Blinking Cute Box Cat -->

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Where to Find More

Hello sweet friends!














It recently occurred to me that you, the readers of this blog, might not know where all you can find the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends online.  I just wanted to let you know that, aside from this blog, we've got about 4 social media sites (including a fun YouTube channel), a fundraising platform with Patreon, an actual site via Wix (hence the fundraising to get a real domain name) and 3 online stores where you can get everything from magnets and greeting cards to Tee shirts and leggings, coffee mugs, cell phone cases, coloring books... you get the idea!


So that's why I put together this handy reference chart for you:





You do not need to go & visit every single one of those sites right now - but if you ever decide to watch one of our YouTube videos, join our facebook group (which has free giveaways sometimes), buy yourself a Zoo'd coloring book, or even pledge support (in exchange for coloring pages) at our Patreon page, this is designed to show you where you can find us.  Thanks! 😊




πŸŽƒπŸ§›πŸ‘»πŸ¦‡πŸ‘ΎπŸŒ• πŸŽƒπŸ§›πŸ‘»πŸ¦‡πŸ‘ΎπŸŒ• πŸŽƒπŸ§›πŸ‘»πŸ¦‡πŸ‘ΎπŸŒ•


And if you're as excited about Halloween as I am, then you also may like to know about the Halloween wares I've made available to you, such as adult coloring (rated 14+ due to a more mature content), varying Tee shirts & apparel, and most recently: Halloween greeting cards, magnets and buttons! 



Enjoy!


Monday 2 September 2019

Zoo'd Characters as Stranger Things Characters

Hi everyone!


As promised in our last post, here are the rest of the animals as their favorite characters from Stranger Things season 3!




Also, like most people on the internet, I've been pondering some Stranger Things fan theories for season 4 - some of these are already popular, and some are my own - can you guess which ones?  Which ones do you think may be true? 




General Stranger Things Fan Theories & Predictions:


1)      Now that Tom and the others at the Hawkins Post are dead, Nancy may be able to go back and take over as the head writer, since she’s proven her reporter skills are serious and far beyond pouring coffee. Or, maybe she starts up an independent publication.

2)      Erica and Lucas get along better now that she admits to being a nerd like him – they may even regularly play D&D together.  Also, we never saw her parents’ reaction to their 10-year-old daughter being away for 48+ hours and being caught up in all this danger – surely her mother was furious!

3)      Karen and Ted restore some type of passion in their marriage, since Billy reinstated her confidence before he passed away, and she can share that reawakening with Ted.

4)      If/when Hopper is found and reunites with Joyce, they will be so overwhelmed with joy to see each other again, that they share a kiss (finally!!)

5)      Steve may get a love interest…. Maybe a girl that both he & Robin have the hots for, and go through a similar story arc to when Dustin & Lucas were competing for Mad Max.

6)      With all the references to Back to The Future in season three, this may hint strongly that time travel (or at least something that gets people somewhere far away at warp speed) may end up in use for the characters.  Maybe they can use this sci-fi technology to get quickly to Russia?

7)      With Hawkins getting some bad publicity and all this nightmarish stuff happening there, it’s possible that some more people (in addition to Joyce and family) would move from there – which might mean that the Wheelers may move to nearby where the Byers are living. It would reunite Mike & El, and him with Will, and Nancy & Jonathan.  It’s not probable, but possible.

8)      We’ve definitely got to see more Suzie-poo & Dusty-bun.  There’s got to be at least one meet-up scene for the young lovebirds, and her immensely scientific mind can help the team of teens.

9)      If El’s powers are gone for good, she may have to be trained in martial arts; this could pay homage to the classic scenes from The Karate Kid (an early scene in season three shows Max and El looking at a picture of the boy who played him, Ralph Macchio).

10)   An early season four reveal poster suggests that it might be out in December 2020; this might mean that there will be a stronger focus around Christmas this time, than there was in the first season, and they may be able to pay homage to another 80s classic, The Gremlins (speaking of Phoebe Cates….)

