Will is the mascot of my brand. They represent me through my logos, and there’s even a photo of my Will plushie on my business cards. So I decided to try and do some artwork of Will, to explore the character and figure out how I want to illustrate them.

I started off basing my design heavily on the plushie. I felt that this was a bit clunky, though, and didn’t have quite the right feel that I was looking for. I felt that it was too cartoony and exaggerated.

Then I looked up some references of wolves and tried to draw a more realistic version of Will. This version feels the most uncanny valley-esque to me, which is possibly because of the art style I went with or just because these colours look strange on such a realistic style of wolf.

So then I went back to drawing from my imagination. My comfort zone. I drew several faces, none of which I was very happy with. Then for the final drawing (so far!), I made a simulation of ruled paper to use as my background. I don’t know exactly why, other than it was a tactic to try and get me drawing like I used to doodle on ruled paper or something. Either way, I’m the happiest with how this picture turned out.

I’m gradually figuring out what style I want to depict Will in. How to shape their snout, how big to make their paws, et cetera. It’s been an interesting process, and I’d say I’m enjoying having a specific character to work with. I’d like to add more to the actual character of Will, also; I’d like to give them a bit of a personality. We’ll see where I get with that.

For now, I’m quite happy doing illustrations of this cute aqua wolf. Look forward to more art in my portfolio featuring Will!