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Expanded assignments

I decided to delve deeper into character design, expanding upon the foundation set by the first assignment.

As for the second work, I decided to expand initial storyboard assignment, I embarked on a journey to delve deeper into character and prop design.

For my main character, I was heavily inspired by Chinese Manchu armor and sword Jian:

For the undead creature I decided to stylize it in a more realistic approach in order to fully showcase the wounds and signs of decay:

References:

collections.artsmia.org. (n.d.). Manchu Military Officer’s Ceremonial Helmet, China ^ Minneapolis Institute of Art. [online] Available at: https://collections.artsmia.org/art/51097/manchu-military-officers-ceremonial-helmet-china [Accessed 17 Jan. 2024].

‌Pinterest. (n.d.). Chinese Fantasy Armor | Female armor, Fantasy armor, Chinese armor. [online] Available at: https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/301389400075575416/ [Accessed 17 Jan. 2024].

Wikipedia Contributors (2020). Jian. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jian.

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Practice 1: Assignment 4, Concept Art - Light and Shadows

In this assignment, I experimented with dramatic lighting techniques for concept work.

I chose to illustrate a hunter woman navigating a forest, bathed in sunlight filtering through the tree tops.

I did substantial work on finding reference materials for inspiration:

The assignment pushed me to experiment with shadows, highlights, and the interplay of light and dark to create a visually compelling narrative.

Capturing the essence of the forest, I focused on the intricate dance of sunlight piercing through the foliage, casting enchanting patterns on the hunter.

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Practice 1: Assignment 6, Concept and Storyboards, the power-couple!

In this assignment, I explored concept art's power to tell a narrative through a storybard. I decided to feature a brave protagonist facing the undead.

I wanted to capture vulnerability and strength, envisioning a lone warrior on horseback battling through a sea of undead. The twist: losing her horse but standing tall with a sword.

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Practice 1: Assignment 5, Using a "bit" of 3D

This week, I explored low-poly small environment concept art in Blender.

I experimented with lighting, textures, and perspectives.

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Practice 1: Assignment 3, Concept Art - Nostalgia and Memory

"Memories and Nostalgia" are universal themes that resonate with every one of us. Our memories have the power to transport us back in time, reliving cherished moments and experiences that have shaped our lives. For this assignment, I've chosen to delve into a cultural memory, a vibrant and significant celebration in the heart of Yakutia, Russia - the Yhyakh Festival.

The Yhyakh Festival, also known as the Yakutian Summer Festival, is an event that has been celebrated for generations in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. It is a symbol of cultural pride, where the Yakut people come together to celebrate their heritage. This festival is rich in tradition, featuring vivid displays of traditional clothing, throat singing, and an array of games and contests. The Yhyakh Festival is not just an event; it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Yakut people, who have persevered through the harshest of environments.

For this assignment, I set out to recreate the iconic environments of the Yhyakh Festival using 3D concept art. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience.

The heart of the Yhyakh Festival is its grand festival grounds. It's an expansive area filled with colorful tents and pavilions, each showcasing various aspects of Yakut culture. Here I used blender in combination with Photoshop.

One of the most striking features of the Yhyakh Festival is the traditional Yakut clothing. Both men and women wear elaborate, embroidered garments made from vibrant materials.

Memories and nostalgia are powerful tools for artists, helping us connect with the past and celebrate our shared human experiences. The Yhyakh Festival, with its vibrant cultural memory, is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who continue to cherish their heritage, and through this art, I aim to share a piece of that cultural treasure with the world.

References:

Новости Якутии и Якутска — свежие новости онлайн на сайте ysia.ru — ЯСИА. (2022). Юбилейный Ысыах состоится в Москве 30 июля. [online] Available at: https://ysia.ru/yubilejnyj-ysyah-projdet-v-moskve-30-iyulya/ [Accessed 25 Oct. 2023].

Anon, (2021). Национальный праздник ‘Ысыах’ (6 дней) - Туры по Якутии. [online] Available at: https://chuchuna.ru/prazdnik-ysyah/ [Accessed 25 Oct. 2023].

Мария МАКАРОВА (2022). 170 торговых мест будет организовано в местности Ус Хатын во время ‘Ысыаха Туймаады’. [online] yakutia.kp.ru - . Available at: https://www.yakutia.kp.ru/online/news/4790594/ [Accessed 25 Oct. 2023].

Новости, Р.И.А. (2013). Якутский праздник Ысыах отмечают в Москве. [online] РИА Новости. Available at: https://ria.ru/20130615/943778064.html [Accessed 25 Oct. 2023].

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Practice 1: Assignment 2, Concept Art - Human and "Inhuman"

In this assignment I decided to merge animal and human figures into one drawing inspiration from the samurai.

References:

Dreamstime. (n.d.). Cute Brown Cat in Oman. Angry Animal Face Stock Photo - Image of desert, domestic: 197650348. [online] Available at: https://www.dreamstime.com/cute-brown-cat-oman-angry-animal-face-cute-brown-cat-oman-angry-animal-face-muscat-oman-image197650348 [Accessed 24 Oct. 2023].

nin (2017). Rōnin - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia. [online] Alchetron.com. Available at: https://alchetron.com/R%C5%8Dnin#rnin-2ad631b1-1521-4dc1-bbf0-c23edbc0928-resize-750.jpeg [Accessed 24 Oct. 2023].