11)   ALF may be referenced in someone’s watching TV – previously, 80s classics such as Cheers, Magnum P.I., the movie Mr. Mom, and several other shows & commercials of the era have been shown on a variety of screens in characters’ homes. What makes ALF relevant is, if the next season is in later 1986, that’s when the show debuted and became popular.  Another thing which makes this show relevant, is how El could relate to being “hidden” away from the world for her safety and how frustrating it is to crave freedom - she may be able to relate to the furry Melmacian. 








The Upside Down and its creatures were created by the Russians.  To support this theory: 

1)      We first see Eleven interact with one while she’s spying on a Russian soldier in season one. She is distracted by the Demogorgon feasting on someone. It might’ve followed her back to Hawkins Lab, via her interdimensional abilities.
2)      From season two on, we learn that the creatures “like it cold.”  Where is a cold place? Russia, where it can reach temperatures of the minus 40s… which the monster seems to be used to/prefer over American warm weather. 
3)      In season three, we see the “Scoop Troop” find some glowing green fluid in glass canisters, and Erica suggests drinking it, before it later explodes and seems very poisonous!  Around that time, Nancy and the kids go into Tom’s house and find opened cleaning products all over the counter, implying that Billy and Heather may have been ingesting them or using them to “feed” her mother & father while getting them possessed by the Mind-Flayer. When the kids mention that this would be fatal to ingest, Lucas says “Yeah, if you’re a human” which further implies that might be the use for the green substance found by Steve in the elevator room. We also see Mrs. Driscoll eating fertilizer as she becomes possessed, same way the rats had done earlier.
4)      In the last episode, Joyce, Hopper and Murray go into the Russian base and are seen standing near large glass tubes, filled with various canisters of the glowing green stuff. This is the exact same area where Dustin and Erica were, when she noticed a huge cage and asked Dustin about the size of the previous monsters…. So maybe they are being bred here by feeding that substance to humans and placing them in the large cage while they transform into Demogorgons.  Demodogs seems to be “manufactured” organically, as they all start as pollywogs.  The kids question how they may have ended up in a garbage can in Hawkins, and could’ve “come from another country”.
5)      The Russians are seen experimenting with opening the Upside Down in 1984, but they might’ve been creating it for longer than that, since it was 1983 when Eleven first interacted with the creature. It's possible that their machine to open the gate wasn't because they didn't know about the Upside Down prior to that, but maybe lost previous access and were trying to gain it back. 
6)      The latest monster is “made from” humans (as shown in Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum), so this could be a nod to a reveal in season four, that all Demogorgons could be made from humans, but in a different sense than the Mind Flayer monster. 





Hopper jumped into the Upside Down via the narrow opening. To support this theory:


1)      Perhaps as an Easter egg, Hopper insists El leaves the door open 3 inches so he can keep an eye on her. This is mentioned again in the heart-breaking letter she reads from him at the end of the last episode.

2)      He kept turning to look toward it, before he looked back and nodded at Joyce to go ahead and turn the key. His expression indicated, “it’s alright, I’ll be okay.”

3)      He’s been in the Upside Down before, in season two, so he might know his way around for survival, from previous experience.

4)      With the Mind Flayer killed, Hopper may not even be in any imminent danger from any monsters, which would make his time there a bit safer.

5)      When season one ended and two wasn’t out yet, it was implied that El was killed – she even said “goodbye, Mike” before disintegrating.  The internet exploded with grief as people mourned her, and were hopeful to see her again after a late scene were Hopper left out some Eggos in the woods for her.  Sure enough, she returns in the first episode of season two.  This implication/return pattern may repeat.

6)      When Joyce pulls the keys, that scene cuts to black for several seconds, maybe just enough time for him to leap off the platform (Joyce shuts her eyes and turns away, so she would not have witnessed his survival).  He is also not seen anywhere near the machine in the explosion scene. 
7) Hopper's remains are nowhere to be seen when Murray comes to comfort Joyce; in the first episode of season 3, it is shown that people who get fried by this machine, turn into a pile of burned flesh. 

8)      El conveniently lost her powers, meaning she would not be able to “spy” or check for Hopper, like she used to be able to.

