One of the things I've missed most about Lockdown is live music, so I thought I'd use this a theme for my characters. Folk bands are a particular favourite of mine and the variety of musical instruments used would make great props for the bears. 

Having a starting point for the design has really helped me, each different stamp suddenly offered endless possibilities for the character's shape, size and stance. Variety...after all, is the spice of life. 

I started off with a simple front facing character to begin with. 

Next I wanted to try a three quarter view, something I usually struggle with. However this time the stamp shape gave me the perfect template to build upon. The shape had such an impact I could instantly see a bear playing the fiddle in my minds eye. 

Next was a side view, with movement for an added self challenge. I imagined this character skipping along to his drum beat. 

And what's a band without a lead singer. I wanted this character to be female but grappled with making her feminine other than adding eyelashes and girlie clothes. Think I'll have to practice and experiment a little more. 

Put them all together and you've got the Bear Belly Folk. 

This was a great class and has given me loads more confidence to play around with different character designs. Thank you Lisa!