Is Kiki-Loki Real?

This is a question I asked myself recently, when I was sitting in the living room one evening, working from home. 

Having the TV on for background noise is soothing and helps me be more productive; occasionally I glance at the screen, and I saw what I thought was a reference to Power Rangers: 




A little background: I don't actively watch 'Carter', and this was the first time I actually sort of sat through an episode. I don't have anything against the series (and I love a good mystery!), it's just that life is too busy for being able to keep up with every show. 

Jerry O'Connell posing on 'Carter'

Anyway, the purpose of this post isn't to discuss the tragedies of the episode itself, but rather, the half-elephant, half-chicken character of Kiki-Loki. I think the thing that really got me (aside from the obvious interest in Japanese pop culture), is that this character is half elephant....

This may sound familiar because...

so is Elefox!! 

Now as for whether or not Kiki-Loki is real... 

She/he/it seems to have been made up specifically for the show's premise. I will say this, though - the producers and production staff sure put a great deal of effort into making everything from a giant costume and cartoons, to figurines and tee shirts of this character!

🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘

What Would They Look Like as Humans?

Hmmm, this is a very interesting question. It was interesting enough to actually pop open my artist's notebook, grab a pen and some coloring tools, and do a whole freestyle illustration around them!

On a side note, even with their minor flaws, I'm pleasantly surprised by how well they turned out - yay! 

Firstly, please enjoy this video where you see the cartoon [hybrid] animals compared with the humanoid versions of them. I'm socially awkward and shy, so I speak terribly in the video (no script, lol) - please excuse my explanations, as below is a better description of each character.

Okay so, starting in order here...

Dogosaur is a big, tough guy-type. He's strong and intimidating, but also a big puppy on the inside (tender-hearted and playful). I drew him as a free-spirited warrior. 

I was inspired partly by Cyborg from DC Comics.

Pandaroo is a sort of 'down in the dumps' character, and despite his sadness, he is very intelligent and the others often come to him to help solve problems. 

He is partly inspired by Harry from 'Mike & Molly'.

Parrofly is upbeat, kind of saucy, with a great sense of humor and a real zest for life! He never misses an opportunity to have fun, and has a passionate heart.

He is inspired partly by romantic and exciting Latino men, primarily dancers.

Slowan is well, I don't want to say 'slow' in a way that sounds condescending. He's very smart and health-conscious (he's Vegan), but he is also very chill and doesn't let life worry him. His favorite hobby is napping in the sun. 

He is partly inspired by the cartoon character, Jude from '6teen'.

Elefox is a fun, warm-hearted 'hefty guy' who loves to eat, almost as much as he loves his friends! (On a side note, this one was my personal favorite to draw, perhaps because I've always had a soft-spot for 'squishy'/huggable guys!).

He was partly inspired by a character from a Ren & Stimpy episode, titled 'Lair of the Lummox'. 

Beever is a gentle nature-lover, who is also meticulous and hard-working. He loves his friends and is very kind-hearted, but also mostly serious. As a human, I picture him being a kindly older man of the LGBTQ community and perhaps a florist, because he really loves nature & beauty.

He is partly inspired by Mr. Feenie from 'Boy Meets World'. 

Rabbird is a shy, purple dove/bunny hybrid (and my personal favorite). She is intellectual and loves to read/write poetry. 

She is partly inspired by Violet of 'The Incredibles'.

Froogle is small, but she's feisty (so, don't make fun of her big hair!) She is not mean, per say, but she will stand up for herself.

She is partly inspired by Shriek from the Nickelodeon show 'CatDog'. Only with a less squeakly voice.

Unicat is friendly, upbeat, fun-loving and generous. She's confident without being arrogant, and gives everyone a chance! She also is a sensitive feeler and wears her heart on her sleeve. 

She is partly inspired by Joy from 'Inside Out'. 

Penguana is living a sort of confused (and confusing existence). On the one hand, he has a fiery soul, and loves to soak up the sun. On the other hand, he'd really rather just chill, and go for a refreshing dive in icy water. Which side is stronger? Who is he really? Anyway, this made me give him a sort of 'emo' appearance.

