Zootopia OC | Silvio Fontaine

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A couple days ago I was sat watching a documentary on polar bears when a Silver Fox showed up at one point. Since I’ve grown to love Zootopia and I was reading the art book at the time; I brainstormed this idea for a character design. Jumping off from the film's idea of mixing animal and human stereotypes together for both a gag and creating a design that’s both endearing and appealing. So I used a Silver Fox: Since it’s also a term used to describe attractive older men. 

While this isn’t going to be anything more than a picture, it’s always a good idea to know your character well, in terms of personality and past. It’ll help inform the design. Soon information and backstory just came naturally to me. Then again Ive had a few years practice while creating my own graphic novel. So it’s nice to create a character I can actually show, and since he’s an anthropomorphic animal, he wouldn't fit in my series.

‘Bit of a disclaimer; I’ll confess that while I’m into older men myself, don’t think Silvio is me being self-indulgent. Not at all. While I can’t deny that my own predilections went a long way in designing him. At least compared to someone who thinks drawing an attractive older man just means making them look younger with grey hair. My main priority was creating a design that’s not only appealing and identifiable, but looks consistent to the film’s world. That said, if you think he’s attractive… Fantastic!!! Certainly makes me happy. ^^

Snowflake vectors: creativitywindow.com/2012/10/s… 

BIOGRAPHY

Name: Silvio Rennard Fontaine.

Species: Silver Fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Current Home: Tundratown (Zootopia).

Age: 66.

Biography:

Born into an average upbringing, his school days showed a natural skill in sports. Becoming a champion in pole-vaulting and the long jump. Partaking in various competitions locally and soon throughout Zootopia. Earning a massive bounty of assorted medals and awards. His adult years brought him stardom as a top sportsman. Allowing him to retire early and live in luxury as part of Zootopia’s 1%. Still earning with various sponsorship deals as and work as an older male model for various brands such as Urban Snoutfitters, Kodiak, Zuber, PB&J, Targoat, Molex, Vanity Fur, Preyda and Bearberry to name a few. His healthy youth made him a fine-looking fox in his later years. 

Despite all other events in his life, he can’t forget the massive scandal where he was investigated for cheating accusations during a major games event. Something he still reacts in a waspish manner to if brought-up. Even though decades have past and the majority of the public don’t think him a scoundrel, it still offends and upsets him. Insisting he was profiled for being the only fox competing in that years’ games. After all, what reason would be have to lie?

Personality:

Silvio doesn’t have much to be modest about and he knows it. He’s good at what he does and made himself a success, he’s handsome in spite of his age, he’s charming and he knows this. He’s a creature who looks in the mirror and likes what he sees. The proverbial cat that got the cream. He lives to be a people-pleaser, along with all the compliments and admiration that comes with it. He knows how to make someone feel happy, appreciated and admired. Always glad to show off his athletic skills when encouraged, proving how this old dogs’ still got it.

However, the brighter the picture, the darker the negative. By having the world as his oyster, he developed an inflated opinion of himself. The wisdom of his age just managed to stop him from wearing this on his sleeve. Being more than aware that such vanity and arrogance aren't the most attractive features. So he makes a conscious decision to appear more well-rounded in public. It’s this slight-self awareness that also keep him financially responsible, even with his pricey creature comforts

He fails to realise that self-righteousness can only keep you safe for so long. Everyone has fears and pressure points. Being reminded of his infamous scandal is enough to make him feel shrew-sized. He’s also prone to occasions where he’ll assume he’s right about something, in spite of  anyone else. You’d have to get up pretty early to catch him admitting when he’s wrong out-loud. As they say, “No fool like an old fool.”

Likes and Dislikes:

Silvio is a gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life. After working hard throughout his life, Silvio now spends his days being incredibly hedonistic and indulgent. With any food & fine drink he desires and his favourite vice, giving and getting attention to and from any young lady who likes her men the same as her wine. 

His natural charms, generosity and romantic methods make him quite the lady-killer. Considering himself a free-spirited, “love ‘am and leave ‘em” type. Despite how fickle and flirtatious he is, most girls know that Silvio will still make every second worth the brief time they have together. He’s somewhat choosy when it comes to females. He won’t show interest to any girl smaller than a Rabbit or bigger than a Leopard. Otherwise, predator or prey, as long as she’ pretty and has some class and common sense, he’s game.

