C.O.W. - #117: Explosive Bug

[Fozzybar]

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/images/cow/cow.jpg

For more infos and details about the rules go here:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110879


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Round #117

Topic:
Explosive Bug

Deadline (extended):
Tuesday, 15 July 2008



note: The deadline won't be EXACTLY after a week...it can last up to 24 hours more, i am human and have to work also, you know ;)
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How to post

In this thread you can post all wips, questions, comments etc
However if you are done with your entry, post the final image in the following thread.

THREAD FOR FINAL ENTRIES (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=130615)

READ THE INFO IN THE 1ST POST OF THE FINALS THREAD TO SEE HOW TO POST YOUR FINAL IMAGE!!!

[Fozzybar]

ADDITIONAL INFO

1. Come up with a concept of a bug which is using explosives for whatever purpose (hunting, defending, mating etc)

2. The explosives have to be natural. Don't add human made dynamite or bombs to the concept.

3. As we have a small animal as the creature don't forget to focus on the design of your bug!!! Make it big enough to see all details, the anatomy and design.

4. No individual/character!!! Make a concept of a species!

[Michael Jaecks]

very nice topic. Has a very classic-COW feel to it. Thermite termites, anyone? :)

[Rist]

Reminds me of those exploding creatures in Halo where they swarm all over you and when you shoot one they all explode. So as an idea you could have it as a creature from a swarm where it explodes if it dies, taking all the rest with it. So if a predator tries to bite one, the others explode in unison, destroying the threat with them.

I might try this one, really I might! :P

[anomalie]

ok...interesting topic ...im in ...hopefully ..more of you will join....im workin on it ...

[grenogs]

omg! giant 50ft exploding bugs invading the earth and destroying all living things in their path. hmm.. this could be fun :)

[Shydrow]

i like the idea. Might try and make one.

[Arteater]

:xpld: Bugs! I was thinking of exploding reproduction. blasts of babies :D :xpld:

[Saturns Gate]

Sounds like a challenge :)

[heavyflash]

I'm definitely going for this one, already have sketches on the paper. I'll take the challenge!

[Arteater]

ok, I want to try something new this time, I have these sketches on a layer. Should I add a layer of grey scale under the sketch with no lighting 1st? it seems I have trouble adding color to a grey scale.

http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs31/i/2008/190/d/a/female_by_arteaterproductions.jpg

http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs32/i/2008/190/a/6/male_by_arteaterproductions.jpg
some grey scale
http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs32/i/2008/191/4/6/female_grey_scale_by_arteaterproductions.jpg

[cboston]

This sounds pretty cool. Hi everybody I'm new to this forum and so you'll have to give me a break if I can't find stuff but I'm looking forward to participating.

[davi]

nice to see the normal cow back :)
as fun as deep was, something weekly is more...relaxing.
i'm gunna opt out of htis one though as i'm working on concepts for an exploding crab in my own time... great minds think alike?

can't wait to see how this turns out :D

[Adele]

i may have to opt out for this one, too busy at work and stuff but it sounds like an awesome project...

when is it due, 15th? In case I want to join in.

[Sangmort]

Haven't had a bug COW in a while, have we?~

[humboldt squid]

Here's what I have so far, it's a beetle that uses explosive grubs to break open Brazil nuts.

[Hendric VII]

Hey, maybe someone can run with this idea. There are plants in nature that use high pressure fluids to launch their seeds, maybe someone could do a bug that blasts its eggs into hard to reach spots to protect them from predators. Just a thought. . .

[Rist]

I always try and design something unique, otherwise what is the point in making a concept? Just take a photograph! I hope you think my ideas are at least somewhat unique.

I first started with small silhouettes and then I chose the most interesting. I chose the one I did because the whole form Feels unstable. You feel it might tip over at any moment.

I will not go into specifics just yet, but the design does contribute to the way the creature lives.

These are rough profile thumbnails. I might detail each a little more and then dissect them. Or I could go ahead and choose the one I like and detail some more.

I might do other views too so I can get a feel for the creature some more.

