THE REGAL RAPTOR'S STORY

I'd love to know what being glamorous feels like. So I pick up my pencil and let the Regal Raptor have a little dress-up day for me.

Being an introvert, I'm not really one for the glamour myself. I'd much rather stay in the shadows in my T-shirt and jeans than find myself in the spotlight. But when I draw, I can let my creatures try out the things I might find difficult to do in real life.

My characters can step into situations where I might feel a little out of my comfort zone. They can be bold, adventurous, glamorous or completely outrageous, while I sit quietly behind my pencil and imagine what it might be like.

For the Regal Raptor, I wanted something special without going too far over the top. A touch of jewellery, a few extra feathers in her hair and just enough elegance to make her feel a little different.

There's no need for dramatic makeup or anything too extravagant. Sometimes it's the smallest details that make us feel special — a favourite piece of jewellery, a little extra attention to our appearance, or simply doing something for ourselves because we feel like it.

Perhaps that's what I enjoy most about drawing characters like this. They give me the freedom to explore another side of myself, without having to step into the spotlight.

And who knows? Perhaps the Regal Raptor is rather enjoying her glamorous day out. I certainly hope she's having fun.