Mary Wills
MARY WILLS (Ref for page websites 1.)
Mary Wills, a hugely famous costume designer from the era that inspired me the most. Recognisable for her costumes for 'The Virgin Queen' in 1955 (Bette Davis) and Edwin Booth 1955 (Richard Burton). She has also designed for the likes of Joan Collins (see in-scripted image) and, ultimately, all of her drawings; whether or not the are costume focused demonstrate immense character. The aura of her clients is evident in her sketches and she captures brilliantly the gaudy 'Gothic' of those big-budget, English-American melodramas of the 1950's. I want to take such inspiration from Wills and be inspired by, not only her ability to imply character through costume drawing but her technical skill. I will, also, need these skills if I am going to successfully complete my project next year, so for the moment, I will focus on 'the best in the business' when it comes to costume, concept art, character design and story-boarding.
'Edwin Booth'/Richard Burton. A male protagonist is an important character and Wills costume is subtle but reminiscent of a Victorian Gothic that I can transfer into my illustrations.
The splash of colour on a flesh coloured background is almost suggestive, something I need to consider in terms of my brief...I want my illustrations to have similar undertones.
This image at first glance seems quite typically 'pretty', which is not what I am going for. However, my repertoire needs to be vast and may call for a contrast. I have chosen to be inspired by more of a Gothic theme because I know 'pretty' is something I can already draw and I want to see how far I can push the boundaries within other genre's.
My Response to these inspirations:
ABOVE: THESE ARE COSTUME DESIGNS THAT ARE GENERIC AND COULD BE SUITED TO ANY OF MY STORIES, THEY ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE WORLD THAT I WILL CREATE. WHEN I HAVE WRITTEN THE STORIES IT WILL BECOME APPARENT WHICH SUITS WHICH HERO/HEROINE AND I WILL ADAPT FROM THERE.
EDUARDO CASTRO (Red film/media 5)
'Once Upon A Time's' Costume Designer: His visions are similar to mine in that he appreciates and respects the classic Fairy-Tale and even Disney customs but puts a very EDGY twist on everything he creates: These are his Designs for Regina the Evil Queen. He uses signature colours (Red and Black for the Queen/White and Brown for Snow White).
These images show how you don't have to draw something particularly detailed for your vision to come across.
His Creations on the Screen:
His creations work for a modern setting, this is what I try to achieve, the fairy tale illustrations should be classic but modern and interesting (which means slightly edgy) to appeal today.
Costume and Uniform
Character and Costume development: Based on the work of Eduardo Castro.
A piece taken from a sketchbook on Uniforms-drawn from life and gearing towards a modern day fairy tale story.
The Little Mermaid costume idea -was going to be about the background but became more about the costume. I had to try and convey a mermaid without the stereotypical fish' tail, so I had to think about texture and pattern and how this could be reminiscent of the sea/scales.
ABOVE: EXAMPLES OF VISUAL NOTES/IDEAS/UNFINISHED SKETCHES THAT WILL LATER INSPIRE FINISHED PIECES.