It's been a strange ole' time keeping my mouth shut! I'm pretty good at keeping secrets, but this was really difficult because it was so exciting to be a part of, and I just wanted to scream it out loud but managed not to, somehow.
So, back in my previous post, 'When You Think No One Notices', I mention how a 'company' found me. I can now proudly say the company is called www.timbalaya.com. The author of 'Timbalaya: The Wishing Tree', Georgina Parfitt, started all this, and I owe so much gratitude. She saw my work in my studio and recommended me to the team. So Georgina, if you're reading this, THANKYOU xx (and to the rest of the team x)
The test illustration I did for them was 'Spangle Stargazer' in his Observatory (below). I illustrated him from the outside, as if we are gazers too, looking upon him in his tower (looking at us, looking at him, looking at us, etc.) I enjoyed the process and was extremely excited about the possibilities of where it could lead. Saying that, I was nervous I'd wreck my chances, so I gave myself a good talking to. I realised I wanted this 'gig' and would give it my all. Fortunately, they liked it, and they took me on board.
I loved creating 'Spangle Stargazer'. He plays a massive part in the Timbalaya story, which is explained more on their fabulous website www.timbalaya.com
Here is the selection of Spangle character ideas I gave to
Nick Farmer (my primary liaison from the company). I secretly hoped they liked the first on the sheet as I'd really fallen in love with his face. I guess that's the main thing about creating a character, really believing in them. And I did. To me, he was alive. Spangle's face is full of wonder, and that's what I like about him. His hair is parted in the middle because of the number of times he walks under his telescopes. He wears full-moon glasses to peer through said telescopes and wears 'half-moon' glasses to read. His character is rich in characteristics which helped me find him on my page.
The whole process has been amazing, from being given an illustration to put my spin on to creating wonderment in the world of Timbalaya.
The team are currently at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, marketing their idea, and fingers crossed, they'll get lots of interest. Watch this space, peeps.
The team 'Guardians of Timbalaya: