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Project

Inner Chimp Art Prints

Client

Henleaze Junior School

Vision

To help children understand emotions and how they feel

The idea of the ‘Inner Chimp’ is based on established principles about managing thoughts and emotions, an example of which is The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme by Prof. Steve Peters.

I was commissioned by Henleaze Junior School to produce a set of 4 illustrated posters featuring an ‘Inner Chimp’ character, to help explain ideas around recognising/understanding how we feel, that everyone’s emotions can be different at different times, and that emotions can impact on behaviour and vice versa.

Emotions can be complex and confusing, but by visualising the ideas in a fun and friendly way, these posters help children to begin to understand their feelings and know that it’s normal to feel that way sometimes.

The posters are to help support teaching for Key Stage 2 children (age 7-11)

Inner Chimp illustration, poster artwork with words ‘How are you feeling today?’
Inner Chimp illustration, poster artwork with words ‘Name me to tame me’
Inner Chimp illustration, poster artwork with words ‘Make a good choice. Stop your chimp taking charge’
Inner Chimp illustration, poster artwork with words ‘You can’t choose your feelings. You can choose your moods’

The Inner Chimp doesn’t always look (or feel) the same.

In creating my designs I’ve referenced the ‘Mood Meter’ which uses colour to depict specific emotions. For example, Yellow could be excited, Green – calm & relaxed, Blue – sad, Red – nervous, anxious or angry. Or you could be a mix of colours, if you’re not quite sure how you’re feeling!

Process

Pictured below are my initial sketches for the project

Sketch for inner chimp illustration
Sketch for inner chimp illustration
Sketch for inner chimp illustration
Sketch for inner chimp illustration

To help inspire the children to get in tune with their own emotions

This little animation is a simple guide for drawing your own inner chimp, to be coloured in according to how you’re feeling!

Music: Bensound.com

GROWTH MINDSETS

Also created for Henleaze Junior School, a set of 4 illustrated artworks to help support their teaching of Growth Mindsets, again for Key Stage 2 children (age 7-11)

The school had been using the idea of a Yeti as a way to help describe the various elements of a Growth Mindset, and wanted to build on this – “I may not be able to do something…YET!”

It was fun to develop the Yeti character, and he really helps bring the individual statements to life in a friendly way, making it easier for the children to remember.

Growth Mindset Yeti - Illustrated poster for kids featuring a Yeti riding a pencil through a storm of pieces of paper with mistakes on them and an eraser under his arm. With the words "I learn from my mistakes"
Growth Mindset Yeti - Illustrated poster for kids featuring a Yeti using a rope to climb a mountain, with the words "I enjoy a challenge"
Growth Mindset Yeti - Illustrated poster for kids featuring a Yeti limbering up for exercise, and the words "I can train my brain"
Growth Mindset Yeti - Illustrated poster for kids featuring a Yeti with a lightbulb over his head, and the words "Have you got it yet?"

Available as Digital Downloads

Both the Inner Chimp & Growth Mindset Poster Sets are available to buy and download as hi-res digital artwork for you to print yourself.

Perfect for display in your school, classroom or learning environment!

 

Email me to find out more

Incredible. When I first thought of the posters, I couldn’t have imagined they’d turn out THIS great – you’ve brought the whole concept to glorious (and illustratively clear!) life. Thank you!

Jonathan Parr

Henleaze Junior School

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