[ChristianWeeks]

eh what the hell ill give this one a shot. I'm kinda worried that I dont really know too much about anatomy but since its a bug maybe i can just BS it lol.
ah who cares i never do COW lets see how it turns out :)

[ChristianWeeks]

Rist those thumbs look good, they remind me of the zerg spire from starcraft hahahaha

[anomalie]

can anybody plss explain me how to post on these threads and other ...thanks...oh by the way ...my concept bug sketch ....still working on it ...let me know what do u think..

http://proudlines.blogspot.com/2008/07/creature.html#links

[Rist]

1. When starting a new reply, scroll down, to find the 'manage attachments' button.
2. Upon clicking this button a new window will open, allowing you to choose the files you'd like to attach from your computer. Notice the size limit for different file types.
3. After choosing the specific file, click upload and wait for the upload to complete.(you can now close this window)
4. Insert your message in the 'Message' box, to insert the attachment you have just uploaded, click the paperclip icon and choose the file you'd like to attach.
5. Click 'Submit New reply' to complete. However, I recommend clicking the 'Preview Post' first, to check if the image dimensions best fit the display.

[anomalie]

409027 thank rist i hope this works ...

[electric goat]

ahhhhh...weeklies...

[humboldt squid]

Okay, I think I'm more or less done, any thoughts?

[voraz]

not sure I will be able to finish this, but here's a WIP:

This guy has a container filled with an organic explosive, produced by his "bomb glands". This explosive is kept in the upper part of his body in a capsule, this capsule is thick except on the top, so when the explosive bursts it makes a directed explosion outwards, without harming the bug, but maiming whatever stupid predator has this guy in his mouth, despite the warning red head, specific of this species.
This protective bomb however isn't free of costs and can explode prematurely without apparent reason, leaving the bug with no protection and little potential to find a sexual mate. Also it is common for the bomb to go off during mating, toasting the bugs sexual partner.


http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/4104/xplodbugcowwip01bh9.jpg

[bluez3023]

well this is my first COW. Im thinking this bug uses its "explosive sack" to evade danger.
comments/critique?

[Troubadour]

humboldt_squid: i have to say, just the "profit!" part gave me a good laugh, this is a cute design and pretty innovative imo.

[Fozzybar]

Okay, I think I'm more or less done, any thoughts?I think you are less done...flesh out the big version of the bug, since it is the MAIN FOCUS of this activity ;)

[scorge]

Nice to have things back to normal.:wink:

Arteater: Very nice designs.:D When I put in my color over the gray, I usually lay down whatever color comes to mind, even though it's rarely the color I end up with when it's finished, then use it to start adding values (in color)on top of what's happening on the grayscale. Once it's relatively okay, I merge the two layers together, and use the combinations of both at the same time. Then I start messing around with the hue, saturation, and contrast to not only change the color but also help establish a better connection between the colors and the values. Man, I'm reading over this and I'm not sure if it makes sense. Anyway, hope it helps.
HumboldtSquid: Great idea! Better watch those child labor laws though. Can't have the kiddies working too young. Especially if they're blowing up.:wink:
So, here's what I've got going on.
Boom

[Nubb]

Hello there!
This is my first COW participation and I hope I'll finish my work before deadline ( I'm such a lazy bum! )
I want to create a bug that climb trees and hunt slug-like creatures wchich have hard carapace and crawl on the ground. That explosive bug can grow explosive acid bombs on it's body and is equipped with four arms to throw them. After air stike buggy falls down on what's left from a slug and eat all that messy soup :D. All comments and suggestions are most welcome.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/5525/explosivebugtl0.jpg

[bluez3023]

so how do I know its good enough to be in the finals thread? this is my reworking of the first bug to make it a bit more sinister looking. Ive changed my mind a bit about the sack. It is used for attraction and mating and looks similar to a lava lamp. It still has a secondary defensive ability. The sack would fire out instead of stay attached before exploding.

[rushwolf]

Since the deadline's extended I think I'll slip an entry in- within a couple days.

