Character Design; Storytelling; Illustration
Software: Procreate
Early Story Development
Priscilla is a gifted toymaker, descendent of a great magician, though she doesn’t know of her family history. Her toys are highly sought after because they become sentient once she determines them finished. After receiving a heartwarming letter from a young boy, she begins making him this froggy commission. Froggy is special in that he is the most alive toy she’s ever made, and while he really likes Priscilla, she finds his constant presence annoying.
In a moment of carelessness, Froggy is tossed into a crate full of failed toys headed to the junkyard, and when Priscilla realizes he’s missing, she is forced to step out of her comfort zone to save Froggy before he’s due to being sent to the little boy. On the journey to the junkyard, Froggy develops a complex personality, befriending the still alive toys next to him, and Priscilla also uncovers her family history, revealing the secrets of her family tree.
Froggy Early Character Development
Beginning with a shadow shape, I designed what later became the first iteration of my character Froggy. I chose a figurative shadow shape with the intention of designing a human character, but I realized quickly that was an unfit choice. My heart just wasn't in it, so I decided to use the shadow shape as inspiration for my character instead of taking the term literally. The process was loads more enjoyable. The choice of doing what I want instead of what I think I should do is still a valuable decision I look back on fondly.
Priscilla Early Character Development
Froggy Turnaround
A loud but loveable little creature, made mostly of wood and metal. He has a naïve personality and loves flying around, though he can be quite clumsy about his surroundings. He’s attracted to shiny things and loves hanging around Priscilla though he’s completely oblivious that he can be distracting. Still learning his way around the world, but is very excited about it.
Froggy Expression Sheet
Priscilla Turnaround
Seen as a revered but mysterious recluse, Priscilla lives on the side of a small but well-known village. Her studio is located right next to a dark forest, where most of her inspiration comes from. She’s antisocial and only accepts commissions through the mail. She hates multi-tasking only because she’s incapable of it.
Priscilla Expression Sheet
Thumbnailing for Illustrations
Making these illustration thumbnails was probably one of the most enjoyable parts of this project. Thinking of all the possible moments in the storyline and what the best composition would be was a tough but rewarding process.
Priscilla Making Froggy
I wanted to create an intimate close-up illustration of Priscilla first creating Froggy, showing her gentle and caring nature, and begin building their relationship before Froggy was even awake yet.
Froggy is Born
The morning after Priscilla pulled an all-nighter to finish Froggy, and the time Froggy saw the world for the first time.
Froggy Makes a Mess
For the last illustration, I wanted to create a more complicated scene with lots of motion. The characters' relationship goes through stages throughout the story, and this moment shows the catalyst to their relationship. While Froggy messes around, making a mess of things without realizing it, he swings down to say hi to Priscilla while Priscilla is in shock by the mess about to rain down on them.
