This was a fun project! I was charged with re-creating characters from the tale Robin Hood, using animals. I was heavily pushed away from the classic depictions of fox’s, so I chose to depict my Hood characters through a world of dog characters. I definitely enjoy character design, creating inhabiters of the worlds we create… and I’d like to do a lot more of it!

Robin Hood

I took inspiration here from the Airedale Terrier. Its furry face made me think of the Shakespearean styled facial hair embodied in classic depictions of the character played out on screen. A good sized athletic dog, not overwhelming physically, but intelligent, more agile than powerful. Perfect for a dashing canine protagonist.

Maid Marian

I chose to model Marian after the Husky. I wanted to stay loyal to some of the more modern depictions of Marian, as a fierce warrior in her own right. Ive always thought the Husky had a magical quality to them. There’s something about those unique eyes, that could in one scene ensnare a masked hero and in another thread the needle of a bullseye shot!

Prince John

To personify the canine spirit of the villainous Prince John, I knew I had to go with a breed of dog who’s bark was much larger than its bite, yet somehow manages to order much larger creatures around according to its yippy whim. The Pomeranian embodied that attitude and its physical characteristics lent themselves to being made to appear regal…A little bling never hurts!

Little John

Little, the not so little friend of Robin Hood, in my opinion could not have been depicted as any other dog but the St Bernard/Malmute. A gentle giant, they are some of the largest of breeds, yet known for their peaceful demeanor, and if that wasn’t enough, they were bred for rescuing people from the snow. The challenge was to make him a big sweetheart, but with the brawn and might to throw down in a fight. Any guy who has a tree for a club, you want on your side.

The Sheriff of Nottingham

My Grandmother once had a massive Doberman named “Judge”. One day, while visiting, I was playing with him in the yard with and I grabbed his bone and tossed it to him. I was about 6 or 7 years old, and I didn’t exactly speak dog, but I knew from hearing Judge’s growl, that I probably shouldn’t have touched Judge’s bone and that it was time to book it out of there! I sprinted…which was probably a mistake. He caught me just as I entered the rear porch door to the waiting arms of my relatives, as they must have heard my shrieks as I lived my own version of the big chase scene from the movie, The Sandlot. Only in this version, the boy gets caught…right on the left butt cheek. I have the scar to prove it. Do I have to explain anymore why the Sheriff of Nottingham is a Doberman?