Al and the Couch

Before we begin, Al wanted to stop by and play you a quick tune!

Final design original sketch

AL

Al is my pride and joy. I had so much fun making him, and I was blown away by how well his final design matched my initial idea.

I almost gave up on this character. When I began to create him, I thought he looked too much like a dog. After a lot of trial and error, several eye changes, and tons of love, I was finally able to produce Al. He was even better than I imagined!

The Couch

Character design is extremely important but I have a particular interest in the way objects can support a narrative. I believe the right set can tell an entire story on its own. This is what brings me to The Couch. I have spent years wanting to bring this couch to life, and I was finally able to do it.

I do not have a photo of the original couch but this is the closest thing I could find.

On hot summer days, my legs would glue themselves to the plastic draping on my grandparent's floral couch. Their house was crammed with old toasters and odd trinkets found at flea markets. Dust could creep onto any surface, and mice were free to roam, BUT there would never be a tear or spill on that glorious couch. Years passed by, and they passed on, but that couch looked as if it were new. Reflecting on this couch started my obsession with objects and the power they hold in narrative storytelling.

I wanted to create this couch for Al to juxtapose the rough and messy house of a wolf with a pristine and bright couch. As I created his space I wanted to explore a character who acquired a couch after the passing of his grandparents. It is the nicest thing he owns and he is horrified he'll ruining it. He has one rule in his house 'DO NOT TOUCH THE COUCH'. Al does not even trust himself to sit on it. Instead, he places a pillow on the floor and leans against it while he eats and watches television.

Check out Al's favorite songs in his playlist 'Leave me alone'