Stylized Animal Challenge - Jan 2008 - DRAGONS

[miss.lynette]

Welcome to the Stylised Animal Monthly Challenge, sponsored by 3DTotal. Please post all images & questions in this thread.

What is this challenge all about?
Each month we will select an animal and post some images as reference. All you have to do is create a 2D Painting of this creature in a stylised/abstact/cartoon style, whilst keeping your creature instantly recongnisable. We wanted to publish some content in 2DArtist Magazine on how to create stylised animals, such as you see in the many feature films and cartoon galleries, and we thought this regular competition might just bring in the images/Making Ofs we need, whilst giving away great prizes and exposure!

What are we looking for?
Funny and humourous entries which break the animal down to its most recognisable components; enphasise these in whichever ways you think best and render your stylised/abstact/cartoon masterpiece!

Timeframes and requirements?
The rules are pretty laid back: please submit 1 x 2D Final Image. If you want to have a background or include some graphical elements or text on your image, it's up to you. Image posts should be around 800 pixels across, but please work at a much higher res as the top 10 will be featured in 2DArtist Magazine (http://www.2dartistmag.com). There will be 1 comp per month, with the deadline being the end of the month GMT. A 'VOTING' thread will be created at the end of the month. For a valid entry, just make sure your final image is posted in the 'VOTING' thread before the 8th February 2008. Voting will take place from the 8th February to the 16th February 2008, when the winners will be announced. We require the top 3 winners to submit 'Making Of' overview articles that will be shown on either 3DTotal or in 2DArtist Magazine (http://www.2dartistmag.com); these need to show the stages of your creation, different elements and some brief explanation text of why, and how, you did what you did. We will format this into some nice-looking pages to give you some great exposure, and us some quality content.

Posting Works in Progress
Each competition will have one thread that starts with this info and the brief at the top. This is where all entrants post all WIPs, give feedback, and generally laugh at the crazy ideas that are emerging each month.

Please don't start any new threads; just reply to this one already set up!

Prizes!!
1st Place Any 3 items from the 3DTotal Shop (http://shop.3dtotal.com). We sell lots of items these days such as our book (http://www.3dtotal.com/book/), Design Studio Press books (http://www.3dtotal.com/design%5Fstudio%5Fpress/), textureCDs (http://www.3dtotal.com/textures/), Shorts DVDs (http://www.3dtotal.com/shorts/), lots of training DVDs (http://www.3dtotal.com/training/), and 12 month subscriptions to 3DCreative Magazine (http://www.3dcreativemag.com) and 2DArtist Magazine (http://www.2dartistmag.com).

2nd Place
Any 2 items from the 3DTotal Shop (http://shop.3dtotal.com).

3rd Place
Any 1 item from the 3DTotal Shop (http://shop.3dtotal.com).

We do unfortunately have to limit prizes to 1 book per winner per competition due to high postage costs for heavier items.

Judging
Everyone who entered can cast a vote of their top 3 in order; we will award 3pts for a 1st place vote, 2 for 2nd and 1 for 3rd. Then we will add them up and ship out your prizes!

This month we have chosen DRAGONS!

http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/main_small.jpg
©iStockphoto.com/Maks Dezman

Here are a selection of Images to give you some good references.
dragon 01 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/01.jpg)
dragon 02 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/02.jpg)
dragon 03 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/03.jpg)
dragon 04 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/04.jpg)
dragon 05 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/05.jpg)
dragon 06 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/06.jpg)
dragon 07 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/07.jpg)
dragon 08 (http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/08.jpg)

Please don't start new threads: all design sketches, WIPs, feedback should go in this thread! Final Images should be posted in the 'VOTING' thread, which will be created at the end of the month.

Have fun everyone! Enjoy!! :)

[azlath]

WOW! I definitively have to enter this month competition...

and by the way... Happy New Year to everyone!!

[addleheaded]

hey everybody.. i just found your threads about your animals.. it's damn funny ;] i have participate on this one

[bigmikey]

I'm in on this one

[R&Doom]

This looks interesting... Might as well give it a try...

[addleheaded]

yay! first out with my wip ;] it makes so much fun doin these cartoony animals :] i had to start directly...
the sketch is pretty rough because i was too lazy scanning my pencilwork ;] but i'm quite satisfied with it... but is still think about some texture on the dragon's skin. hope u all like it, greez. jmh

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2253/stylizedanimalchallengecg1.jpg

[wargrafix]

Here is a half an hour sketch. I took a more rough look to it. Tell me what you think?

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/2259/dragon1vj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[addleheaded]

wargrafix i really like ur linework so far.. but i thought that the topic is about an humourous interpretation of an animal, or am i wrong?
maybe u can add something that makes it funny again ;] i dunno..

[wargrafix]

You are right, this was more of a line test. I haven't drawn in 3 months. I really like the body, so I'll do something with the face.

