Charlotte Belland is an illustrator of animals. Her work explores the blending of anatomical accuracy and the beauty of animals with a little sparkle of mischief; the way an animal tilts its head, focuses its eyes, or how it leans into the pose. Lines are used to accentuate the unique adjectives and verbs of each animal’s gesture. It is with intention that the individuality of each animal reads true.
Drawing primarily with ink, Charlotte works toward the economy of line—making just enough marks to communicate the volume and the pose. Her daily drawing practice includes a routine post to Instagram. For over 10 years, Charlotte has posted a daily animal drawing under the name bellandpixel.
Charlotte is the Chair of the Animation Department at the Columbus College of Art & Design. She is a Professor of Animation who teaches drawing for animation and color theory. Charlotte is committed to the creative process and to helping artists grow each day.
On Fridays during Fall and Spring semesters, Charlotte hosts animal ambassadors (and their humans too!) for live drawing sessions. It is important to draw from moving subjects. It helps artists stay in-the-moment and it hones their ability to “see a pose” and capture that pose, quickly and efficiently with ink. It also encourages the next generation of animal ink illustrators. As a lifelong learner, Charlotte draws with her students investing in a culture of creativity and living the philosophy that honing any craft takes practice. Charlotte embodies her motto to “Abandon the Eraser. Commit to the line. And keep moving.”
B.F.A., 1997 Columbus College of Art & Design, Visual Communication, Outstanding Senior, Battelle Scholar
M.F.A., 2001 The Ohio State University, Computer Animation, Phi Kappa Phi Honors
M.F.A., 2001 The Ohio State University, Computer Animation, Phi Kappa Phi Honors
Photo GCAC, Location Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Animal Programs