The Process

Much of my inspiration comes from nature, and in the case of my armored faeries, it’s insects. Sometimes I will go looking for inspiration in various reference and art books. Other times I stumble across an insect while looking up information on another (which happens more than you would think.)

My decision to choose one insect over another is largely based on their shape and color. When I tell people that I base my art on insects, their usually reaction is “I hate bugs.” I then show them creatures like the orchid mantis and walking leaf, and they can’t believe that these creatures really exist in nature. I too was once squeamish about bugs (still working on my fear of spiders,) but in studying them, I am blown away by the complexity of their anatomy and the integral role that they play in the ecosystem.

Once I have an insect in mind, I sketch out some ideas. I usually do this in either a notebook or on my iPad. This is where I do a lot of research into medieval armor, but I often mix elements from one period and another. When you are creating faery-ware, you don’t have to worry too much about being historically accurate.

Once I have my sketches done, I start sculpting in Maya and ZBrush. Depending on the complexity of the armor, this part of the process can take between 40 to 60+ hours.

Next stop is making the doll out of polymer clay. I try to have a pose in mind as I work, as this will dictate how I will shape the hands and feet. Will she be holding a sword, or bow and arrow? Is she running or taking aim?

Once all sculpting, printing, and painting are done, I start sewing on the fabric elements and attaching the armor.  The last thing I usually do is attach and style hair.  It is during this process that I often get extra ideas on how to push the design further.  I often wind up adding additional decorative elements or designing a few last-minute accessories.