vivianna rodriguez // graphic design portfolio
'jaded' cartoon concept
'Jaded' is a cartoon concept created solely for learning how to implement licensed trademarks in design. This cartoon is comparable to the 1990's show 'Friends' and inspired by the style of Sanrio's Hello Kitty and Friends, however, the character personalities are based on my own friends and I. The pieces are organized into different categories based on the style guide I compiled. I have also included a peek at some of the process behind the creation of the characters and their corresponding motifs.
character sketches & logotypes
These characters didn't just get magically composed in the computer from nothing. Each character, icon, and logotype was sketched out first, scanned, and then vectorized in Adobe Illustrator. These are the first drafts, as later on changes were made to be consistent with the brand. The process was fun nonetheless, and the results at the end were even more satisfying to see.
licensed goods
These are examples of how Jaded would be used and applied on marketable objects. Jaded logos and trademarks are also applied 'under license' of a cereal brand and ramen in a cup. Jaded is also shown being used on holiday themed products for Valentine's Day.
the characters
This story takes place in a cute town called Milk Tea City. Six animal friends live in an apartment complex, and love spending time together. They all have jobs, educational goals, ambitions, career goals, but the one thing they all have in common: they all just want to spend more time together. They face life’s challenges every day, and they do their best to take life one day at a time. Each character handles stress differently, and this can lead to spiraling depression, using different coping mechanisms, venting sessions, and midnight ramen adventures. The main goal of these furry friends is to stay united, learn and grow together, but most importantly: have fun together.
Ruki is a grumpy cat. She is creative, quiet, and likes her space. While balancing work and school, she depends on her friends to bring her back to life after a stressful week. She is dating Meki, who is her personal sunshine on a bad day. They love playing video games together and drinking coffee.
Meki is a sweet cat with a heart of gold. He loves playing video games and lights up any room he walks into. Meki loves spending time with his friends in person and online. He is quite opposite of Ruki, but he loves her and takes care of her when she is down. He never turns down a midnight ramen run.
Squirrel is a coffee-powered critter. He is the glue of the group. If there are any conflicts or arguments, Squirrel quickly becomes a mediator to sort things out. He is friendly to all and likes to take pictures of the friends with his camera. Squirrel is like a brother to Ruki and is a very reliable friend when he is needed.
Hamantha Sterling the hamster is an interesting guy. He is studying video game design while working at an awful office job. He loves his friends more than anything and set out to keep them together because they were the only family he ever knew. He used to love stirring up drama, but now he just wants unity.
Max is a thoughtful and caring friend. He will never eat without his friends, and doesn’t mind paying for their meals if they need help. Max was once overwhelmed with 3 jobs while going to school. Now he is taking a break on unemployment, living the life. He’s also quite the ladies man.
Snoozi is the guy that is always smiling no matter if he is having a bad day. He wants to become a pro player for his favorite video game. He never listens to the advice his friends give him, but they love him unconditionally, although he struggles to understand love entirely. Snoozi constantly needs guidance.
