INTRODUCTION
In early 2020, as I eagerly anticipated the series finale of my all-time favorite show, Bojack Horseman, I decided to embark on a passion project that was close to my heart. The show had a profound impact on me, with its unapologetic approach to discussing hard topics and exploring dark places while maintaining a comedic undertone. I identified with the characters, especially Bojack, on a deep and personal level.
As a highly-skilled digital artist, I set out to create a highly detailed digital painting of Bojack Horseman that would capture the essence and internal anguish of the character. This project required me to push the boundaries of my creative process. I took my own reference photos and used a combination of Procreate on my iPad, along with Illustrator and Photoshop on my desktop, to achieve the level of detail and emotion I envisioned.
Upon completion, I posted my artwork on Reddit, where it garnered an overwhelming response – over 13,000 upvotes and hundreds of supportive comments from fellow fans and artists alike. This incredible reception led to me selling a few prints of the piece online, further validating the emotional connection my artwork forged with its audience.
WHO/WHAT IS BOJACK HORSEMAN?
Bojack Horseman was an American adult animated television series that premiered on Netflix in 2014. The show follows the life of Bojack Horseman, a washed-up actor who achieved fame in the 90s but now struggles with depression, addiction, and a general lack of direction in his life. As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Bojack’s problems run deeper than just a mid-life crisis, and the show delves into an accurate and in-depth portrayal of mental illness that has resonated with not only myself but also audiences worldwide.
One of the key strengths of Bojack Horseman is its ability to develop relatable characters. Bojack is not the only character with flaws and struggles. Each of the other main characters in the show – Diane, Todd, Princess Carolyn, and Mr. Peanutbutter – has their own set of issues that they grapple with throughout the series. The show’s creators have taken great care to give each character a unique voice and backstory that makes them feel like real people.
The show’s portrayal of mental illness is also particularly noteworthy. Bojack’s depression, anxiety, and addiction are all depicted with great sensitivity and nuance. The show is unafraid to confront difficult topics, such as the way mental illness can affect personal relationships, the stigma surrounding therapy and medication, and the difficulty of managing addiction. At the same time, the show is never gratuitous in its depiction of these issues. It always feels like the characters and their struggles are being handled with care and respect.
One of the ways the show accurately portrays mental illness is by showing the impact it has on the people around the person who is struggling. Bojack’s erratic behavior and self-destructive tendencies affect everyone in his life, from his closest friends to his colleagues and family members. The show explores the toll that mental illness can take on personal relationships, and how hard it can be to support someone who is struggling with mental health issues.
Another strength of Bojack Horseman is the way it combines humor with serious subject matter. The show is often hilarious, with clever wordplay, visual gags, and absurd situations that poke fun at the entertainment industry and pop culture. But the humor never feels out of place or insensitive. Instead, it helps to balance out the more serious moments and makes the show more engaging and accessible.
LOOKING BACK 3 YEARS LATER
Bojack Horseman resonated with me because it wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects and expose the raw, vulnerable nature of its characters. I saw a lot of myself in these characters, particularly in Bojack, as we both grappled with our own personal struggles. As fate would have it, shortly after finishing the project, the world was plunged into a pandemic, and I found myself in lockdown.
This unexpected period of isolation provided me with an opportunity to work on myself. I am proud to say that I will be celebrating two years of sobriety in May! The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been a transformative one. My passion project, this digital painting of Bojack Horseman, now serves as a reminder of how far I have come, how much I have grown, and how much has changed since February 2020.
Looking back, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in the work I have created. This tribute to Bojack Horseman, a show that has touched my heart and soul, not only allowed me to express my love for the series but also served as a stepping stone in my journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. As I continue to move forward, both as an artist and an individual, I will always hold this piece close to my heart as a reminder of where I once was and the strides I have made to become the person I am today.