Illustrations and Project Work - early learning fire safety (elfs)
elfs was born when my manager (Penny England) at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service recommended my illustrations to a Community Fire Safety Advisor (Leigh-Anne Parfitt) that had a great idea about creating a tool box to educate children under five about fire and road safety.
After meeting Leigh-Anne and discussing the elfs concept, I began sketching out ideas for the character in Leigh-Anne's head - "Firefighter Alfie" who was to have pointy ears and red rosy cheeks. Once I'd created Alfie I found it hard to stop and wanted to create a female character too.... or even better a whole watch. Good minds think alike and by the time I had created the 7 characters, everyone else was already on the same wave length and wanting more. I presented the crew of seven characters and 'Blue Watch' was brought to life. Many of the characters features have been inspired by some of my best friends so I must send thanks to them for helping!
After meeting Leigh-Anne and discussing the elfs concept, I began sketching out ideas for the character in Leigh-Anne's head - "Firefighter Alfie" who was to have pointy ears and red rosy cheeks. Once I'd created Alfie I found it hard to stop and wanted to create a female character too.... or even better a whole watch. Good minds think alike and by the time I had created the 7 characters, everyone else was already on the same wave length and wanting more. I presented the crew of seven characters and 'Blue Watch' was brought to life. Many of the characters features have been inspired by some of my best friends so I must send thanks to them for helping!
Since the first creation, elfs has developed into the innovative resource you see today. It has encapsulated messages on healthy living, road safety as well as fire safety and many more positive subjects. elfs has become the perfect vehicle to promote the fire and rescue service and drip feed many safety messages. It is also the perfect tool for promoting the role of a firefighter to potential future recruits, where we highlight our core values, equality and diversity and most importantly, inclusion for all.
elfs can be borrowed free of charge* in Cornwall for a period of two weeks, to all who facilitate education to children aged between two and five years old. Other Fire and Rescue Services in the South West have gained funding to implement elfs in their regions so watch this space for more news from them. To book the elfs resource and find out more, visit the main website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/elfs. *Terms and conditions apply.
Since working on elfs, both myself and Leigh-Anne have completed a similar educational resource for the National Health Service (NHS) called Amber and Lance. Use the link to see my illustrations.
elfs can be borrowed free of charge* in Cornwall for a period of two weeks, to all who facilitate education to children aged between two and five years old. Other Fire and Rescue Services in the South West have gained funding to implement elfs in their regions so watch this space for more news from them. To book the elfs resource and find out more, visit the main website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/elfs. *Terms and conditions apply.
Since working on elfs, both myself and Leigh-Anne have completed a similar educational resource for the National Health Service (NHS) called Amber and Lance. Use the link to see my illustrations.
elfs portfolio of illustrations
elfs Brand Manual
Video of the launch of elfs at the Eden Project
elfs Copyright 2008-2012 Cornwall Council / Leigh-Anne Parfitt / Emma Matthews (Hobbs)