Through the Keyhole

When I come up with an idea for a character one of the first and my most favourite things is to think about where they live. What is it like and why this space is important to them? I particularly love exploring architecture using cross sections.

Below is an example of this, the drawing started out on A4 paper and simply just expanded. It's the dwelling of Count Gorloc, he's very house proud and enjoys a spot of gardening too.

Home Sweet Home

Here is a house that belongs to J.P. Haddock the rat catcher. He sets the rats to work in his home and they perform all of his household chores.
The first initial rough idea.

Haddock's House scribble

The final design.

The two owners of this building below are Poodle and Croc, they run an antique shop on a high street.

Poodle & Croc

These houses are the very first thoughts of the homes of Troy, Terry, Scruff, Dug and Doris. I feel Troy's caravan definitely deserves a cross section in the next stage of development.

In the doghouse

Edwina Gusset is a character who never smiles, but would you if you were in charge of the whole towns dirty washing? However she does have another reason. I imagine her laundry device being homemade, with a splash of inspiration from the wonderful Heath Robinson in it's design.

All washed up 

Stuff is a development project for a children's television program. The idea revolves around an environmental concept including an oak tree, where the main character lives.

Tree House

Top of the tree

It's what's in the inside that counts

Down below

I wonder what my next character's abode will be?

The House that Hilda Haunted

With it being my favourite time of year, I thought it was ideal for a spooky, sneaky peek of some work in progress, involving a bunch of new characters.

Meet the gang

Troy and his friends receive an unexpected invitation to supper. It's from the Viscount Vincent Verynice, (who owns a record breaking collection of hats, and Troy is a big admirer!) The Viscount needs urgent help to sort out Hilda the Horrible. Who is she? And what is she up to?

Troy, Dug, Scruff, Terry and Doris set off for supper.

Are we there yet?

They arrive at last, what will happen next?

It's very nice to meet you!

Meet Viscount Vincent Verynice.

Do you like my hat?

And when they finally meet Hilda.

We're gonna need a bigger net!

How will it all end...?