deliberate detailing to elevate the character’s presence. The design aims to communicate grace and quiet strength, positioning Pegasus as both majestic and commanding while remaining visually balanced within its surroundings.
This project is currently a work in progress. I am presently rigging the character Pegasus, based on the concept design shown above.
These concept designs explores the characters design of Cassie and Paul, focusing on how clothing can communicate different sides of her personality. I creating two contrasting outfits for each character. The first is her adventure outfit, which features a blue hood and trousers, where created to be practical, casual and sensible clothing, reflecting her energetic and adventurous personality.
The second outfit shows her just waking up wearing her soft pink pyjama set and still carrying her favourite doll, giving the feeling of childhood.
The first is his adventure outfit, which features a blue T-shirt and brown trousers, where created to be practical, casual and sensible clothing, reflecting his energetic and adventurous personality.
The second outfit shows him just waking up wearing blue pyjamas and stretching out after being woken up.
Through these designs, I experimented with colours, clothing, facial expression, body language and props to communicate personality.
I also used bright colours to maintain a friendly and youthful visual style.
When reading the chapter that the author wrote, a crow appears; this character is grand, which is why I added a bow to be around his neck.
After reading the chapter, I created a concept design for the environment where the story is mostly set.
Illustration for a Children's Easy Cookbook
I have recently begun illustrating a new cookbook designed for primary school children. Each recipe cleverly incorporates a hidden fruit or vegetable within the ingredients, encouraging children to explore healthy foods in a fun and engaging way.
The book’s main character, Ellie the Elephant, helps reinforce themes of safety and positive learning throughout the content, creating an enjoyable and reassuring experience for young readers.
