STylized Character designs

This may be one of my favorite projects ever. I was lucky enough to get to draw highly stylized versions of characters I've loved for my whole life. I then worked with Marvel and Nickelodeon's licensing team to get approval and tweak anything they needed me to. It was really fun seeing these come to life.
The Avengers, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy | © MARVEL
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Copyright © 2018 Viacom International Inc.

Keychains

Based on the same highly stylized versions of characters used for the backpack clips, these keychains are officially licensed Marvel products. It was a real dream come true to get to design something based on characters I've loved my whole life. To take something I drew and then create a line of products based on that was a real privilege. I also attempted to formulate a packing template that could be applied to the various properties and utilize their branding assets most effectively.

Click on any of these images to take a closer look.

SQUEEZABLES

Based on the same highly stylized versions of characters used for the backpack clips, these keychains are officially licensed Marvel products. It was a real dream come true to get to design something based on characters I've loved my whole life. To take something I drew and then create a line of products based on that was a real privilege. I also attempted to formulate a packing template that could be applied to the various properties and utilize their branding assets most effectively.

INITIAL character designs

Each character was designed to feature a simple, stylized look. Coming up with something that was cute, yet recognizable as a brand was a fun challenge. Certain things had to change after having some back and forth with the different branding teams. For example, Nickelodeon requested that the masks that the Ninja Turtles wear have a squared off not as opposed to a tapered one like from the 90’s cartoon. One of the most rewarding things I’ve ever got to do was see that Marvel and Nickelodeon were willing to put their stamp of approval on something I’d made. I’m very grateful to the company and my creative director, Jen Marcum, for letting take that project on.

Color Call Outs

After each character’s design was finalized, they would be sent over to the branding team at Marvel or Nickelodeon in order to gain full approval. Once they received the seal of approval, a 3D model was made up. This was made by a 3rd party and then we’d take them to make color call outs to send to the factory.