Barbie Who:
60 Years of Time and Space
Digital art, 2024
Doctor Who and Barbie both had a big moment in 2023, and they've been around for almost the same amount of time (since 1963 and 1959, respectively). This drawing shows every Doctor Who companion in the style of Barbie illustrations from the character’s year of introduction, highlighting the history and changing nature of both franchises.
The idea started out in early 2024 as a series of casual sketchbook drawings. It became a full-fledged digital art project when I learned of a Doctor Who art contest in the fall. After finding a suitable Barbie and/or Ken references for every year, choosing the outfits (and finding color references when need be), creating good likenesses, making everyone the same height, and laying it all out, this was the end result.
The process
Vicki Pallister
Year of Introduction: 1964
Based on: 1964 “World of Barbie” booklet
Notes: This is one of the simplest, but it’s one of my favorites. Vicki has a distinctive face that comes through the heavy abstraction.
Katarina
Year of Introduction: 1965
Based on: 1965 “World of Barbie” booklet
Notes: Reference material for Katarina is scarce, so I’m very pleased with the details on her robes and hair. I gave her an olive complexion because she’s Trojan.
Adric
Year of Introduction: 1980
Based on: Sport & Shave Ken (1980)
Notes: Adric’s face is very different from my usual style, but I LOVE how it turned out. I look forward to drawing him more.
Peri Brown
Year of Introduction: 1984
Based on: Barbie Christmas Time paper doll (1984)
Notes: From the pattern to the shading to the fabric, so much of this one pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it paid off!
Martha Jones
Year of Introduction: 2007
Based on: Barbie Mariposa novelization (2007)
Notes: Barbie shifted toward outline-free illustrations around the turn of the century. Martha is my favorite in this style.
Clara Oswald
Year of Introduction: 2012… ish
Based on: Barbie Fashion Sticker Stylist (2012)
Notes: The face and the shading really came together on this one. This my favorite of the drawings, along with Peri.
Yasmin Khan
Year of Introduction: 2018
Based on: You Can Be Anything activity pad (2018)
Notes: With its bold outlines, the modern Barbie illustration is right in my wheelhouse. I think I captured Yaz’s likeness well.