Where’s Waldo

Where’s Waldo? That was the question English illustrator, Martin Handford had children wondering during the 90’s. In his series, you could find Waldo in Europe, other times he was in New York City or he may be blending in somewhere in Australia. 

Now that same question is being asked by thousands on Instagram.

One anonymous young man has taken up the handle,@WallyFound on Instagram with the goal to create clever and quirky art.

“I wanted to create art and improve my skills, so Instagram seemed the perfect place — as I consider it one of the few (if not the only) social media that inspires you to meet new people in real life, while many others platforms do the opposite,” Wally told Mashable.

The now busy photographer is based in London and can be seen all around town posing as his elusive alter-ego — the famous Waldo of Where’s Waldo. Each photo is positioned ever so right in order to make sure his face is mostly obscured.

“Many of my good friends today, I met on Instagram. I’m also always open to make connections and collaborations. Which means anybody out there who wants the same, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line,” he said. “It’s absolutely amazing to know that sometimes they are scrolling down their feed, with bad feelings because of work or life in general, and one of my posts can put a smile on their face and warm their heart — even if it’s just for a second.”

This new school Waldo is looking to use his new found Internet fame to do some real good in the world. He has launched a GoFundMe campaign with the intention to raise money for children’s cancer research. 

Those who donate to the campaign will receive calendars of some of Waldo’s best photos.

“These kids love Wally and while me and you will spend Christmas with our families, many of them will spend their Christmas, fighting for their lives, suffering. I want to make my part and bring a fairer world to them,” Wally said.

Wally hopes to have calendars ready in time for the holiday season. More information about the project can be found on GoFundMe.

If you want to see where Waldo is next, check out his Instagram.

Watch this BBC interview to learn more about where the inspiration to become Waldo came from:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p037rf3f