His favourite types of music include orchestral music, opera, and his favourite being smooth jazz. ‘Can’t beat a bit of Jerry Vole or the Ratpack.

He prefers to save his account with the Lemming Brothers bank rather than the FursNational Bank due to his confidence that the Lemmings will be more organised. Even though he secretly doesn’t think highly of Lemmings outside of their work efficiency. That said, he’s willing to stomach them more than other species that test his patience and iron resolve. Mainly sloths and what he fears most, Polar Bears. When he was an adolescent, he got into the bad habit of his stomach doing knots whenever he was around a Cheetah. Their natural skills triggering his then present competitive insecurities. 

Relationships: 

 Family:

He’s always remained close to his parents. Often spoiling them and being greatful for their support and influence. He’d never have been ashamed to be called a “momma’s boy” or “his father’s son”. Even splashing out an insane amount on a luxury bungalow for them. Close to his luxury home in Tundratown. They lived the remainder of their lives there. His father died after a months-long battle with illness and his mother remained in the home until her death just 6 years later. Silvio did offer het yo move into his home with him, but she was fine to stay in the bungalow. He dedicated his final game in their honour and had a diamond and Sterling silver music box/snow globe made with their likeness inside. Keeping it on his office table. 

While Silvio has no intention of getting married at his age, he does have a strong affinity with children. Sometimes wishing he had a cub of his own. Wondering where his fortunes will go once he reaches the grave. Thoughts that conflict, but ultimately lose to his more frivolous lifestyle. 

 Mayor Leodore Lionheart. 

Despite their alarming size difference, it’s not difficult to see why such influential and charismatic men could end up rubbing elbows at various high-society parties and charity events. Lionheart being responsible for Silvio’s various nicknames; Such as Quick-Silver, Ol’ Silver, Slick Silver. Outside of those occasions, they don’t often share any time or conversation as they both have their other obligations. 

 Mr. Big:

Silvio was able to acquire a private limo an chauffeur after becoming a frequent patron of Tundratown’s limo service. Owned by the crime lord, Mr. Big. The two got to know each other due to their business association, as well as running into each other often at The Thaw and Koslov's Palace. The older men find they share some common ground. While the two could be considered “friends”, Silvio isn't close enough to Mr. Big to be considered “part of the family.” (as Judy and Nick are). So Silvio should really learn to be cautious of who he decides to make friends with. If he screws-up or fails to return a favour, his charms won’t be enough to save him from a “chilly dip”.

 Koslov & Morris:

Silvio and Koslov only know each other through association with Mr. Big. Conversation between then is out of the question. Both from Koslov’s aloof demeanour and Silvio’s knee-jerk paranoia about them. At best their relationship is on stable ground due to Silvio’s frequent trips to Koslov’s palace. Massive  and what he perceives to be vicious Polar Bears are not the type that he’s keen to get too close to. Even if Koslov’s young son, Morris, seems to be challenging his preconception a little bit. When he sent little Morris all those wonderful, silver wrapped birthday presents, he’d be able to make the kid happy and also get into his father’s good graces. Killing two birds with one stone. 

Finnick:

While the two have no kind of relationship, they shared an unpleasant encounter when the criminal canine managed to pick Silvio’s pocket. Under the guise of a little lost cub looking for his mum, easily gripping the old dog’s softer side. Upon realising he’d been duped, he gave chase to the low-toned lowlife. Giving Finnick quite a shock that this old, rich fella managed to chase him into alleyways and over fences. So much for an easy target? Finnick eventually got away by sheer luck when ol’ Silver slips on an unattended patch of black ice. The two haven't encountered each other since, but Silvio certainly swears if he sees him, he’ll skin him. Figuratively speaking. 

Abilities: 

• Night Vision.
• Keen sense of smell (especially for fine food and drink).
• Leaping and jumping.
• Used to have a great sense of hearing, but has since diminished with age. Now being partially deaf in one ear.
• Smooth, dulcet voice. Usually soft-spoken with a welcoming tone. 

Voice Actor options: 

Someone with a low, dulcet tones that could give a feeling of seduction but also intimidation. Being good with a light Italian accent is a plus. Not as strong as Mr. Big’s, but still noticeable.

• Current age - Charles Dance, Joe Hanna, Michael Ingram, Kelsey Gammer or Ron Perlman. 
• As a younger man - Jeff Bennett or Sonny Marinelli.