Thursday 10 April 2014

Jim Henson - Initial Sketches and Ideas


Notes from a book called Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journals. Really good book, it was good to see exerpts from his calenders and diaries, shows his dedication to work. It was also interesting to read about the development of his career and his other talents like graphic design and comic making.

It seemed logical to start with Kermit, the first created and the most recognised puppet Jim Henson every created or performed.
Playing about with kermit, he looks odd when freestanding, but more odd when he's freestanding in actual movies. Witchcraft.

Trying to perfect that disapproving kermit face.

I started sketching Jim himself, focusing on his recognisable arrangement of hair and his cheery ever-present smile. Torn between cartoon and cartoonish realism.

A sketch of a poster-ish type thing. Mostly experimenting with colour


Watching The Dark Crystal

Watching Labyrinth 

The Goblin King, trying to make textures with felt pens

0.03 pen sketch of the Goblin King, slightly more refined.

Identifying key aspects of Jim Hensons life and personality 

Starting to plan stamps, imitating American 1 cent stamps

Trying out some poster ideas, decided on something quite simple

Playing with this idea, Kermit and Jim appearing to interact but making it clear that its just him alone, trying to show his talent for creating life in puppets.

Decided on this one, still trying to perfect the Kermit face





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