Minds On
Let’s get started!
From the imagination of Charles Santoso
Explore the following artwork created by the artist and illustrator Charles Santoso.
- What do you notice about the artwork?
- What kind of materials might Charles Santoso have used?
- Do you have any questions for the artist?
Record your ideas on paper, digitally, or as an audio recording.
Share your thoughts with a partner, if possible.
Action
Get ready, get set…
Charles Santoso
Charles Santoso started his career as a graphic artist and spent 10 years creating concept art for movies such as Legend of the Guardians, The LEGO Movie, Walking with Dinosaurs 3D and The LEGO Batman Movie.
What is a graphic artist? A graphic artist is a person who creates images using specialized design software.
What is concept art?
Press 'Answer' to reveal a possible answer.
Concept art is a form of used to convey an idea for use in films, video games, animation, comic books, or other media before it is put into the final production.
In 2016, Charles became an illustrator, focusing on picture books for children and young adults. He loves to draw in his journal and explore funny stories. He is inspired from childhood memories, and his daily travels. He uses pencil and pen for some of his drawings.
What is an illustrator? An illustrator is the person who creates the pictures for a storybook or other forms of text.
In the same way that an author creates different characters in a story using words, an artist can create a character through a detailed drawing.
Go!
Let's return to Charles Santoso's drawings from the Minds On to examine them more closely. Consider the following questions and record your ideas using a method of your choice.
Woofies by Charles Santoso
Who are the characters in the drawing? What is the story?
How do you feel when you explore this drawing?
Press 'Let's Check' to reveal a possible answer.
One large and one small animal, who might be koalas, are walking one after the other. Perhaps they are on their way to school.
Mr. B by Charles Santoso
Who are the characters in the drawing? What is the story?
How do you feel when you explore this drawing?
Press 'Let's Check' to reveal a possible answer.
A bear is playing the guitar while sitting on a log. The bear is probably a great musician, since there are 6 small birds that have gathered around to listen to the music.
Brainstorm
Your turn!
Explore the following drawing and answer the following questions.
- Who are the characters in the drawing? What is the story?
- How do you feel when you explore this drawing?
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
Big Mouth Symphony by Charles Santoso
We have explored some of Charles Santoso's personal drawings. He also has created illustrations for different storybooks. One character from his storybook illustrations is Yeti Crab.
Explore the following image of a real yeti crab.
How do you think Charles Santoso will transform this animal into a character drawing?
Real yeti crab
Charles Santoso created the character Yeti Crab for a story book. He creates the character in steps. He begins by drawing Yeti Crab’s face and then adds their body in the shape of a cloud. Explore the following video to experience how Charles Santoso finishes his drawing of Yeti Crab.
What part of this creation process was your favourite? Why?
Record your answer in a method of your choice.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Now that you have explored Charles Santoso’s drawings, It’s time to create your own character!
You may use the video to help you create a yeti crab based on Charles Santoso's design or you may create an animal character of your own.
Materials Needed
Materials
Possible materials you might need for this learning activity:
- a blank sheet of paper or an art journal
- drawing materials such as pencils or crayons
- an electronic tablet for drawing
- any other art materials you like to use
Student Success
Exploring digital creation options
When you are considering digital creation options, explore the variety of digital applications available!
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Now it's your turn to create! Press the following tabs to check out a variety of methods to create your art. Choose one of the following options to try out!
Consider the following questions:
- What might your animal character eat?
- Where might your animal character live?
Think about the drawings we explored in the Action section. Charles Santoso creates a story with his character drawings. What kind of story would you like to tell?
Brainstorm and create a detailed audio or written description.
Think about the drawings we explored in the Action section. Charles Santoso creates a story with his character drawings. What kind of story would you like to tell?
Brainstorm your ideas and create a digital drawing of your character using an application of your choice.
How will you use the design elements explored in the learning activity to plan your creation? Your artwork could be real or imaginary. Create your piece using your plan!
Remember to include details that create the feeling or the message you would like to communicate.
Think about the drawings we explored in the Action section. Charles Santoso creates a story with his character drawings. What kind of story would you like to tell?
Brainstorm your ideas and record using a method of your choice.
Press the following tabs to follow the steps to create an animal character.
Begin by creating different parts of the character's face.
Outline the character's body.
Add details to the body (I.e., for yeti crab, Charles Santoso adds his legs and claws).
Add final details to the face and body of your character.
Portfolio
Review your learning
Reflect on the following questions.
Record your ideas on paper, digitally or as an audio recording.
- What did you enjoy about creating your character?
- What might you work on to improve the character for next time?
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.