Jimmy imitating David Bowie. Jimmy in hip-hop version. Jimmy during a beauty treat. Jimmy Darth Vader.
Jimmy the Bull (aka Jimmy Choo) is one of the most followed four-legged creatures of Instagram. The consolidated affection of his fans is all due to his Brazilian artist-photographer and owner Rafael Mantesso, who literally finds himself in a white and empty house in the little bull terrier’s company after a break-up.
To fight away all negative thoughts, Rafael begins to draw around his best friend on the bare walls, giving life to an infinite series of artworks.
Jimmy’s imaginary life comes to being through the comedy and irony of creative shots and felt-tip illustrations which rarely fail to draw a smile. Images portraying everyday routine, where all the puppy’s sweetness and gifted patience emerge.
Thanks to his project, Rafael once again finds the passion for art and is contacted by several agencies and brands to stipulate collaborations. Besides the creation of several gadgets and merchandising, the canine shots are collected in the publication “A Dog named Jimmy”.
. . .
WHY
why and how did you end up in your career path?
It was a completely funny story. I got divorced, my ex wife left me home without all my furniture. I decided not to buy furniture anymore, but to live in a white and empty house and start painting to pass my time. I already drew around food (you can see these artworks amongst the first posts of my Instagram page) and then started to draw around Jimmy, also drawing on the floor and walls. After the outlines were made, I put Jimmy within them and took pictures of him.
WHO
how would you describe yourself in a few words?
Jimmy’s owner.
WHAT
what is your source of inspiration?
My everyday routine is an inspiration. When I am lunching I am thinking in a picture, when I am driving my car I am thinking in a picture. Everything around me is an inspiration of a scene.
WHERE
where do you go to when you need a break?
My house. I love to be at home doing nothing, phone locked, listening music, painting, playing video games, etc. My routine is very hard out of home – maybe traveling a lot – that I love to get back home and do nothing.
WHEN
when and what will your next steps be?
I would love to have these questions answered. I really don’t know what to do in my life the next year.
**WILDCARD
will you extend the “Jimmy the Bull” format to other pets?
No. It’s very difficult to photograph dogs. I learnt how to take pictures of Jimmy and I don’t know how to photograph other dogs.