Melpomene
character design | 2019
Tasked to create a unique and never before seen character, I delved into personal interests to breathe life into Melpomene. Consisting of equal parts whimsy, Victorian and Disney, Melpomene is a mischievous imp that lives in late-Victorian London. Playing off of the archetype of the orphan and the jester, the personality traits that Melpomene possesses is a metaphorical, introspective exploration of the alter ego.
Visual applications where inspired by numerous artists styles including but not limited to Isa Bancewicz, Chris Sanders and Joshua Mckenney. Ultimately, the character represents the art of combining shape, form, personality and narrative to tell a story and make for a distinct and memorable character.
Delightfully Devilish
Melpomene, a mischievous imp, lives to spread chaos and misfortune on the late-Victorian streets of London. One fateful day, Melpomene eavesdrops on two guardian angels discussing heaven. Spurred by the burning desire to unravel the secrets of this kingdom in the sky, she hatches a daring, artful plan: to deceive the wandering souls of London, desperate and trapped limbo, and escort them to their final destination.
Inherently lacking the “qualifications” to be a guardian angel, Melpomene shamelessly applies her tricks and illusions to disguise her true identity. In doing so, those “spectral saps” will act as coin to pay her toll, and thus she might con her way into heaven.
To assist her in her angelic ruse, she entreats her mortal friends to help her - pagliacci clowns that travel with the gypsy circus, encamped in a poppy field near the river Thames.
Even an Imp has her ups and downs. Melpomene isn’t shy to show how she truly feels. Being just shy of five centuries old, she has seen every trickery and mastered every hoodwink. But on occasion, even coyness and tricks can’t deny - the horns her do belie!
Crimson wings n' things
Trickery and causing havoc in urban Victorian London is a rewarding profession. Melpomene is perfectly suited to this role and does it with zeal. She moves with meticulous grace and poise. Her movements are fluent - almost cat-like - perfect for sneaking around unnoticed. This eventually helps her in deceiving the wandering spirits into believing she truly is an angelic figure.
When threatened or simply sneaking around, Melpomene is able to shape-shift - fooling any potential attacker or victim. Her preferred form is that of a crimson-breasted robin. Thusly, she soars high above the convoluted passageways of London, scouting for her next unlucky victim.
