September 10 - Donald

"Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame."

~ Benjamin Franklin

Donald is the worst.

He's angry, constantly picking fights and convinced he's right - but he's simply an idiot screaming at anyone who disagrees with him.

Half the time I can't understand what he's saying.  He has spent decades avoiding repercussions and nursing ridiculous grudges.  He's an embarrassment.

I really really don't like Donald.

But I do like this duck.

Thinkback to original post: June 9, 2016.

October 23 - Donald Duck

"The voice of anger is never melodic."

~ Toba Beta

11th grade English class taught me that an onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it is -- buzz(zz), hiss(sss), (ssss)sizz(zzzz)le.

What I've never learned is what "Donald Duck speech" is called.

I propose 'wakfwahing'.

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This Donald Duck design is one from the Dave Brenn Loopy Heads 2 collection.

(view other Donald Duck)

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Other balloons by and inspired by Dave Brenn:

January 19 - Loopy Duckz

"Donald Duck is the most relatable of Disney’s characters because he’s flawed—he's funny because he’s real."

~ John Lasseter

When I was first experimenting with Donald, the top beak was way too fat.  This is probably fine for a normal duck, since proportionally was just a bit off for Donald.  

I also never realized Daisy wore such heavy eye makeup.  This is the first time I have drawn an eye in this way.  I like the way the purpley eye turned out a bit better but went a bit deep and made them angry.  Maybe that fat lip is just botox for her ...

Too dark of a blue for Donald's eyes, but that feels like I'm nitpicking as I'm pretty happy with the final result. 

I've always associated Donald Duck with being a sailor, but it's occurring to me as I see his name written in the wiki that it's just a fancy pants suit for parties with the McDucks -- his full name is Donald "(Little Lord) Fauntleroy" Duck...

(view other ducks)

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Other balloons by and inspired by David Brenn:

November 20 - Chibicoro Disney

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

~ Walt Disney

Chibicoro balloons are a balloon concept I stumbled across last year in a hunt for balloon art. (link)

But what is a Chibicoro? The word "Chibi" roughly translates to "short" in size. From the website, using google-translate I've learned that the design is intentionally small and simple, easy to build and perfect for the decoration of a gift or a greeting.

This is the first "free" balloon concept that I've used this year, the Chibicoro site (link) demonstrates how to create the basic forms and gives a LOT of examples.  Because this is available freely, I am happy to share the specific elements that I used to create my versions of the designs as I try to explore the concept further.

This time I've explored a few Disney characters - the "Big 3"; Mickey, Goofy and Donald.

First built was Mickey to refresh my memory and using the design they demonstrated in their archive (link).   Then I attempted Donald and finally the Goofy.  Goofy is a bit of a cheat on the form by adding the shoes, but he's such a tall character to begin with and I really like the way they ended up. In fact that one works well standing on it's own.

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Other Chibicoro balloon designs:

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September 8 - Two Faced Donald

Popularity should be no scale for the election of politicians. If it would depend on popularity, Donald Duck and The Muppets would take seats in senate.

~ Orson Welles

Here is my attempt at Donald Duck using David Brenion's Two Faced Table Decor balloon concept.  It's based on his ducky, but it needed a body.

I feel need to point out again how much I love the freedom building things using a balloon concept provides.  If I were to just build a Donald, I would stress myself out on trying to make it look as realistic as possible.  Using this concept, I can appreciate the big bubble head and focus on the key points that define him -- to me that's his hat and the colors of his outfit.

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Other two-faced balloons:

Show All David Brenion Designs