Behind the Screams: A Q&A with Christine Jordan

Christine Jordan is the artist behind some of Breyer's spookiest Halloween Horse designs, including Arachne! Just in time for Halloween, Christine was able to take us through her design process - from initial idea, to sketch, to final model design - and tells us about some of her eerie favorites!

Talk us through your process of designing a pattern. Where do you start?

Well, usually I start with a theme. Knowing my theme is how I determine which pattern will work best, in addition to trying to mix it up from years prior. In the case of Ratsputin, I knew a leaping rat would be an easy fit into the spot that often arches over the horse's flank on a frame overo. Slither's striping was the best way I could think of to use snakes. From there it's really just some trial and error of making shapes that mostly resemble the theme in the white markings. 

I start with a poorly-drawn outline of the mold I plan to use, then I start sketching. I try to have a solid idea of what I want before I start transferring it to the actual model because it's a lot easier to change things on paper! There will still be adjustments to be made once I start work on the model since they're three-dimensional. I start with a pencil and then once I have everything laid out where and how I want, I go over the lines with permanent marker. I often fill in the areas that will be colored as well to make sure the white pattern reads correctly.

Sketches for Draftula, 2024 Freedom Series Halloween Horse

Is there a minimum number of animals or figures you try to incorporate into each design?

I try to get at least 4 or more animals or figures into the pattern, so the theme is clear. Thirteen rats on Ratsputin was the most I was able to do in one model so far. It's a fun challenge to see how much I can do!

Were there any major differences between designing your pattern for Arachne in Traditional scale versus your previous Freedom Series pieces?

It was probably the ability to add extra details. The intricate legs of the spiders would have been much harder to do on a smaller model. 

Designing the pattern for Arachne

What has been your challenging Breyer design you’ve done so far?

The most challenging design so far was probably Tabitha, closely followed by Arachne. I'm not really used to drawing people and I really wanted to keep Tabitha’s witches in the same hidden pattern theme. They did end up a bit more abstract, but I actually liked that it wasn't super-obvious. Arachne… well, I think prior to her, I had only ever drawn one other semi-realistic spider in my life, haha! I had to look through a lot of photos trying to find the right angles for reference and asked a friend of mine who breeds tarantulas for some tips! I think I redrew the spiders three times before I considered them done.

Tabitha - 2022 Freedom Series Halloween Horse

Original sketch for Arachne

What about your favorite?

My favorite is Slither. I affectionately referred to him as “Squagga” while I was working on him, and it was really fun to make the stripes work. My favorite part is the snake in his dorsal stripe – but I almost didn't do it, it was a last-minute change! I was looking him over as a final pass before sending the design back and I had a sudden inspiration. So glad I did!

Original sketches for Slither

Favorite Breyer Halloween horse ever released?

I think I'd have to go with Merry Widow. She was the first glow in the dark Breyer model ever made and I remember thinking she was SO COOL. A close second goes to Twilight Terror as I love the Show Jumping Warmblood and the light and sound effects were super fun!

And perhaps most important question: favorite Halloween candy?

Hands down, Reese's Cups.