9)      There is an Easter egg phone number to call Murray (618-625-8313), and hear a voice mail directed at Joyce, about some news he has for her…


If Hopper is “the American” in the Russian prison, AND if they’re making the Demogorgons with that green chemical, then maybe they will attempt to turn Hopper into one… Joyce and everyone may have to intervene and thwart that…





El’s Lost Powers, Theory One:  She lost copious amounts of blood from a wound in her leg, which may have “drained” her powers, especially since she’d been using them very hard around that same time.  Maybe it was just too much.

El’s Lost Powers, Theory Two:  She removed the pulsating growth from her own leg, and then it slithered away before getting stomped by Hopper.  Maybe this creature absorbed her power.





Will is a member of the LGBTQ community. To support this theory:


1)      On the surface, his aversion to girls looks like it’s just from his stunted emotional growth (he still wants to be “kids” with his friends, even though they are 15-16 years old).  However, in the first episode of season three, he is grossed out by Jonathan having obviously spent the night with Nancy, to which Joyce replies “It won’t be gross when you fall in love.”  Will responds with saying that he’ll never fall in love. Maybe he feels he won’t be accepted for his authentic self, and so won’t bother.

2)      Later on, after an awkward attempt at a D&D game, Will storms out of Mike’s house and they have words outside, where Mike shouts “It’s not my fault you don’t like girls!”

3)      Will’s overall aversion to Lucas & Mike having girlfriends, may stem from jealousy… but not jealousy of his friends – perhaps jealousy of the girls for getting to be with them/having their attention?

4)      Internet fans have pointed out that Will sometimes stares longingly at Mike, and that Mike is his best friend. Maybe Will is upset around Mike because he’s experiencing the anguish of unrequited love?

5)      In season two, when Dustin & Lucas are attracted to Max, Will pays her almost no attention in the same way that they do.

6)      And to cap it off, there was already an LGBTQ “coming out” with Robin, when Steve professed feelings for her and she admitted she had feelings for a girl in her class. This could open the door to other potential outs in season four.






The “Number Kids” from Hawkins Lab may return. To support this theory:

1)      This one is very far-fetched, but it could be a possibility – with El having lost her own powers, it would be difficult for her to use them in case the Russians start a world war with their bred Demogorgons. However, the story arc with Kali and the gang, feels somehow incomplete.
2)      In addition to wondering what became of Kali after “The Lost Sister” in season two, we also didn’t get to learn about the kids numbered 001-007 and 009-010 (assuming 011 was the last of them). We may get to see them all come together, sort of like the X-Men.
3)      Dr. Owens has access to the military, and he worked for Hawkins Lab before it shut down, so he might be able to pull some strings and contact the number kids, and possibly even take them to a military base for training, if the Russians declare war.




This one is from someone else -> The Mind Flayer is actually 001. To support this theory:


1)      Though I personally think the demo-monsters originate in Russia, I do respect this interesting theory that’s circulating the internet right now… El does “meet” the first monster in Hawkin’s Lab, where Dr. Brenner seems pretty calm about its existence.
2)      The scientists almost fearlessly study the Upside Down and the affiliated creatures, as though it’s already somewhat familiar and they’re just calmly gathering more information… so perhaps this was their experiment “001” in an attempt to try out new weapons.
3)      Dr. Brenner appears to have been working in the lab for some time, given his distinguished and well-aged appearance. Perhaps he has spent many years trying to create something just as powerful as 001 (the Mind Flayer) so that he can use that to contain it. We know that Jane was born in the early 70s during a time that he had test subjects being exposed to LSD experiments… maybe he was trying to make human weapons the entire time, to stop 001…
4)      This Mind Flayer carries a huge grudge against Hawkins and its residents… maybe this monster was once human and resents no longer being able to live normally among everyone. It also seems really taken with Will (first 2 seasons) so maybe it was once a little boy, similar to him, and that might explain why it seems to have a childlike, emotion-driven, impatient and vengeful arc, like a child who is having a tantrum and wants instant revenge.
5)      In season three, we see it form a monster made of human flesh, etc. so maybe that’s a nod to the Mind Flayer having once been a human itself… maybe.
6)      Admittedly, this is definitely one of the more far-fetched theories, but it’s been taking the internet by storm, nonetheless.






Who is “The American” in the cell?


