In the quiet of my studio, with the soft hum of my computer and the faint glow of my digital tablet, I once again lost in the world of pixels and colours. The year had just turned to 2025, and with it, a new wave of inspiration had washed over me. This time, I decided to venture into fan art, a territory I hadn't explored in a while. The subject of my latest creation? Riley Andersen, the endearing protagonist from Pixar's "Inside Out."

The decision to draw Riley wasn't a random one. I've always been captivated by her character, her emotional journey, and the innovative way her story was told. But I didn't want to replicate her familiar 11-year-old self merely. I wanted to explore a different side of her, one that was introduced in the spin-off miniseries "Dream Productions." In this series, young Riley encounters a teenage version of herself, a manifestation of her imagination and aspirations. It was this teenage Riley that I wanted to bring to life on my digital canvas.

I started with her face, the most expressive part of any character. I wanted to maintain her youthful exuberance, so I kept her features soft and rounded. Her eyes, a vibrant blue, sparkled with curiosity and excitement, reflecting her perky and upbeat personality. I added a slight arch to her eyebrows, hinting at the confident and somewhat mischievous teenager she had become. Next, I focused on her smile, making sure it conveyed a sense of optimism and joy.

Next, I moved on to her hair, a striking cyan colour that set her apart from her younger self. I wanted it to look soft and slightly tousled as if she had just rolled out of bed, ready to take on the day. But I knew that when put through the dream filter, her hair would turn green, a nod to the original film's use of colour to represent emotions. I made a mental note to create a second version of the artwork with this alteration. This subtle detail would bring the whole piece to life and truly embody the essence of the character.

Her outfit was a blend of comfort and style, a reflection of her bubbly personality and her desire to make a difference in the world. She wore a black button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing a pink band around her wrist. The shirt was tucked into a black skirt adorned with small, white flower patterns, a subtle nod to her love for nature. Her pink leggings added a pop of ccolour matching the band on her wrist and the slight blush on her cheeks.

Her footwear consisted of sturdy black boots, a practical choice for someone who was always on the go. They were laced up tightly, the laces crisscrossing in a neat pattern, a testament to her meticulous nature. Despite her imaginative and somewhat whimsical personality, teen Riley was grounded, her feet firmly planted on the ground, ready to face whatever challenges came her way. Her outfit reflected her vibrant personality, with each element carefully chosen to express her individuality. The overall look was a perfect balance of style and functionality, mirroring Riley's approach to life.

As I worked on her outfit, I found myself imagining the life she led in Riley's imagination. She was a humanist, working for the United Nations, a job that allowed her to make a difference in the world. She took care of puppies "for the UN," a humourous and heartwarming detail that spoke volumes about her character. She was kind, compassionate, and always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was to humans or animals. Riley's outfit reflected her values and passions, showcasing her unique personality through her fashion choices. The attention to detail in her ensemble truly captured the essence of who she was as a person.

But then Riley wasn't just a projection of Riley's hopes and dreams. She was also a reflection of her insecurities and fears. In one episode of "Dream Productions," she was willing to go along with repeating Riley's insecurities in a nightmare. But even in her honesty, she acknowledged the positive aspects of Riley's life. She complimented her on her nice dress, a small but significant detail that showed her unwavering support for Riley

.

As I added the final touches to the artwork, I found myself smiling. This wasn't just a fan art of a beloved character. It was a celebration of imagination, of the power of dreams, and of the endless possibilities that the future held. It was a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there was always a part of us that believed in our ability to overcome, grow, and become the best version of ourselves. It was a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there was always a part of us that believed in our ability to overcome, grow, and become the best version of ourselves.

As I saved the final versions of the artwork, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I had set out to create fan art, but I had ended up creating something more. I had created a visual representation of hope, of dreams, and of the power of imagination. And as I looked at the artwork one last time, I knew that this was just the beginning. There were more stories to tell, more characters to bring to life, and more dreams to explore. And I was ready to embark on that journey, one pixel at a time.