Making The Next Mickey

Animation shows how the artist sees Mickey -- in abstract form

Mickey sketchesAspiring cartoonist Brandon Rains is on a mission to create a cartoon character with the appeal of Mickey Mouse.

To better understand Mickey’s qualities, he examined the animated star from conception through the mouse’s first public appearance in Steamboat Willie, a short film from 1928. In this animation, Rains attempts to represent, in an abstract fashion, the expressions and personality of Mickey.