I was tasked to design a Smurf for charity some time back, and I wanted to share the design process. The brief was that it ‘didn’t have to look like a Smurf’ and that we had free reign to use our creativity to create anything we wanted.

This was the ‘blank Smurf’ we were each given.

I sat and thought about my design for the longest time! Initially, I had plans to keep Smurfy blank, and to design and make little clothes for him. I’d actually sketched out some ideas – wanted to give him a preppy, geek-chic look with a little buttoned-up chequered shirt and heavy, tortoiseshell frames. I had to scratch that idea though, as I didn’t have time to source for materials.

I knew I didn’t want to paint clothes on him, and I’ve personally been seriously considering getting ink done myself, so I finally decided that I’d give Smurfy a full body ‘tattoo’ job.

I included motifs of my favourite things (motifs I’ve been considering for my own tattoo) - stars, the moon, clouds, wings, dragon and phoenix elements. As a tribute to 8 Days for all their love and support, I included an ’8 Days’ motif on his little chest. I also drew a few wine bottles on his arm (I was sipping some vino as I worked - helps with the creative process, you know. Heh.).

To eye or not to eye? Initially I was not going to draw in eyes, but as I drew him, he seemed to be calling out to be given eyes to see, and so I did. As a side point, I ended up smudging one eye pretty badly – it took quite a bit of acetone (all I had on hand!) and a lot of careful rubbing to minimise it. Ah well. There’s beauty in imperfection!

Red is my favourite colour, so Smurfy got a red topper. He’s all ready to pose for you now!

I gave him a little ‘dragon’s tail’ and also added a tiny signature on his back – see if you can spot it!

I wasn’t the only one tasked to design a Smurf; more than 70 Smurfs will be showcased in a Smurfs in the Cityexchibition at Bugis Junction from August 7 to September 9, 2011.

Bid for your favourite celeb Smurf in a silent auction from August 7 – 21. All proceeds go to the 75 families adopted by MediaCorp Radio as part of its 75th Anniversary celebrations.

To place a bid, simply e-mail the organizers to let them know which celeb Smurf you’re interested in and your bid amount (together with your name, i/c & contact numbers). Please indicate the subject header as “8DAYS & i-Weekly Bid-A-Smurf” and send the e-mail to meevents@mediacorp.com.sg. Minimum bid amount is $20.

The silent auction closes at midnight on August 21. Winning bidders will be contacted via phone or e-mail. Should the winning bidder be unable to fulfill his/her bid, the Smurf will be awarded to the next highest bidder. All Smurf figurines must be collected by September 9, 2011.

Please show your support, and do your bit for charity at the same time! =)

Filed under: Uncategorized by jadeseah