Behind the design: Sydney the Sloth
We recently welcomed loveable layabout Sydney the Sloth to the Rex family. To discover what went into creating this sweet character, we spoke to designer Sarah Richmond. Sarah has designed some our best loved characters, including the hugely popular Magical Unicorn.
Sarah Richmond, Rex London designer
What inspired the design?
Sloths are having a huge moment right now, and it’s easy to see why - they’re super cute! During my early research for designing a sloth print, I found out that Marilyn, one of the sloths at London Zoo, had just had a baby. Seeing the video of them hanging out together was the most adorable thing and gave me so much inspiration to create a sweet sloth print.
Watch how Sydney came to life in this behind the scenes video:
Where did you start? What did you draw first?
I knew I wanted to capture the sloth’s sleepy nature so I started by sketching a sloth asleep on a branch or vine.
Sarah’s sketches of Sydney the Sloth asleep on a branch.
Once I was happy with the shape, I began working on the Sloth’s face. This took a few attempts because I really wanted to get the character right and capture how content he was.
Early sketches of Sydney the Sloth’s face.
I worked on my sketches by adding smaller details such as the fur and textures. I then continued in the same style, but added another happy sloth hanging from a branch.
Early ideas for Sydney the Sloth hanging from a branch.
How did you choose the colours and style?
Style wise, I wanted the print to have a simple, illustrative style that captured the characteristics of a sleepy, happy sloth. I wanted to use a soft colour palette consisting of greys and blues that would suit the gentle nature of a sloth and also be complemented by the vivid greens of the leaves. I really love how the palette comes to life on a dark blue background!
Sydney the Sloth’s soft grey fur contrasts with the dark blue of this lunchbox, £4.95
What’s your favourite Sydney product so far?
It has to be the Sydney the Sloth cases. I love how each sloth could feature on a case on his own, and be combined to create a pattern too!
Thank you to Sarah for that look behind the Sydney the Sloth design! If you love this character as much as we do, be sure to take a look at the full collection. Keep your eyes peeled for plenty more Sydney the Sloth products coming soon.