1)      The obvious answer everyone wants, is for it to be Jim Hopper – perhaps when Joyce pulled the keys and then looked away, in those few seconds of black-screen, some Russian soldiers grabbed Hopper and detained him.
2)      Sadly, it could also be someone else… though most of the deaths on the show, actually show the death or at least the body later (Benny, Barb, the “baddies” from Hawkin’s Lab, Mews, Bob, [the wanna-be American] Alexei, Billy and all the possessed humans who melted into the latest monster), one potential “death” in season one was only implied, and part of the internet believes it could be Dr. Brenner/Papa.
3)      We know it is not any of the characters whom we’ve had to witness meet their tragic end. Though some have suggested it’s Bob or Barb, that’s highly unlikely…. sadly, because they were both so nice!
4)      It could even be a whole new character to whom we get introduced…




Who will be the next tragic death in this season?


If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Stranger Things, it’s that they pull our heartstrings and make us like a character, just to mourn their loss. It’s reached a point where it’s a little scary to become fond of a character – just look at Bob Newby, superhero… or more recently, the man-child Alexei.
The main characters (original kids) are probably safe, especially since many might stop watching if one of the young characters were killed off. However, it doesn’t seem as morally wrong for the tragic fate to happen to a character over 18…
1)      Steve – some people on the internet have suggested that he might sacrifice himself in some way to protect the kids. This actually makes sense for a few reasons. He’s been touted already as a “damn good babysitter” and there may have been a hint in season three, when he opened one of the boxes in the elevator and pulled out a tube of green chemicals.  Dustin was standing too close and when Steve told him to move, Dustin exclaimed: “No! If you die, I die!” (Losing Steve would likely cause Dustin to “die” emotionally, but it would be a heroic moment).
2)      Jonathan – this is a slight stretch, since he & his family are not in Hawkins. However, he is sharing a household with adoptive sister El, so the latest monster from the Upside Down still has a vendetta with her and may track her down. Maybe he dies trying to protect her, if her powers haven’t yet returned? That’s pretty heroic.
3)      Nancy – this is unlikely, but sadly possible. Though most of the deaths have been male characters, Barb was an example that females get taken, too – even when they’re likable. Nancy’s come close a couple times in season three already. First, the monster at the hospital, and then Billy revving his car at her in the mall parking lot. She's also proven she is protective of the kids, so maybe she will sacrifice herself for her brother Mike or something. 
4)      Robin – this would be sad, since she was just introduced last season and became an instant hit! But “sad” is exactly what gives us that shock value….


Which ones do you like the most?  

Which theories do you believe/not believe, and why?









Oh, and here is my personal favorite... 

Thursday 29 August 2019

Stranger Things x Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends

Hello!



  





Are you here because of this Instagram post


If you've been looking at our social media (including our Patreon page) and the post here on this blog, from August 14, then you've seen a little contest asking you to identify what 2 characters BFFs Unicat and Rabbird are dressed up as....

Are ya ready for the answer now? 




Rabbird is Nancy Wheeler, and Unicat is Max Mayfield - both from Stranger Things season 3.  Those who could guess correctly would win a free copy of Zoo'd's first-ever coloring book.  I'm sorry that you didn't win that, but here is a free coloring page of Eleven from season 3.  Just download/save & print, and you're ready to have fun!  I wouldn't mind seeing your finished work uploaded on our facebook group




Stay tuned to this blog to see the REST of the 12 characters as Stranger Things season 3 characters - I had so much fun doing this project! 

Wednesday 14 August 2019

Can You Get This Riddle?

Hi everyone! πŸ‘‹

How's it going?  

Have you read the last post about our Zoo'd Patreon page yet...?  πŸ˜‰














Hopefully you're back now from reading the last post here on this blog, about our Patreon page. Did you happen to see the guessing game there?


It goes like this.  You look at this image of BFFs Rabbird & Unicat, and try to figure out who they are in costume as. Yes they do look familiar... and if you're a super-fan of a certain, something....well, you may be able to guess immediately!


What's in it for you?

