Rafael Mantesso

We have a real gem for you on Today's Brand New Art We Heart with the playful, witty photographs/illustrations from Brazilian artist Rafael Mantesso and his lovable bull terrier, Jimmy Choo. Rafael's artwork centers around Jimmy in various adorable, quirky poses and interacting with everyday objects. The duo have rapidly gained a huge global following on Instagram and just this week have launched a very exciting collaboration with the luxurious designer brand, Jimmy Choo. Rafael also hopes that his work will help change people's negative perceptions of the Bull breeds by showing them in fun, sweet everyday situations.

Earlier this week I caught up with Rafael to find out more about his amazing creative talents.

Hi Rafael, How did your journey begin in creating art with your bull terrier, Jimmy Choo? What inspired me to take the first photo was a series of circumstances. I had just been divorced and my ex-wife took all the furniture in the house. The only thing I had was my Bull terrier Jimmy Choo and an empty white house. One day I was playing with Jimmy and I decided to take a photograph where I'm holding Jimmy's paw, showing the affection and friendship that existed between us. From this photograph more ideas developed and before I knew it, I was shooting Jimmy against a white background (floor or wall) either doing something or interacting with something. I've always known how to draw and the ideas never stop.

Tell us more about your relationship with Jimmy. Have you always been a dog lover? I had a Pit bull when I was younger and sadly he died early on in life. Since then, I've always dreamt of having a bull terrier. I think they are an a amazing breed. I admire their behaviour, great personality, the love they demonstrate to their owner and especially the aesthetics of them. When I got married we decided to get a bull terrier. My wife chose the name, Jimmy Choo. He is definitely my best friend, my loyal companion. I hate it when people turn away or cross the street for fear of him, people think the bull breeds are bloodthirsty and dangerous.

Jimmy looks like he is one pretty chilled pooch. How do yo get him to co-operate?
It is very easy to photograph Jimmy. He loves to be the center of attention. Although it can be messy when I'm photographing him, he always obeys me. He knows the voice command "stay", so it's easy. I have Asperger's and a hyperactive mind. I draw and paint everyday. This is my creative process. And Jimmy is by my side at all times. He is the best partner ever, he is loyal, friendly and LOVES to model.

Through Instagram, Rafael caught the attention of Sandra Choi, the creative director of designer brand Jimmy Choo. Sandra fell in love with Rafael's work and commissioned a series of illustrations which adorn a line of accessories. Just this week we saw the launch of this amazing limited edition - seven piece collection, ChooBrand. Massive congrats by the way! We love the whole ChooBrand collection. Rafael says "Working with the Jimmy Choo brand is amazing. They gave me all the freedom to create what I want". Rafael is very proud of this project, naturally, and also extremely thankful that bull terriers are getting the visibility they deserve.

What's next for Rafael and canine Jimmy? Taking pictures and creating art with Jimmy is my hobby. I love to paint and draw. I already have some requests for screens, photos etc. We will be launching a book "A Dog named Jimmy" on October 1st. This will feature 100 all new photos of Jimmy.

We Balladettes can't wait for the book launch and are so excited to see what Rafael and Jimmy will get up to next. A HUGE thank you to Rafael and of course, the adorable Jimmy.

To see more of this duo in action, and to put a big smile on your face, follow Rafael and Jimmy on Instagram here