A puppet design, thoughts? Posted by ZombiePencil on Nov 29, 2009
Hey everyone! While I'm in no real financial spot to MAKE puppets yet, that does not mean I can't DESIGN them. 
This guy has been floating around in my head for a bit. His name is Art Monster. He is usually spotted in the Artist Alley of a anime and scifi conventions. He has a webcomic, and he wants to sell you a tshirt. Art is the first of a couple puppet ideas of mine that parody various activities you can participate in at these conventions. I figured if I ever get around to making this guy, he'd use the borsa pattern, as the live hands would be imporant for the drawing. I have a couple ideas for easier puppets to make, I just thought I'd share this sketch and get any feedback on the design.
The only problem I'm having right now is what colors to make him. Any thoughts?
This guy has been floating around in my head for a bit. His name is Art Monster. He is usually spotted in the Artist Alley of a anime and scifi conventions. He has a webcomic, and he wants to sell you a tshirt. Art is the first of a couple puppet ideas of mine that parody various activities you can participate in at these conventions. I figured if I ever get around to making this guy, he'd use the borsa pattern, as the live hands would be imporant for the drawing. I have a couple ideas for easier puppets to make, I just thought I'd share this sketch and get any feedback on the design.
The only problem I'm having right now is what colors to make him. Any thoughts?
Re: A puppet design, thoughts? Posted by StiqPuppet Productions on Nov 29, 2009
Nice simple design and yes the Borso pattern would really make that monster come to life. I don't know what colour but something bright would probably work since it is art related subject so have fun with the colours and don't hold back. 
Daryl H
Daryl H
Re: A puppet design, thoughts? Posted by miguel on Nov 29, 2009
nice drawing, I like it a lot! 
Re: A puppet design, thoughts? Posted by Shawn on Nov 30, 2009
Great design. If you found a fur that was splotched with a multitude of colors it would be like he was an artist pallet.
I would think the biggest challenge of this puppet would be the pen and pencil fingers. A large kids pencil.... what where those called... would work but it might be hard to find a pen that large. The other challenge would be how to construct the inside of the finger so that your own finger fit snug enough so you could write. Maybe something like a finger brace that they put on broken fingers could work that had the writing utensil attached to the end. Both would run out and have to be replaced so it would have to be easy to change.
I could be making things to complicated since you may not need the pen and pencil to actually write. If this was for film or TV that could always be "faked". Long shot of him writing then close up of just the end of a regular pen or pencil writing for example.
I would think the biggest challenge of this puppet would be the pen and pencil fingers. A large kids pencil.... what where those called... would work but it might be hard to find a pen that large. The other challenge would be how to construct the inside of the finger so that your own finger fit snug enough so you could write. Maybe something like a finger brace that they put on broken fingers could work that had the writing utensil attached to the end. Both would run out and have to be replaced so it would have to be easy to change.
I could be making things to complicated since you may not need the pen and pencil to actually write. If this was for film or TV that could always be "faked". Long shot of him writing then close up of just the end of a regular pen or pencil writing for example.Re: A puppet design, thoughts? Posted by ZombiePencil on Nov 30, 2009
Haha, Wow, thanks for all the suggestions! I'm glad you guys like the design.
I thought about the use of bright colors and thought that a slightly more plainish blue with bright highlights in the nose, eyebrows & goatee and the palms of the hands and on his chest. I dunno, kinda gives him that "i'm a punk and an artist" look? I went to school with a few of those types in college.
(Sorry that the coloring is kinda janky, I did this real quick just to get the idea down)
As for the Pencil and Stylus Fingers, I was thinking about not making them actually function (but i did look up those jumbo pencils ).
Oh, and sketched out one additional ConMonster. This might be the one I start with in learning how to build a puppet, as its gonna be based off the Glorified Sock Puppet pattern (And I can afford that one
). His name is Otaku Monster.
Hes supposed to represent those crazy nerds than spend oodles of cash on geeky stuff, but you NEVER know where they get it from. His design is roughly a fusion of Naruto and godzilla. I thought Godzilla's backspines actually would work great to represent the spiky anime blonde hair. I would just need an orange hoodie or make an actually naruto jacket for the puppet, but he would also have tons of random anime pins, buttons, and other things hes bought from convention dealers rooms. And a small cellphone in one hand to always be able to take a picture.
Thanks for all the feedback!
I thought about the use of bright colors and thought that a slightly more plainish blue with bright highlights in the nose, eyebrows & goatee and the palms of the hands and on his chest. I dunno, kinda gives him that "i'm a punk and an artist" look? I went to school with a few of those types in college.
(Sorry that the coloring is kinda janky, I did this real quick just to get the idea down)
As for the Pencil and Stylus Fingers, I was thinking about not making them actually function (but i did look up those jumbo pencils
).Oh, and sketched out one additional ConMonster. This might be the one I start with in learning how to build a puppet, as its gonna be based off the Glorified Sock Puppet pattern (And I can afford that one
). His name is Otaku Monster.Hes supposed to represent those crazy nerds than spend oodles of cash on geeky stuff, but you NEVER know where they get it from. His design is roughly a fusion of Naruto and godzilla. I thought Godzilla's backspines actually would work great to represent the spiky anime blonde hair. I would just need an orange hoodie or make an actually naruto jacket for the puppet, but he would also have tons of random anime pins, buttons, and other things hes bought from convention dealers rooms. And a small cellphone in one hand to always be able to take a picture.
Thanks for all the feedback!
Re: A puppet design, thoughts? Posted by Shawn on Nov 30, 2009
Here are a couple pointers on your second design. For the hoddie if you end up making it, look at the fabric store for ribbed fabric. It is often in the trim area and can be used for the bottom and cuffs on the sleeves. It is actually for that purpose but you may have to really look for some time to find it in the color you want. If you can't find it in a fabric store you might be able to find a sport t-shirt at the store that has it on it that you can cut up. The polo jeans T I have on at the moment has it which made me think of all this.
I really like his hair and that it is represents Godzilla's spines. 1/2" dyed foam could work well for this. You could cut the shape out of each spine and then carve it a bit.
Great set of characters there, can't wait to see them in three dimension.
I really like his hair and that it is represents Godzilla's spines. 1/2" dyed foam could work well for this. You could cut the shape out of each spine and then carve it a bit.
Great set of characters there, can't wait to see them in three dimension.
Loading