Great question, glad you asked!  If you correctly guess both the first & last names of both characters, and tell me where they're from, you'll win a free copy of the original Zoo'd Coloring & Activity Book (available on Etsy).  They will be revealed later on, so you want to get guessing now before you miss your chance to get free printable fun πŸ˜„ 
Please email your answer to renstimpy1234@gmail.com


This might help you:





😊 😊 😊 😊 😊 πŸ˜Š πŸ˜Š πŸ˜Š 




Tuesday 9 July 2019

Our Patreon Commercial

Hi everyone!

Many creative types - whether visual artists, musicians, dancers, authors, etc. - use Patreon as their fundraising platform to help keep up with their operating costs.  Sure, their loyal fans & followers happily pledge support, but what does this mean to everyone else?

For the general population, I made a video "commercial" in a familiar format to better understand how our specific Patreon page works:



Basically, the $1 tier gives you a monthly coloring page, access to exclusive posts, and a 40% discount code to my Etsy shop.

The $5 tier gives you all that, plus if you request a custom illustration of yourself or a loved one, I can draw you in any (cartoon) style - and you can now get funny behind-the-scenes voicing video bloopers!

The $15 tier is coming soon, and will grant you access to everything above, PLUS you can get featured in the upcoming Zoo'd web comic.

The $30 tier has EVERYTHING from the above tiers, and grants you Zoo'd merch as well 😊







This is our specific Patreon page, for helping the animals grow & flourish. You're getting rewarded for helping us:
  • Pay for a yearly arts council membership
  • Upgrade artistic skills with courses
  • Afford supplies to make more illustrations
  • Pay for the copyright (which was the best $50 I ever spent - thank you!)
  • Be able to invest in a domain name to improve this website


Thank you! 😊

Thursday 27 June 2019

Officially Copyrighted - A Video

Hi everyone 😍

It's been an awesome past few weeks!  As you already know, the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends recently got copyrighted, so now as their cartoonist (and "mother"), I'll be putting out a lot more projects soon πŸŽ‰


On Friday, June 21, my hubby Rob & I hosted a wine & cheese soiree to celebrate this professional success and career milestone!  It went rather well...








And as per their very own YouTube channel, I put up a celebration video, which helps explain a little more about these zany cartoon animals:



We love when you show your love for us on Patreon!








Are you brave enough to take their trivia challenge?  They've been online since 2017 - how much do you already know about the hybrid animals? 


Download your copy here


Thursday 13 June 2019

Exciting News

Wow, I just... wow.  

That was the feeling that washed over me the other evening when Rob brought in the mail and handed me a large envelope from the federal government.  It was official.... my application to have the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends copyrighted under my name, was approved!

APPROVED!!  I felt like I was floating for a moment, and then when I snapped back to my unique form of reality, I jumped around & squealed for a few minutes. Maybe not the best choice, considering it was late evening and we live in a condo. Anyway...



Now that the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends have been declared mine by Intellectual Property law, I have some pretty big plans for them.  There were some things I was holding back on, since I didn't want a run-in with someone stealing my work, or accusing me of stealing theirs.  Now that these characters are legally in my name, watch for things like children's books and even plushies! 




They will all still be available as coloring books and a trivia quiz on Etsy, as well as Tshirt designs, stickers and more on RedBubble! 




And of course, nothing has changed for Patrons - you'll still get your monthly thank you rewards.






Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for more voiced videos coming soon! 






Anyway, it just really blows my mind that now these cute and goofy animals I've been creating now for a couple of years, are legal. Wow. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me 🧑



Wednesday 22 May 2019

New Trivia Game

Guess what, guys?  After some time Planning questions, Writing & editing, Coming up with a layout, and Editing all that....

The animals have their own Trivia Game, available exclusively on Etsy! 




  • It has 52 questions - many of which can be answered just by browsing this blog 😎
  • It's a printable PDF file, downloadable exclusively from Etsy for only $5.99 CAD 
  • After printing and cutting out your score sheets and player's cards, it's played by 2-6 people, taking turns choosing one of the questions (in any order, just look at the number for the answer key later).
  • There is no time limit to answer a question - if a player is struggling, they can quickly check this blog or anything else they can find online about Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends. Please keep the Answer Key for when it's really needed 😊
  • Each question is worth one point and if they player answers correctly, they can put a tally mark on the line next to their name. 
  • The game ends when all 52 of the player's cards have been read out loud & answered; the player with the highest tally of correct answers next to their name, wins - YAY πŸŽ‰



















See the Patreon post here

Saturday 18 May 2019

Q & A With The Artist

You know a fair bit now about the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends... but what about their cartoonist? 




