Color: The color palette within the characters is limited and often features bold, bright colors or simple black and white. These colors contrast sharply with the more naturalistic and often muted colors of the photographic backgrounds. The intentional use of contrasting color palettes enhances the separation between the drawn elements and the photographed elements.
Lighting: The lighting on the drawn characters is typically flat and graphic, lacking realistic shading. The lighting on the photographic backgrounds, however, is realistic and often features natural outdoor light. The visual tension created by the difference in lighting styles is a key element of this mixed-media approach, making the drawn characters feel like spontaneous additions to the real world.
Design Technique: The core technique is the combination of simple, often doodle-like or graphic illustrations of characters (animals or figures) placed directly onto realistic, high-quality photographic backgrounds. The characters are stylized and simplified, often with bold outlines or scratchy textures, contrasting sharply with the detailed realism of the photographs. Compositions highlight the interaction or presence of the stylized characters within real-world settings, creating a sense of whimsy and unexpected visual narratives. The styles convey a sense of playful spontaneity, imaginative juxtaposition, and a unique mixed-media aesthetic.