For this project I wanted to explore the expressive shape language of the UPA style with various members of a 1940’s Jazz band.

Hank is a middle aged salesman jaded by his own trade. He’s made his living off the manipulation of others but can’t seem to take care of himself. When he’s not caught up in his line of work, he spends his time alone wishing things were different.

When designing this bunch, I considered what Santa’s elves might look like behind the curtain. Who’s the boss when Kringle’s not in town?

Dylan is an awkward high school student who enjoys an ice cream cone on his way home from class. Unfortunately for him, he’s not the only one with a sweet tooth.

After watching the film Black Mass, I decided to investigate more into the life of James “Whitey” Bulger Jr. to learn more about his character.

Vicious. Cunning. Manipulative. Deceptive… Strictly criminal.

Jacob Marley is a deceased fictional character from Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. He visits his former partner Ebenezer Scrooge as a warning to remain kind in life, or suffer as he does after death. He remains a tormented ghost bearing heavy chains symbolizing his selfish and greedy acts in life.

These two characters were developed after watching back-to-back films with a friend. You can find their shared account on Rotten Tomatoes, and their reaction videos on Youtube.

Blue Eyed Bill is the unluckiest-lucky fella in the West. Legend has it that he was once struck by lightning… and didn’t even blink.

This character was developed from a disgruntled pizza chef from my hometown. Sometimes I wondered if that was pizza sauce on his apron.

These designs explore the familial relationship between Vito Corleone and his two sons, Fredo and Michael, from Mario Puzo’s novel The Godfather. Vito is concerned with which of his sons will assume power when he is gone. Fredo, the older brother, desires power and respect, but is not Vito’s choice for the role. Vito believes his calm and collected, war hero son, Michael, is the right fit. Fredo feels he has been denied his birthright and later betrays his younger brother. I felt the story would lend itself well if it were reimagined in a royal Roman family.

I’ve always been fascinated by stories of the past, and particularly by the people who tell them. “Papa” is one of those people.

Drawing while under the weather isn’t always fun, this fellow was a product of an occasion when it was.

This piece was developed after visiting areas with a high homeless population. Unfortunately, a great range of talent is hidden among people who have lost their way. This character is an exploration into this phenomenon which may have taken place many years ago.

“A blue jean serenade And Moon River what'd you do to me”

This character was inspired by the “Dustland Fairytale” music video by the killers…great song.

This character was developed after a trip to New York City where I witnessed a man with a strange connection to his pets.

This scarecrow waits patiently from his place in the cornfield, watching his owner strum the banjo on his front porch. At night, it’s his turn.