Making a Mascot

  Last week, in addition to getting ready for a show and finishing up some custom work, I decided to make my mascot.  He has had a name and personality since I dreamed him up while making up a company name.  I have always been a fan of griffins but I also equally love owls so I tried to imagine how I could combine the two.  So the griffinwysecame to be a combination half lion and half owl.  What other creature could more secretly protect magical beings?  He was dubbed "Balthazar" after a character in a movie.

 I first created my griffinwyse, Balthazar, as my logo and you can see him everywhere Griffinwyse exists.  This was one of my first big learning curves- trying to use Paint to get him to look just like I  had pictured.  I am a hands-on visual person so learning all of the computer programs and tricks has been a challenge.  I have to say I am so thankful I muddled through since all of these can make life so much easier- at least AFTER you have figured out what you are doing!

   I made Balthazar's overall shape first.  He is definitely look more "alien" here.

  Then I tested the pattern of the feathers.

I baked and painted the piece and then it was on to placing each of the feathers.  This was a long process but the final product was worth it.

 

 I loved the idea that any owl you might look up and see could be a griffinwyse.  These photos showed off how owl-ish he looks from one side and how he is clearly a griffinwyse from the other side.

  I also wanted to thank all of you who came to Wizard Fest this past weekend.  It was a fun show and my girls got to be with me during the majority of it.  It was great to be able to meet everyone in person.  This week I have some personal commitments that will largely keep me out of the studio but when I am in I will be turning out the new holiday ornaments!  Have a great week!