Alphabet Monsters Design Notes n / N

What are Alphabet Monsters?

"Alphabet Monsters" is an original educational resource that designs uppercase and lowercase letters as Pokémon-like characters.
By utilizing the shapes of the letters as monster silhouettes, we have designed them so that children can enjoy getting familiar with the alphabet.
We have incorporated various ideas to help children enjoy learning the alphabet.

As a design note, I will write about the behind-the-scenes of the production.

* The Alphabet Monster list (A3 size) is available for free download for home and educational use.


▶ Alphabet Monster List (A3 size / Free Download)

Enyan and Enyawan

In "Alphabet Monsters," we draw characters based on the alphabet. Since the previous "m and M" had a mechanical design, we changed the tone for the following "n and N" and created them with the image of organic creatures.

n (Enyan)

The lowercase "n" has a protrusion on the top left that looks like the head of a small animal. The starting point of the design was how to fit the front and back legs and tail into that shape without breaking the unique silhouette of the "n." However, if I drew it as is, it would just be a normal "cat," so I added a little twist.

The motif I used is the "Carbuncle," a small animal with a jewel on its forehead that appears in South American legends. By adding a one-point design to its forehead, it turned into a somewhat mysterious character.

The line of the back is also a key point. By utilizing the curve of the letter as it is, it resulted in a charming posture that looks like it is hunching over or feeling shy. I named it "Enyan" by combining "En" (the letter N) and "Nyan" (the sound a cat makes).

N (Enyawan)

In contrast, the uppercase "N" is composed of straight lines. I placed the protrusion on the top right as the head, but if you try to treat the diagonal line as the back of a creature, it inevitably feels unnatural as a skeleton.

Therefore, I added "wings" to resolve that "unnatural line." By drawing in wings, the sharp shape of the N blended into a natural silhouette.

By setting the neck a little longer, it also ended up with a somewhat dog-like atmosphere. I named it "Enyawan" by adding the element of a dog's bark ("wan") to the cat element ("nyan").

With "n" and "N," they have become a pair that complements each other, yet each has its own personality.

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It would be great if you could leave a comment about your child's reaction, etc.✨