The Problem
Many early teenage girls face the issue of being peer pressured, so there was a need for original characters, costumes, props, and environmental paintings to be created for these girls
My Role
→ Illustrate deliverables with a hard pastel look that explores texture and color.
→ Intentionally create an original story for the target audience so they can have the opportunity to explore how to handle situations if/when then are peer pressured.
Target Audience & Objective
The target audience are early teenage and pre-teen girls who may, have, or are currently facing situations involving peer pressure so they may feel seen and have guidance on how to handle those situations.
Timeline
This project was created in the span of nine weeks.
Meet the Characters
Sadie
→ 12 year old girl, moderately experienced surfer
→ Lives with her Grandma Nani on the beach, right by The Wedge in Newport Beach, CA
→ Her parents died when she was very young, which is why she lives with her grandma
→ Spunky, compassionate, outgoing, moldable, at an age where she is easily peer-pressured
→ Goes surfing everyday with her Grandma Nani
Grandma Nani
→ 60 year old woman, experienced surfer
→ Cares for her granddaughter Sadie after her parents died (her daughter and husband passed away)
→ Energetic (especially for a grandma), colorful personality, wise, understanding, kind
→ Teaches Sadie the dangers of the ocean and how to approach it safely
Props
Original Storyline
Surfing was an everyday occurrence for twelve year old Sadie Pier and her Grandma Nani. They’d catch a few waves, search for seashells, and make a few friends under the sea. Although the ocean was a friend of theirs, Nani continuously warned Sadie that surfing without an adult present was not safe. One day, Sadie was hanging out with schoolmates along the beach. The tide was high, so the waves were taller than their surfboards.
“You know what would be so cool? To surf out there alone,” said her classmate.
Sadie thought back on Nani’s warning, so she replied, “I think I’ll pass.”
“Those waves are huge! We’ve gotta ride them,” her mate yelled over the roaring water. Sadie didn’t feel right about going out with only her mates, but she didn’t want them to think she wasn’t cool.
So, Sadie set out onto the biggest waves she’s ever faced. She was scared, but wanted to be accepted by her schoolmates. Soon, Sadie was caught under a huge wave as it was too big for her to handle. “Will I ever see Grandma Nani again?” Sadie thought to herself. She wished she could go back in time and say no to her classmates. After what felt like a long time, Sadie felt herself being pulled up from the depths of the ocean. Nani had come to rescue her! Nani pulled her to shore and checked if Sadie was well. After Sadie assured her she was alright, she cried,
“I’m so sorry Grandma Nani! I should’ve listened to you. I didn’t want to go surfing anyway, I just wanted my mates to think I was brave.”
“I’m just glad you’re safe!” Nani told her. “If you’re ever peer-pressured to do something that could harm you or others again, don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust, like me.”
“And for the record,” Nani said, “You are pretty cool just the way you are.”
Sadie replied, “Thanks Grandma Nani!”
Sadie and Nani spent many other days on the ocean, surfing when the tide was right.
Front Cover
Lifestyle Painting
Action Painting
Sketches & Process
References
