Artist Profile: John “Collin” Francis

When it comes to his animal ornaments, John Francis (Collin) doesn’t’ like to be pigeonholed.  “Some artists make all their animals cute.  Others only want realism in their figures.  I like to do both,” John says. His wide-ranging tastes and talents are evident in such designs as Baby Partridge, Keepsake Miniature Ornament Black-Capped Chickadee, and Keepsake Magic design The Animals Speak.

When he aims for cuteness in his animals, John enlarges their heads and eyes.

“It’s a matter of exaggerating certain features.  You always make the head bigger than the body and give the animals large eyes.  Also, you have to give them a slight smile by sculpting upturned mouths.  All these things give animals a more animated look,” the artist says.