The Wonder Pets

The style of animation used to create Wonder Pets! is called "photo-puppetry." It is an original style of animation created for the series that allows animators to manipulate photographs of real animals. The animation of "Wonder Pets" resembles a sleeker version of the construction-paper-like cutouts of "South Park."It was created for the series to allow animators to manipulate photographs of real animals. It also uses drawn objects (not characters), so the total presentation could be considered animated mixed-media. Mixed media, in visual art, refers to an artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been employed. Visual artist Maria Jones uses pastel, acrylic paint, tape and Mylar in her abstract works on paper.

When creating a painted or drawn work using mixed media it is important to choose the layers carefully and allow enough drying time between the layers to insure the final work will have integrity. If many different media are used it is equally important to choose a sturdy foundation upon which the different layers are imposed. An old rule good to remember is "Fat over lean." In other words, don't start with oil paints. Plan to make them the final layer.

Many interesting effects can be achieved by using mixed media. Often times, found objects are used in conjunction with traditional artist mediums, such as paints and graphite, to express a meaning in the everyday life. Denver local artist Tara Raine uses drywall, wax, found objects, acrylic paints, oil paints, and oil pastels in her artworks. This is to acheive a unique dimension; the drywall is painted with acrylic, then layered in clear wax, which is then carved into, which is then painted on with oils. In this manner, many different elements of art become more flexible than with traditional artist mediums.

It takes 33 weeks from script to final delivery.