This design is for a fictional animated work based on the musical "Once, On This Island." This project would be geared towards adults, tackling themes such as racism, colorism, and the powers of Death and Love.

I'm designing a pair, but I want to start with my favorite character: Death, otherwise known as Papa Ge. Death believes he is stronger than Love, but a girl with a heart full of love proves him wrong.

In the musical, Death's mind is slowly changed. In this fictional animated work, Death will grow to love the main character, Ti Moune.

This story is set in a place inspired by Haiti. Papa Ge presents himself as a sly demon of death, with smug evil always on his face. However, in this fictional work, he puts on this show because that is how people already see him. It is easier to fill a role humans made for him than to try to change their minds. He is unwanted either way, so he may as well embrace the hate.

Ti Moune was the first person not to fear him, because her love is stronger than fear. That is why I believe Papa Ge grows to respect her.

For the first stage, I did some research of Haitian art and Vodou imagery concerning spirits and death.

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 1 - student project

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 2 - student project

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 3 - student project

Next, I started on the body. My instinct was to start with a thin figure to give the impression of a skeleton, but I also wanted Death to be large and imposing. I tried to mix the two on my last attempt, and I liked the unbalanced, top-heavy look. Like he appears threatening and large, but at his core he is frail and starved.

Then I had a brainwave. In the musical, sometimes the sound of a rattlesnake accompanies Papa Ge's voice. I gave him a pet snake, then took it a step further, pushing the unbalanced look by making his entire lower body that of a snake. It also helped to reflect the Haitian art I had studied.

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 7 - student project

His face was hard to pin down at first. I seemed only able to draw Pitch Black from Rise of the Guardians, or the Joker. The two vibes were still there in my final design for his face, but I think I managed to land on something more unique.

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 8 - student project

For the final colored design, I sat for hours and adjusted the lighting until I was totally art blind. I almost gave up at this point, but I couldn't leave it looking so unsatisfying. His skin wasn't looking as dark as I wanted it to, rather it just looked cast in shadow.

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 9 - student project

I got some advice from two other artist friends, did a lot of adjusting, and now I feel much happier with the final design. His skin actually looks dark, his hair looks softer, and he stands out from the background more. In the end, I think I did Papa Ge justice.

Papa Ge, Sly demon of Death - image 10 - student project

I always appreciate critique, and I welcome it from anyone who wants to comment!

Thank you for this class, it was a tough process for me but I think I learned a lot.

Alyssa Lee

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