Today we'll have a little Q & A chat so you can get to know me better.  You're also encouraged to share info about yourself in the comments, as long as you're not spamming ;) 



1. What's the last dream (or nightmare) you had?  Most of my dreams are so weird that it's not always easy to recall specific details. I do often dream about being chased and trying to hide... 

2. What's your music right now?  I'm not prone to very narrow or limited music tastes, though I love classic 80s pop (like the Stranger Things soundtrack). I also love rockin' female artists. 

3. If you could have any super power, what would it be?  Well, after seeing SHAZAM! in theatres, I would want more than "just one" power :)

4. Guilty food pleasure?  Right now, it's waffles with Nutella on them. 

5. Most embarrassing moment?  A few times in elementary school, I had accidental body functions in front of classmates, and by junior high I'd developed severe performance anxiety and hated having do class presentations. I'm still blushing!

6. Where does your inspiration come from?  Well, this may sound old-fashioned in today's world of cartoons everywhere, but my main inspiration comes from a dreamer named Walt Disney. As a young man, he was considered odd and was even stolen from, but he didn't let adversity stop him from working hard and achieving his goals. Walt was admirable.

 

7. Do you have any weird habits?  Who doesn't? LOL. I sometimes talk to the TV... 

8. Where's your favorite place in the world?  I used to say Jamaica, since I got to go there once in 2015 during a nice family trip with Rob & his mum. These days, after being here 3 times, I'm going to say Las Vegas! 

9. Who is your favorite musician?  There's too many to count.

10. When's the last time you cried?  To be honest, with my social anxiety and self esteem issues, I'm brought to tears way more than I'd like to be.  It's not uncommon for me to cry sometimes after work, and at night in bed while falling asleep. 

11. Do you have any pets?  Well, the closest animals I have to a "pet" right now, is my collection of Hello Kitties... they don't need a litterbox, they don't meow for food at 3 in the morning, they don't bring up hairballs and they don't scratch the furniture :)

12. Why did you choose to be an artist for a living?  Well, much to the chagrin of most people in my personal life (I've been told to "get an actual paying job"), it's something inside that has to come out.  It's probably like asking Stephen King why he chose to write horror novels.... his mind was expanded with lots of things he was compelled to share!  And when I was a kid, my mother was very encouraging of my blossoming talent which was nice. 

13. Do you have a dream car?  While my anxiety and ADHD symptoms keep me from being able to legally drive, since my teen years I've admired Mitsubishi Lancers. I used to have a poster of a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer in a silver-blue color and I wanted to save for it.

14. How do you typically start your day?  I'm kind of lazy, so I like to sleep in, usually until around 8am or just after. Then I run our Keurig coffee maker and have a Nutella waffle, and begin working from home unless I'm scheduled at my part-time retail job. If I'm home for the day, then Rob & I usually go out on an afternoon date when he's home from work :)

15. Which was your favorite birthday?  I'm going to have to say the one where I turned 30, because Rob took us on a romantic weekend to a fancy hotel in Calgary (The Palliser). He told the gold lounge concierge about my birthday so they set up a surprise in the room by decorating it and leaving me some cake. It was so thoughtful!  Pretty well any birthday that Rob's been a part of, since he's so romantic :)

16. What are your favorite hobbies?  I enjoy sleeping, LOL. I also enjoy listening to music, dancing, playing our keyboard, hot bubble baths, and watching Frasier, ALF and Stranger Things. I also like reading "self help" books and journalling (always room for improvement), as well as drawing. And I really should get back into yoga. 

17. Do you have any catch phrases?  Well, when I do, I'm usually the last to know. For example, I used to say "that's true" in response to everything my nephew said when he was 5 or 6, because I didn't want to blurt something inappropriate and cause awkward situations for his parents. I didn't know how much I was saying it until other relatives started mocking me over it. 

