For my independent project, I decide exercise my strength in sketching and character design to create five black superheroes and create a poster for said character's. I first turned to google and comic books some inspiration for both the outfits of the heroes, as well as some unique powers for them to help them really stand out. I then moved onto the rough sketches where I used color pencils to help me get a clear idea of color palette as well as to be able to eraser mistakes and refine the proportions and outfits. After words, I began to ask my peers for their opinions and critic on the characters and with that, the five superheros were selected and ready for the next step. I moved onto the canvas and did a pre sketch. I then mixed the colors and went to painting, first paint the background, then the clothes and lastly the skin. For the clothes, and general outline, I used some acrylic paint markers for better control and a more polish finish. It also helped to clean up a few mistakes along the way. Finally, I painted the sides, signed my name, and concluded that my project was finished. This project is a very personal one as not only was it a dream come true, but it was also the answer to a rather inconvenient and troubling problem. Every halloween or costume party, I would always try to dress up as a cool and unique black character, but sadly, there was always a limited out of character and out of the ones that were available, none were very memorable or iconic. I realised that this problem went past the Tv screens and was even an issue in comic books as there aren’t a lot of black superheroes for young black kids to look up to. Feeling slightly deastrut inspired, I though,” Why not make my own?” This was not just a project to simply inspire other black children, it wa also a way for me to indulge exercise a skill of mine. Ever since I was a child in Nigeria, I always loved to draw my own characters and create my own world. I found the art of character design both interesting and powerful. Being able to showcase and create a personality and a way of life a character simply from how youndrew them amazed me. I put a lot of thought into making these heros as I didn’t want them to be the stereotypical sassy best friend. I wanted them to feel like really human beings with more complex and multi layered personalities. Fulling a dream does not come without its challenges. The biggest obstacle that I faced was coming up with uniques powers, and outfits that reflected them. I purposefully started this process at the beginning of school year as I knew that it would take me awhile to come up with some powers that weren’t already taken. The point of this was to make new, uniques, stand-alone characters and not simply the black version of an already existing character. I felt that doing this would be a lot more refreshing than to just make a black batman. I wanted these characters to be their on person. Another struggle that I faced was painting. While I am good at sketching, I am not very good at painting and as a result, I struggle. More so with painting within the lines and not being so messy. There were a few mishaps here and there, but for the most part, I simply just took it slow and used very small brushes which produced quite favourable results. Another aspect of painting that had me stuck was with mixing colors. I found it quite difficult to get the exact colors that I wanted but with some help from my peers, I was able to get colors that I was happy with. This project means a lot to mean as it fulfills both a dream and answers a problem that both I and many other black kids face in today's world. I hope this art piece will inspire and encourage other people. I would also like for people to able to find some connection with the characters and want to dress up as or look up to them.
Artist Statement
Debby Edoho, is a young, motivated artist who is willing and ready to learn and try new things. Debby started her art journey at a young age in Nigeria and has continued to grow as a self-taught artist who strives to get better and better everyday. This year, she recently joined the V.A.M Academy in hopes of meeting new people, and learning more about the art world. She has stated that it has been an excellent experience as she as not only been able to learn from her teachers, but her fellow peers as well. She looks back on the time she spent in the Academy and has high hopes for Academy 20 next year. Debby has recently been working on a personal project she calls,” A way around Life.” It’s a comic series made to make fun of all the ridiculous extremes that people can express. It features a simplistic style that is easily digestible for all ages and some relatable topics. Debby has worked so hard on this project and is very excited to share her works at the Airdrie public library’s “Teen Gallery”.
Resume
Deborah Edoho 2654 Chinook Winds Drive Southwest, Airdrie (587) 775-3521 [email protected] Education .Wh.Croxford High School
Experience .Babysitter .Paper delivery
Achievements .2nd place in zones for track .Academic Honor roll .Athlete of the year
Imagine a world, lighthearted and sweet, funny, yet real, out there yet still here. I have imagined that world many times. Now, I plan to bring this world to life on paper. I plan to make a few plain characters and hand drawn pictures feel like a live show that draws you into its world. I plan to make a cartoon series called, “A Way Around Life.”
I will be using a variety of the design principles that we learned at the beginning of the school year such as; Emphasis, Unity, Implied texture, High/Low key light e.t.c. I am very excited to start this project because it can give me a chance to get into drawing again and to run wild with story writing as well teach me how to properly plan out my work with storyboarding. I will be using card stock paper and a a thin ink pilot pen. I will be using a very thorough method to ensure that I put out my absolute best. First, with pencil, I will roughly sketch out the storyboard and get feedback from my fellow peers and teacher. Then, on the card stock paper, I will carefully draw on the final product to be kept in my art folder and later on presented for all to see.
After the six to eight weeks of constant refining, critic and drawing, I will begin the planning of my presentation for my project. I have thought about ways that I could possibly present my work and I have decided that I prefer to compile it into a book for many to flip through and see short stories that they can relate to, have a laugh at and even reflect on. I’m not exactly sure how to go about doing this but, with time and research, I will bring a solution.
At the end of the day, I am truly glad to be able to express my thoughts in a way that is easier for me to put out. It will not be an easy task as I will probably find myself hitting brick walls and wanting to walk away at the sight of them. However, with the support for my friends, classmates and teachers, alongside some perseverance and determination, I am sure to do my best, complete my goal, and walk forward feeling proud of the work I have accomplished.
My Artist Statement
Art: A skill in which many have failed to master and few are praised for trying, a skill that is brushed aside, looked down upon and overlooked as anything worth our time. Yet, many still have the faint dream. The dream to make something beautiful. I, Deborah Edoho, am one the few who chooses to embark on a journey to make this dream a reality. Many of my art works are meant to portray my own emotions and ideas through the use of colours. My mixed media art piece is a great example of my use of colours as many of the colours in the bottom center are meant to evoke the happiness, strength, love and trust that my close friends and family see in me and as for the background. The dull colours are meant to portray all the weaknesses and insecurities that I see in myself. Over the past three months, I’ve learned to branch-out of my comfort zone and use all types of media in art to create one beautiful masterpiece. I’ve also learned many design principles and terms such as values and unity. As I continue on this never ending journey, I would hope to inspire someone. To speak to that little voice. That little faint dream. To come out into the world, and shine.