An Unlikely Villain.
Digital Illustration.
project 09.

In this project I wanted to explore the idea of an Unlikely Villain, a superhero or a positive public figure gone bad. That is how Smokey the Arsonist Bear came about.  After doing research on how Smokey the Bear was traditionally illustrated I wanted to use that to my advantage and use a similar color palette, stance, and composition to keep him recognizable. Smokey the Bear was originally depicted pointing his finger and carrying a shovel, so in my depiction he would still be pointing his finger but now, carrying gas. I collected information and compiled it in a mood board which you can see in Figure 1.  A primary color palette was important to keep the foundational and traditional feel to this illustration. After laying out the composition of the drawing, I wanted to add value and Shadow to the drawing by hatching and crosshatching, which is a drawing technique that uses multiple lines and line spacing to show value. Below you can see my final line drawing using this technique before adding color (Figure 2). After testing color palettes I was on to my final where I added many layers to create the effect of fire. Throughout the fun process of creating this Illustration I kept in mind the viewers relatability to Smokey, the composition of the drawing and simple persuasion. I wanted viewers to be persuaded that Smokey the bear could do such a thing; he is in the act, background a blaze, with accelerant in hand. Well are you persuaded, could Smokey the Bear be an Unlikely Villain??