Institute of Art Design + Technology Dún Laoghaire
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Ellie Mulligan

BA [Hons] Character MakeUp Design

I'm Ellie, a character designer with a passion for creating unique and memorable characters. My focus is on makeup and design for puppetry, which brings a distinctive flair to my work that sets me apart from others in the field. I pride myself on my attention to detail and ability to bring characters to life, earning me a reputation as a skilled and versatile artist. With my experience working on set, I can translate my designs seamlessly into real-world productions. I have a strong work ethic and dedication to my craft, constantly pushing the boundaries of character design.

I decided to re-imagine the 1942 classic The famous Five on Treasure island in form of stop-motion Puppets. The Famous Five" by Enid Blyton could be well-suited to stop motion puppetry due to the nature of the story and the characters. The series is a beloved classic that has captured the imaginations of generations of readers with its sense of adventure, mystery, and fun. Stop motion puppetry, with its tactile and physical nature, has the potential to bring the characters and their adventures to life in a way that is both charming and engaging. The characters of "The Famous Five" are well-defined and have distinct personalities and characteristics that would lend themselves well to puppetry. The stop motion animation would allow for the characters to be made into fully-realized three-dimensional figures, giving them a sense of tangibility that would be appealing to both children and adults. Furthermore, the story of "The Famous Five" takes place in natural and outdoor settings such as beaches, forests, and mountains, which could be beautifully recreated in stop motion puppetry with detailed sets and miniature landscapes. The challenges that the characters face in the story such as solving mysteries, exploring hidden caves, and facing danger could also be brought to life in a visually compelling way through stop motion puppetry. Overall, stop motion puppetry would be a fitting medium for bringing the beloved characters and thrilling adventures of "The Famous Five" to a new generation of fans.

Follow the link to see my animated storyboard. Note these puppet designs are seen through maquette's and not intended to to be working stop motion puppets at this stage. The purpose of the storyboards is to visualise how the realised puppets could look in the environment.

Following this stop-motion design I decided to also design for theatre. The project aims to redesign the classic play "The Famous Five" to make it more relevant and appealing to modern audiences, particularly children in 2023. The play has received criticism for outdated ideas and concepts that are not relatable to today's audience. The goal of the redesign is to modernize the story while still keeping the essence of the original play intact. The redesign will include updated costumes and set designs, as well as changes to the script to reflect modern sensibilities. Characters will be reimagined to make them more diverse and inclusive, reflecting a range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The story will also be updated to address current social issues in a way that is accessible and engaging for young audiences. The new production will be marketed as a fun and exciting adventure for families to enjoy together, while also providing an opportunity for children to learn about important social issues in a way that is relatable and entertaining. The goal is to create a production that appeals to both new and existing fans of the classic story, while also introducing it to a new generation of children who may not be familiar with it.

Meet Julian, the oldest of the Famous Five and known for his leadership qualities and responsible nature. He is a natural leader and takes charge of situations, often coming up with plans and strategies to solve problems. Julian is very protective of his younger siblings, Dick and Anne, and his cousin, George, whom he treats like a sister. He is mature and level-headed, with a strong sense of justice and fair play. Julian is also physically strong and athletic, often using his strength to protect his friends and family in dangerous situations. He has a love for the outdoors and enjoys camping and exploring the countryside.

Meet George, whose real name is Georgina, is a strong-willed and independent character in the Famous Five series. She is fiercely loyal to her cousins, Julian, Dick, and Anne, and considers them to be her closest friends. George is known for her love of adventure, particularly sailing and exploring the nearby islands, and is often the driving force behind the group's expeditions. She is also an animal lover and has a close bond with her dog, Timmy, whom she treats like a member of the family. George is stubborn and sometimes hot-headed, but also kind and protective of those she cares about.

Meet Anne, the youngest member of the Famous Five, and is the sister of Dick. She is known for her gentle and nurturing personality, often taking care of her friends and family. Anne is kind-hearted and empathetic, and is always willing to help others in need. She is also curious and adventurous, and loves exploring the countryside and discovering new things. Anne has a strong sense of intuition and is often the first to sense when something is wrong. She has a close relationship with her brother, Dick, and enjoys spending time with him and their cousins, Julian and George. Anne is also very organized and responsible, often keeping track of important details and taking care of the group's needs.

Dick is one of the siblings in the Famous Five series, and is the younger brother of Julian. He is known for his cheerful and adventurous spirit, and often gets excited about new discoveries and adventures. Dick is curious and inquisitive, often asking questions and trying to learn as much as he can about his surroundings. He has a close relationship with his sister, Anne, and the two are often seen exploring together. Dick is also a loyal friend to his cousin, George, and enjoys spending time with her and her dog, Timmy. He is clever and resourceful, often using his wits to help solve problems and navigate challenging situations.

A brief look at my previous minor project based on The Tempest By Shakespeare. The redesign of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at Eden Gardens in the UK will be an interactive theatre piece that highlights the impact of climate change on our planet. The play will take place in an outdoor setting, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the experience and connect with nature. The production will use a mix of modern technology and traditional theatre techniques to bring the story to life in a new and engaging way. The production will explore the themes of the original play, such as power, magic, and revenge, but with a new focus on climate change and environmental activism. The characters will be reimagined to reflect the current climate crisis and the challenges we face as a society. The production will also feature live music, dance, and multimedia elements, creating a multi-sensory experience for the audience. The audience will be encouraged to participate in the production, with interactive elements designed to engage them in the story and inspire them to take action against climate change. The production will also feature educational resources and information on sustainability, allowing the audience to learn more about the environmental issues facing our planet. Overall, the redesign of "The Tempest" at Eden Gardens will be a unique and innovative production that explores important issues while celebrating the beauty and power of nature. Through interactive theatre, the production will engage and inspire the audience to take action and make a positive impact on the planet.

Characters such as Prospero can be seen as representative of the gardener of Eden, The maker and controller of all that happens. Miranda Represents biodiversity as we see flowers physically bloom from her forehead as well as her coming of age and metaphorical bloom. The spirits represent a trinity with the curves on their face forming a full circle when put together. Other characters not seen here such as Caliban ( representing fertile soil) and Ariel (representing the fresh air) are also representaiave of the four pillars of Eden, Fresh Air, Fertile Soil, Rich Biodiversity and Clean Water

Character MakeUp Design

2021 2022 2023 2024

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