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Assignment 1, Concept Art - Creating "Concepts", 3 post

Having decided on the final option for my character design, I decided to outline more pose sketches to better visualize the outift from different angles.

I often struggle with dynamic poses, and often end up drawing poses that look "stiff". To battle this I decided to try the following approach:

1. draw blocky shapes over the reference 2. turn off reference and redraw big blocky shapes 3. draw in figure with blocky shapes overlaid

Here are 2 poses that I did:

During a one-on-one tutorial session with Leonardo, he introduced me to a concept artist whose work left a profound impression on me.

Inspired by this artist, I've decided to incorporate photo bashing techniques to achieve a level of detail and texture that is otherwise challenging to create manually. I'm excited to dive into the world of photo bashing, as it offers a new dimension to my concept art, allowing me to infuse a sense of realism and depth that can be truly breathtaking.

I would also try adopting a very thin line art style for my current project. This artistic choice will enable me to create a cleaner look. It's a style that can bring a sense of elegance.

I made a choice to explore two color options for my project. Before delving into the final rendering, I've opted to lay the foundation by using flat colors with no shading. Additionally, I've photobashed jewelry accessories to show the vision I'll be going for in this project.

As I move forward, I eagerly anticipate to continue working on this, fully render and polish my art.

References:

Dudar, T. (2019). Character concept art. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/maileentyan [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023].

@PixtaStock. (n.d.). Female employee looking back White-collar... - Stock Illustration [86884351] - PIXTA. [online] Available at: https://www.pixtastock.com/illustration/86884351 [Accessed 11 Oct. 2023].

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Assignment 1, Concept Art - Creating "Concepts", 2 post

Having outlined my idea of the character, I started researching more in-depth into the actual clothes and accessories worn by the Sakha people centuries ago. This is always my first step in creating art that is tied to real life cultures as I prefer my art to be as historically accurate as possible.

Mainly, I turned to academic historical books, old photos and modern reconstructions of archaic clothing.

Later, I sketched 3 variants:

During peer review my groupmates said the following words that describe my art: mystical, feminine, shaman, powerful, ancient. Therefore, I believe I've managed to create a character that truly encompasses the characteristics that I wanted my art to convey.

I was also recommended to combine the headpiece from the first option with the second outfit, as the second one seems to be more detailed. The third outfit works well to create a mysterious character but the fur cloak and headpiece concealed way too many details that I did not want to be hidden away. My peers' observations helped me fine-tune the details and make informed decisions on combining the outfits.

I also did 3 hair options:

During my tutorial with Leonardo, he helped me decide to go with braids as this choice aligns perfectly with the goal of creating a character that's both captivating and distinctive.

References:

Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. (n.d.). Zhenskie natazniki. [online] Available at: https://www.loc.gov/item/2018693567 [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].

Газета "Якутия" (2021). Available at: https://life.ru/p/1428074 [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].

Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. (n.d.). Svadebnyĭ nataznik. [online] Available at: https://www.loc.gov/item/2018693565/ [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].

Ogleznev, A. (2013). Available at: https://ampravda.ru/2013/05/14/038476.html [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].

Author unknown (1902). якутский шаман в церемониальной одежде. Available at: https://zi-nina.livejournal.com/52013.html [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].

O’Meara, S. . Available at: www.theburrenorchidcollection.ie (Accessed 3 February 2014)

Franck_enshteinwrote, F.F. (n.d.). Обычаи татуировок у средневековых якутских племен. [online] franck-enshtein.livejournal.com. Available at: https://franck-enshtein.livejournal.com/84467.html [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023]

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Assignment 1, Concept Art - Creating "Concepts", 1 post

The very first task was to choose a set of 3 to 5 words that would serve as my creative compass for my concept art. These words were meant to inspire creativity and provide a direction for my artwork. After careful consideration, I chose the words: shaman, alluring, cunning, and enchanting.

During the first session, I made a rough sketch outlining a direction that I will be going for in this assignment.

I drew a native Siberian Sakha woman dressed in traditional shaman clothes holding a drum and a stick used to contact the spirits and higher powers. Her attire is adorned with intricate details (such as figures of animals made of metal that the shamans of Siberia wear on their attires, which symbolizes their patron-spirits), and she wears Sakha tattoos on her face, symbolizing her connection to her culture and the mystical world.

This portrayal was inspired by the concept of "shaman" and my fascination with the spiritual realm of my culture.

I gave my character a sly grin. This slyness represents the word "cunning" and adds an element of mystery to her character. She's not just any shaman, she's a shaman with secrets and possibly a darker side.

But she also appears as a physically attractive woman with long dark hair that plays into her feminine side. The choice of the word "alluring" is due to the fact that in concept art, it is crucial to capture the viewer's attention and one of the ways to do that is to create an attractive character. I wanted her to have an aura of enchantment, in line with the word "enchanting." Despite her cunning portrayal, she possesses a charm that draws people in due to her confident posture and good looks.