[R&Doom]

addleheaded, That looks cool... And, yeah, a cool texture for the skin is a must...
wargrafix, I agree with addlehead, great linework, I wonder what you would have been able to do, if you had been drawing those 3 months :)

[addleheaded]

http://www.2dartistmag.com/challenge_resources/14_jan08_dragon/references/03.jpg

i just thought about giving my dragon a more serious look.. like he's pissed off or something like that.. and also i thought about taking the texture out of this reference.. this will be a lot of work for me to do x]
greez, jmh

[Einen]

Yeah, it's about time I joined in on this again. Since no one has gone for the chinese version yet I thought I'd be the first.

WIP

http://pici.se/pictures/tnbhuvTIC.jpg

[addleheaded]

nice einen :] that's great.. can't wait to see your one colored ;]

[wargrafix]

addleheaded: Interesting idea with lazy dragon. Dragon's expression looks interesting.
Einen: That composition just rocks! Very strong start.


Off note: I have been trying a few new styles, Alien1452's Watercolor tutorial was helpful but my resultant brushes look nothing like that? What am I doing wrong?

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7351/1452ta3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7351/1452ta3.baa901775c.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=507&i=1452ta3.jpg)

[R&Doom]

I think I´m going to try cute...

[Matteo'89]

Here is my WIP :) sry for resolution, I saved it in Paint to get a smaller filesize :P...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z34/Mateo-89/DargonsWalentinesSketch.jpg

[miss.lynette]

hi guys,
just a quick note to let you all know the voting has started in the Swimming Dinosaur - VOTING thread!;)
best wishes,

Lynette :)

[ScaryPotato]

Here's my take on the theme;the world's smallest dragon!


Final:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/BigScaryPotato/ScaryPotato-TinyDragon.jpg

You can take a look at the full sized version of it here (http://www.scarypotato.com/resources/ScaryPotato-TinyDragon.jpg)

[corspufo]

oh wow, I'm so in on this one.

[Migsta]

Final...
http://www.miguellleras.com/images/Dragon_Migsta.jpg

[entdroid]

I had some free time so I made this little guy :)

277674

[Migsta]

Really diggin' your storybook style Entdroid!!!! :^^:

[Arteater]

I have never posted here, this looks like fun, here is what I have so far
http://a190.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/5/l_5f374ec8dc20b30cf87a9c9ff78deac5.jpg

[Einen]

Hey thanks for the comments guys! Here's an update. Going for a simpler style this time.

WIP

http://pici.se/pictures/ZHZGFjenk.jpg

[Chate Noire]

ScaryPotato, that's a really cute dragon =) I like how you combined elements from both real and mythical creatures to come up with this darling.

Migsta, I love yours! He's crrrazy! Looking forward to more updates.

Einen, cool take on the Asian dragon. And as always, your rendering rocks.

Here's my critter. I thought I'd upload the process as I go along, but ended up doing the whole thing over the weekend. Not complaining, though; it's been a long time since I've had the time and energy to sit down and draw something.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/chatenoire/draco_small.jpg

[daveneale]

some really awsome stuff so far, migsta and entdroid, really loving yours, still some stuff to tweek, time allowing:

[Chate Noire]

Migsta, I love how you finished it! And the bone collar is a sweet addition.

daveneale - that is one adorable weird dragon.

[Chuck,mate.]

sweet jumpin` dragons! :)

lots of great entries.

migsta - the color work is superb, and I love the design as well.

entroid - I`ll recognize your style anywhere... :) very sweet and well done.

chate noire - he`s gorgeous! I love the design and pose, and those wings are adorable. very cool. :)


Pat.

[freakdesign]

looks like the dragon theme is a good one to get everyone back from the xmas madness. really liking the works posted thus far. I am going to have to pull my finger out on this one to keep up with you guys.

daveneale - a little offbeat but awesome. i must get one of these as a pet (or a print!).

[ab4185]

Seems like "Dragons" equals a crowed pleaser.
im gonna try hard to get in on time for this one. Had to pull out of swimming dino cause of some real work and family stuff

seeing some nice work already anyway so good luck to all

cheers

[Migsta]

Very cool sketch ab4185!! oh yeah and...where is everyone? lol

[BerNo]

Hi to everyone
I think this is a cool thread, this will be my first post here.
This is my sketch:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6774/dragoncopyam0.jpg

I missed the dinosaur ones it will cool to have more dino threads.
:mod:

[Sawa]

wow awesome entries so far everyone :) cant wait to see the finals!
here is my wip so far:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/sawart/stylizeddragoncopy.jpg

[ArtZealot]

I'm lovin the color work in yours migsta, totally amazing work.
cheers'

[miss.lynette]

i LOVE this thread! it's looking amazing - keep up the great work everyone!! :)

[Penumbra]

The creatures coming out of here are excellent. I picked up a subscription to 2d artist in part because of you guys. Here is one of my previous dragons...he is not an entry because he is already in print. He was done in colored pencil and watercolor.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/penumbra_photo/Boo-1.jpg

[BohemianChaos]

eek... I LOVE dragons, so when I saw this thread, I had to try at least. :tihi:

I'm still fairly new to digital painting, so I only hope I can do my idea justice. I think the linework will be covered mostly once it's done, it was just my gestural first idea. I'm not totally sure I like the castle either. Any crits/opinions?? :bashful:

[BohemianChaos]

update on my dragon... not sure if I'm done with it or not... but I guess I have a couple of days left. Any feedback appreciated! :mittenbop:
288961

[daveneale]

BohemianChaos:

What you need to do is click the paperclip icon at the top of the reply box and insert the image (it's an issue that getting fixed).

