Bringing Kaleido to life: a creative journey

As the designer and illustrator behind the creation of Kaleido, the new star of ‘Kaleido’s Adventures, I’m thrilled to share with you the exciting journey of how this unique character came to be. One thing’s for sure: it’s been a journey that’s as colourful and varied as Kaleido himself!

The inspiration behind Kaleido

When Shirley and Linda first presented me with the concept of Kaleido, I was instantly captivated. Shirley had dreamt up a character unlike anything else – one that would capture the imaginations of children and adults alike. With Linda’s connections in the travel industry, this little creature would be able to go anywhere and experience things beyond most people’s wildest dreams! With their vision in mind, I began sketching and set to work, eager to bring him to life.

An experimental process

To begin the process, I explored different mythical creatures, animals, reptiles, and colour schemes. Each discovery added a layer to what would eventually become Kaleido, from dragons and dinosaurs to more whimsical axolotls and chameleons. The Australian Frilled Lizard and the intriguing concept of a ‘dolphin humanoid’ also inspired me – pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Through countless different versions, Kaleido began to take shape. The whole design process was full of experimentation, allowing me to blend various styles and elements into one cohesive character. Kaleido evolved through many different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures and gradually became the lovable figure you can see today.

Creating Kaleido’s unique appearance

One of Kaleido’s most striking aspects is his unique colour scheme. He’s from another world, so it was crucial that his appearance reflected his mysterious origins. After experimenting with lots of different colour combinations, I settled on a vibrant mix of Belize blue, bright canary yellow, and orange. These colours make Kaleido stand out and hint at mysterious origins – could he possibly be from another planet?

The transition from my initial sketches to a digital format was another crucial step in the process. This allowed me to explore Kaleido from various angles, ensuring that every aspect of his design was perfect. This detailed work was essential for Sally Preisig, the talented puppeteer who has brought Kaleido to life in three dimensions. Shirley and I have both worked with Sally before, and we know with the right pattern, she can create truly amazing puppets.

Quirky features that bring Kaleido to life

Kaleido’s design features several quirky elements that add to his charm. His chameleon-styled tail and egg-shaped chest plate, covered with multicoloured scales, were just the beginning. The addition of yellow claws and ‘deely bobber’ antennae inject a sense of fun into his character. Kaleido also sports a mysterious wristband and a star emblem on the back of his head – I’ll leave it up to the kids to imagine why they’re there!

One of the most intriguing aspects of Kaleido’s design is the tips of his web-like fingers, each adorned with a recognisable icon that (when animated) will light up to reflect feelings, emotions, media connection and expressions. These icons can adapt to any environment and mood, making Kaleido a versatile and empathetic companion for all his new friends.

Looking forward to Kaleido’s adventures

Creating Kaleido has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’m thoroughly enjoying the creativity, inspiration, and, most importantly, the fun we’ll have with him. His travels will be able to educate children about geography, culture, and the wonders of our world, which is so exciting. Through world quizzes, family travel, and educational trips, he can help with general knowledge and travel education, regardless of background.

I’m proud to have played my part in bringing Kaleido to life. It’s been such a rewarding journey, full of imagination. As this unusual and special little guy begins to travel the world, I hope you’ll grow to love him as much as I do. Join him and let’s show our children the world through Kaleido’s big amber eyes, one adventure at a time!