18. What's one thing you'd really love to do?  I would love to go horse-back riding in a beautiful Canadian place such as Banff. 

19. Where did you grow up?  I was born & raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It's known for events like the Calgary Stampede, which has been celebrated for over a century already! Now I reside in Red Deer with my amazing husband. 

20. Daryl, what's with your unusual name?  When my mum was expecting me in the late 80s, she'd watched a movie called "Splash" which featured a woman named Daryl Hannah. So this intrigued my mum and she named me after her. I've been called "Darlene" and "Carol" and all kinds of things since people don't expect a woman to have a man's name :)

21. What's something about you that might surprise us?  Well, I used to sell Avon for 6 years and was widely known in Calgary as "Daryl the Avon lady". Prior to that, for money I used to be a model and a burlesque dancer, until about 2010. This shocks people because I still seem so innocent!

22. Do you have a favorite dog breed?  Yes - Puggos! Though all dogs are great in their own way, pugs have stolen my heart with their potato-shaped bodies & wrinkled faces :)







The Patreon page in the above video was to read Patreon.com/helpakawaiiartist  And the screaming skull sticker is no longer available as it went to a Patron. Thank you! 





Thank you for sitting with me today - I'd love to get to know you, too!  Share your favorite personal facts in the comments below! 

Tuesday 14 May 2019

Cute New Tee Shirts on RedBubble

Hi everyone!  


It's a rainy evening, and we've got the window open to enjoy the sound of water falling... maybe something about that is inspiring?

Today there are 12 more options for super kawaii tee shirts on RedBubble, as [with the advice of my friend Cahlyn] I drew each of the Zoo'd characters with water color pencils, and then digitally added a description for each one with their name 😸



Here they are...



Loosely based on the goofy and outgoing nature of my husband Rob, Dogosaur is loud and drools a lot, but he's friendly and loves a good time.  He is voiced by Rob.





He is sort of "down" sometimes, and as a person who suffers from anxiety & depression IRL, I created him as a nod to people who suffer from these feelings too.  He's very smart and is a deep thinker. He's also voiced by Rob. 






He's silly too, but more verbally than physically. If you like 'dad jokes', then you'll like Parrofly. He's also voiced by Rob. 





If you enjoy the skater dudes in cartoons, with their chill voice and sleepy eyes, along with their easy-going nature, then you've already "met" Slowan. He's the self-proclaimed hippie of the group, and also voiced by Rob.






Elefox is so relatable because like most of us, he LOVES eating. Like me personally, he's got a sweet tooth, but is not adverse to salty & crunchy snacks! He's also very friendly, and voiced by Rob.


















He's extremely gentle, sweet & nurturing - which is why he loves to grow flowers. He even decorates his dam with them. He's voiced by me (Daryl Januszewski). 





Rabbird is a gentle bunny (who flies!) who loves writing heartfelt poetry - sometimes words are hard to say out loud, and her shyness can make her socially awkward.  She's voiced by me.




Froogle quietly observes others, and keeps her judgements *mostly silent, but if someone is doing something harmful, she will speak up for their own good! An assertive friend is a true friend! She's voiced by me. 





She's not a bitch and certainly loves her friends, but you better believe that she lives for attention and sulks when it's not given to her. Sometimes she says something hurtful, but is quick to apologize. She's voiced by me. 
















He's friendly, considerate, polite and always willing to listen. He wouldn't mind having an advice column someday... and he's voiced by me.





She is sweet, "sexy", and free-spirited! Zebat loves to laugh and have fun, but she can be serious and helpful when a friend needs support.  She's voiced by me. 





Awww... that's what I always end up saying when I see her, with her big eyes, big ears and pointy wittle nose!  Good thing she's not bad, because with those looks, she'd get away with it.  She's voiced by me. 



So... which one is your favorite character? 



In other news...


Our Patreon page is now offering a $30 tier for those who want to be rewarded with Zoo'd merch! That means, even if you pledge for a couple of months, you'll get any Zoo'd tee shirt or tote bag you like, just to say thanks 😍






Thank you so much!



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