I knew I had to work on my first final project, I couldn’t because I was so tired. Maybe being out in the rain on Saturday was not smart.. but I ended up sleeping till noon and then taking another nap around 9pm and getting up at 12.
Anyways, I eventually got myself to work on my final. For my computer final I have to create a business or product to present to the class, and I think I mentioned before that I was going to make the, “next iconic animal”. It’s based off the fact there are so many animal characters out there with merchandise.
With the help of Kevin, I decided to make my animal a platypus. Why? because there are all these animals that are pretty normal, but never an awkward one… plus the platypus is so intriguing! It’s a mammal, but has a beak and lays eggs! not to mention has poison!
Originally I was going to make a story book but I don’t think I have time. I’ll probably draw a few scenes to place in my power point to describe his story.
It was going to be aimed at children.. to teach them not to judge people by their color (pretty much).. but I think it works towards adults too.. and I think I might lean more towards that because you could do so much & I think the adult perspective may be more humorous.
For example, you usually see cute characters happy! this guy is the complete opposite! satire maybe?
I think that I like Mori Chack’s characters because they are cute but go away from being bubbly usually, and are more truthful. Like gloomy – he’s an adorable bear, but the truth is he is a bear and can attack!
Anywho, I had to get a character design down first…
The first seemed too duck like to me still, and the second had a giant head? Though giant heads can be cute in animal for.. but I thought he looked weird. That was fixed and the third was born.
I then proceeded to draw him bigger:
I added the tear drop as his signature “shape”… like how Hello Kitty has a bow, gloomy has blood, and Rilakkuma has… lots of things (maybe pancakes/food and clovers are more prominent?).
I had much trouble with the name, and settled on Melancholy for now. It might change in the future. Maybe
I can’t help but think he’s cute, but I feel so bad for making him a sad Platypus. I always say, “aw”, smile, then frown when I see him. 
But, that was the plan.. because he is so awkward that he doesn’t fit in with the cool kids, or should I say animals.
Cheer-up little Platypus! I love you!