He is partly inspired by emo teens (including one I dated in high school). 

Zebat is a saucy, friendly, and flirtatious 'French lady' - ooh la la! She is by no means 'sleazy', but rather, she is romantic, and full of love to give - very passionate! 

she is overall inspired by 'the ideal exotic girl', with a lean toward Rochelle Goyle from 'Monster High'. 

Octomouse is the second-smallest (Beever is the first), and she is very delicate, physically and emotionally. It's just so darn hard not to love her! To me, her vulnerability and high voice made her seem child-like, which is why I styled her like this.

She is partly inspired by 'little girl' characters, such as Bubbles from 'The Powerpuff Girls' and Sailor Chibi Moon.





Overall, 

I think these 12 characters and their traits (though inspired by characters seen in media throughout my life), 

are an embodiment of a variety of traits in me too... some of which are conflicting. That just makes me human, like you.

What traits did you recognize in yourself?

Which one is your favorite character?

Happy First Birthday!

Wow guys!

Isn't it hard to believe that, at least 3 of our Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends, are already a year old today? 

On June 19, 2017 - shortly before the end of the #Kawaii365 project, I was deciding what to draw for the day's project. I had already been thinking of some potential hybrids between various animals, and doodled these first 3 characters of the series:

Unicat seems to have stayed pretty well the same (yes, I *am already aware of UniKitty from the Lego movie, as well as the Caticorn design on drinkware - it's a free world and we're all designers with similar thoughts). 

Dogosaur got a much bigger head and different face... being part Stegosaurus, he seemed like he needed red eyes. 

And Rabbird might be the most significant change, as here, I had her shaped like a potato with no legs, hahaha! Not sure how I planned to get around that one!

************************************

Here is a closer-up picture of the original sketches:

Since June 19 last year, these guys have come a long way - 9 more were created, and they have their own blog (here), a facebook group, merchandise, a Patreon page, two coloring books, a Buzzfeed Quiz, and soon-to-be web comic! 

Also, Rob & I will be voicing them later on, as we move toward possible animation. These cute/weird animals have become an integral part of daily life :)

Look at the subtle changes in each one nowadays. They've come a long way, and they're going further!

************************************

Another interesting thing about June 19, is that it's also the birthday of one of my best and longest-running friends, Sabrina! (✿◠‿◠)  (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

************************************

To celebrate the 'birthday' of the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends, please enjoy sharing this kawaii birthday card I animated!

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Happy National Chocolate Ice Cream Day!




Today is Elefox's very favorite day of the year, since he indulges in ALL the ice cream his belly can hold! 

Oops, Elefox gets a little messy with his cold chocolate treat!

Celebrate today with a FREE coloring page, matching some of the Zoo'd Animal Hybrid Friends with their favorite snacks - yum!

To get the entire coloring book, visit www.darylartdigital.etsy.com

What is Patreon

Good question! 

Right now, Patreon is sort of a niche platform, mainly known by specific fans of specific work. For instance, let's look at the a capella group Pentatonix (PTX for short). They rose to fame over the course of several years and bam! Suddenly they are YouTube celebs, with numerous TV appearances, popular song covers and fans around the world... but a big part of how they were able to do this as a career, was because of Patreon.

So, if you're wondering why I'm telling you this, a big part of the very existence of these 12 kawaii animals, depends of pledging from genuine fans. All we ask is $1/month, which you'll hardly notice and certainly won't miss. And in return for your pledge, you'll get a printable coloring sheet drawn by me, and you'll also get a 40% discount to my Etsy shop! Yay :) 

Take a look at the infographic below for an idea...



If this is something that interests you, please click the red, rectangular button that says 'Become a Patron'. You make my day! 

Free Coloring Page

Hi everyone, it's a fabulous Tuesday afternoon, warm & sunny outside 🌞😎

And to celebrate our current lack of winter, please enjoy this FREE coloring page from my first Zoo'd coloring book (available on Etsy here).

Please download this image above, and print it. You can enjoy coloring it in over & over :)

Here's a hint of their colors to get you started.

Have a fabulous day everyone!

xoxo,

Daryl J.

Web Comic of Zoo'd

Coming soon!