#pollypocketbluebird

Minions: The Rise of Gru

Animation, Adventure, Comedy | 2 July 2021 (USA)Minions: The Rise of Gru is an upcoming 2021 American 3D computer animated comedy film produced by Illumination. A sequel to Minions (2015), and spin off/prequel to the main Despicable Me film series, it will be directed by Kyle Balda, with Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val as co-directors, and written by Brian Lynch 

I’ve created another digital artwork once again, and this time, it's fan art of a character many of you might recognise—Polly Pocket. It was a delightful process, and every brushstroke brought her vibrant personality to life. The Polly Pocket I drew is not just an ordinary girl; she's the bright, adventurous, and confident Polly that many have come to love through the cartoon series of the same name. As I worked on this piece, it reminded me of why Polly Pocket has always held a special place in the hearts of so many.

Polly Pocket is ten years old, yet she’s already the lead singer of her band, Polly and the Pockets, where she also plays the guitar. What a dream for someone so young! I found myself getting more and more inspired as I sketched out her features. You can sense her youthful energy just from the way she moves, and that’s what I tried to capture in my fan art. When I started with her face, I knew her large, dark baby-blue eyes had to take centre stage—they have that twinkle that speaks volumes about her adventurous spirit. The fair skin tone I gave her serves as a perfect contrast to the explosion of colours in her outfit, reflecting Polly’s love for fun and fashion.

Her hair—ah, the blonde locks! She often styles it in a long, flowing ponytail held together with a pink scrunchie, and I made sure to stay true to that detail. But it wasn’t just about getting the hairstyle right; I wanted to show how Polly’s hair mirrors her energetic nature. Every strand seems to bounce with her, like it’s always in motion, just like her. In the piece, Polly looks like she’s in mid-jump, arms wide open as if she’s inviting you to join her in her next grand adventure.

For her outfit, I didn’t want to hold back on the colours because Polly is all about brightness and vibrance. She’s wearing a short-sleeved green top that blends seamlessly into a vibrant orange dress. The dress flares out playfully, creating movement as if Polly is spinning around or twirling in joy. I made the skirt purple, a fun choice to contrast against the orange because Polly’s outfits always seem to have that balance of colours that makes her stand out from the crowd. Her pink belt adds an extra splash of character, tying the whole look together with a perfect pop of colour.

One of my favourite details is Polly’s footwear. She’s got on these funky purple boots, with bright green straps crisscrossing up the sides, giving her look that extra bit of spunk. It’s like the boots were made for jumping and running and having adventures. I can almost imagine Polly skating or skipping in them, not a care in the world, just enjoying life. I even added some colourful bracelets on her wrist—Polly’s never without her accessories! The little details like these are what make Polly, well, Polly.

But Polly Pocket isn’t just about fashion or looking cute. What I love most about her—and what I hope comes across in my artwork—is her heart. Polly is one of those rare characters who seems to genuinely care about everyone around her. Despite coming from a wealthy family, she’s humble and always ready to put others before herself. She’s constantly helping people, whether it’s her friends or someone she’s just met. Polly doesn’t see wealth as a measure of a person’s worth; she measures people by their kindness, their loyalty, and their sense of adventure.

When I was drawing Polly, I kept thinking about how she loves animals. I didn’t include any in this artwork, but her love for them is always present in her personality. Whether it’s rescuing a puppy or riding horses, Polly’s connection with animals reflects her gentle yet bold spirit. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty if it means helping a furry friend. I think that’s something we all can admire.

Speaking of adventures, Polly is never one to sit still. She’s always moving, always ready for the next exciting thing. Whether it’s roller skating, water skiing, or snowboarding, Polly lives for those heart-racing moments. In my artwork, I wanted to capture that energy, that unstoppable drive she has. You can tell just by looking at her that she’s thinking, “What’s next?” It’s that sense of curiosity and excitement that makes her so fun to draw. Polly's adventurous spirit is contagious, inspiring those around her to embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest.

Polly’s life is also about balancing the excitement with her love for fashion and music. When she’s not off on some wild escapade, you’ll find her strumming her guitar or hanging out with her bandmates. Music is a big part of Polly’s life, and I think it’s what keeps her so in tune with her friends. She’s confident on stage, not because she wants the spotlight, but because she loves sharing the experience with others. In a way, Polly’s music is an extension of who she is—a way for her to connect, share, and express all the joy and love she has inside.

One of my favourite quotes from Polly is, “Who needs perfect when you’ve got friends?” It’s such a simple yet powerful reminder of what matters. Polly is cool, friendly, optimistic, and most of all, she’s real. She knows that perfection isn’t the goal—friendship, loyalty, and adventure are. That’s what I tried to bring out in my art. She’s not standing still, perfectly posed; she’s leaping, laughing, and reaching out, reminding all of us that life is meant to be lived with friends by your side.

What makes Polly even more special is her sense of resourcefulness and optimism. No matter what situation she finds herself in, Polly can figure it out. Whether it’s building something from scratch or coming up with a clever plan, she’s always one step ahead. That’s something I tried to convey in her expression—a look that says she’s already figured out the next move. She’s a problem-solver, and that makes her adventures even more exciting.

But Polly isn’t just all fun and games. She’s also deeply loyal, and I think that’s what makes her friendships so strong. She’ll stick by her friends no matter what, and she’s always there to lend a helping hand. It’s that loyalty that makes Polly such a beloved character—she’s someone you can count on, no matter the situation. In my artwork, I wanted that to shine through. Polly’s open arms, her bright smile—it’s all an invitation, a message that says, “I’m here for you.”

As I finished my digital fan art of Polly Pocket, I took a step back and looked at the piece as a whole. The colours, the movement, the expression—it all felt right. Polly was alive on the screen, her infectious energy practically jumping out of the image. She’s the kind of character who makes you believe that anything is possible and that life is one big adventure waiting to happen. And that’s why I love creating fan art of characters like her.

Polly Pocket is more than just a cute cartoon character to me. She represents a sense of freedom, joy, and the importance of friendship. Through my fan art, I wanted to capture not just her look but her spirit. And I hope that anyone who sees this piece feels that same sense of excitement and adventure that Polly brings to every episode, every song, and every moment she shares with her friends. Creating fan art allows me to express my admiration for her character and the values she embodies.