As far as the image goes its looking nice, but the grass is looking a little flat as your using the same texture the whole way trough...if your using a brush, reduce the size as the grass gets furthur back in the distance, if its a texture overlay then reduce the strenght of the texture the furthur it goes into the background, this will help the depth of the whole thing.:)

[gnahz]

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s288/gnahzCA/dragonflattens.jpg

[lorddon]

I know it's late in the game but I thought I'd add mine. I'd actually been considering making an early-reader book for my daughters with two young dragons as the protagonists when I read about the contest.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/Lord_Don/dragonsketch.jpg

[Ryoken]

Shoot! I only just now noticed this thread... threw together a few doodles on lunch and am gonna pick one by tonight to refine and hopefully have before the 31st!

290364

[BohemianChaos]

okie dokie... me thinks I'm probably as done with this as I will probably get. I think I resolved most of the issues I had. I'd like to thank BludHund and Daveneale for my crits, they were very helpful!! (tho BH posted it in my sb) Good luck to everyone, there are several kick ass posts! (ScaryPotato, Migsta, Einen, Chate Noire, Daveneale) :D

[Stephan_R]

I wanted to just browse this forum for inspiration for today's work, but now I have to reply... Entdroid that is wonderful, I'm in love! Chuck,Mate... please make something :)

[SPipes]

Any restrictions on Eastern-style dragons? I got halfway finished before I thought to ask :P

[SPipes]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s210/MasterColl/revbadge.jpg


Here's my WIP, working on bringing the rest of him to the level of detail as his head and chest. Any comments would be greatly appreciated! :)

[Fallimar]

With all the amazing art about I didn't really want to throw in and expose my lack of talent, but... dragons are what I do :P

So, uh... here's my crappy sketch - I've affectionately named it 'Baby Gangles'
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a34/fallimar/BabyGangle.jpg

[BohemianChaos]

SPipes I'm pretty sure it's open to any kind of dragon, as long as it's stylized. I'd imagine you're safe. (though if I'm wrong, someone can correct me) :tihi:

[Ryoken]

<3

291920

WIP of course

[BerNo]

well... this is my entry hope you like it
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1436/dragonfinalqk5.jpg
ºMy Deviantart Accountº (http://berno666.deviantart.com/)
:yayca:

[muleskinner]

Ok, had to give this one a go. Here's my beastie..
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z202/dnickoli07/dragonchallenge-muleskinner.jpg
Great looking dragons people! Very inspiring work.

[miss.lynette]

WoWeeee, this work is great everyone!! :)

This is a quick message to announce that the VOTING thread is now up and ready for your fantastic final entries to be posted!

Please post your Final Images in the following new thread: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=117289
800 or 1024 size is fine!

Please post all entries before 8th February 2008 10:30AM GMT.
Only entries posted before this date in this 'Stylized Animal Challenge - Jan 2008 - DRAGONS - VOTING!' thread, will be eligible for Voting.

Voting will then start immediately afterwards and will run until 15th February 2008 10:30AM GMT

I will post to commence the Voting. Voting will be the same as last month with each voter putting forward their top 3 in order, 3pts for a 1st place, 2 pts for 2nd and 1 for 3rd. This means that will have to choose carefully! Feel free to give a reason for your choice as it will be good feedback for all of you!

Thanks again for the enourmous amount of work you have all put in, as usual!:)

Best of luck!!


Lynette - 2DArtist/3DTotal


P.S. I'll be setting up the next challenge shortly - it's a tad different this month, but I'm sre you'll like it so keep an eye out! ;)

[miss.lynette]

Hi SPipes, sorry i missed your questions before! Any dragon is fine - variety is always nice.;)

[Ryoken]

Another WIP in hopes I can get some feedback before finishing it up... I'm really hoping to make it on the top ten!!!

293395

[daveneale]

Ryoken....maybe add some shadow under the dragon to help ground him,,also, is there a reason he's cropped like that (other than he didn't fit on the page;))...if you can might be nice to move him across. He looks like a happy chap:)

[bigmikey]

I got a late start on this and havn't posted anything yet so here are my WIPs so far.

http://www.mikebohman.com/sketches/d1.jpg http://www.mikebohman.com/sketches/d2.jpg http://www.mikebohman.com/sketches/d3.jpg http://www.mikebohman.com/sketches/d4.jpg