[St. Ginger]

I loved the Deep topic (not that I got anything done for it. ho hum), but it was a bit much. They should make a new forum for those giant... PROJECTS. dun dun Dun!!! That way we'll have comfy little weeklies, as well as the big mothas'. :xpld:

Anyway, Fire bugs. Heres my initial sketch. http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/St-Ginger/Firebugsketch.jpg
They're like cockroaches with horns, except the chitinous 'wing covers' have holes in them. But when they open their carapacess (spelt right?) they have no wings (they're a kind of flightless bettle). Instead there are little spouty things sticking out of their backs.
These take in water through the holes in the shell when the wings are closed, where it mixes with a natural chemical in their bodies to form an adhesive goop. Said goop can then be squirted from the spouts when the 'wings' are up. When it oxidises, the goop reacts violently, and bursts into flames. It takes a few seconds for for the goop to explode, so the bugs have a range of a good few feet.
These flames are used as mating signals (naturally), the bigger/further/brighter the flame, the better the bug etc.
Its also used for defence. You wouldn't want to get your shins sprayed by this little critter, as the stuff don't come off.
That was a stupidly long post for such a crappy sketch. lol Oh well
If anyones got any crit, I'd be very grateful. I need all the help I can get

[Arteater]

nubb:I like what you have so far, hope you can finnish

bluez:nice design

Scorge:Thanks a lot for the tips, I'll give it a shot. Nice work with your creature insect by the way, clean lines

Here is my grey scale on my male insect, my idea is the female lays her eggs covered in a chemical that reacts the packets of sperm on the males back, making them expand and burst fertilizing any egg near by.

http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs31/f/2008/192/5/a/male_update_wip_2_by_arteaterproductions.jpg
scared to add color :(
http://fc03.deviantart.com/fs31/f/2008/192/5/0/female_update_wip_by_arteaterproductions.jpg

[humboldt squid]

so how do I know its good enough to be in the finals thread? this is my reworking of the first bug to make it a bit more sinister looking. Ive changed my mind a bit about the sack. It is used for attraction and mating and looks similar to a lava lamp. It still has a secondary defensive ability. The sack would fire out instead of stay attached before exploding.

Your pencils are great, but have until the 15th, so you've got plenty of time to really make this shine. I'd either ink it or paint it (depending on what you're best at) and also draw something to indicate how it uses explosives (like I did with my little comic at the bottom of my pic.)
The only critisism I have is that it looks a lot like the baneling concept art from starcraft two
http://www.starcraft2.com/features/zerg/baneling.xml (it's mostly in how you shaped the feet into claws)

not sure I will be able to finish this, but here's a WIP:

This guy has a container filled with an organic explosive, produced by his "bomb glands". This explosive is kept in the upper part of his body in a capsule, this capsule is thick except on the top, so when the explosive bursts it makes a directed explosion outwards, without harming the bug, but maiming whatever stupid predator has this guy in his mouth, despite the warning red head, specific of this species.
This protective bomb however isn't free of costs and can explode prematurely without apparent reason, leaving the bug with no protection and little potential to find a sexual mate. Also it is common for the bomb to go off during mating, toasting the bugs sexual partner.


http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/4104/xplodbugcowwip01bh9.jpg

This really looks more like a robot to me than an insect :/
Maybe try a different color scheme and add little details like little hairs\feelers\doodads.

[klecksotopianer]

hey,
this topic sounds quite interesting and i really have to do more creatures...so i thougt i can join this round.
this first picture is still in progress...i will do another one with an different angle and backgorund etc...this one is only for the design.
critique would be nice :)
...and sorry for my bad english...

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1850/expbugidtake1colwipoo9.jpg

[Fozzybar]

Nubb
I am not sure, but i can't spot anything buglike there....looks more like a lizard-monkey mix....really guys be sure to make some kind of bug...;)

[ChristianWeeks]

heres a couple sketches I did the other day. I decided on the one on top because the ant... well... it isnt unique at all, as much as i enjoy the idea of a jihadist ant. :P

I have done a couple different renditions of the top idea, but my scanner is retarded and its not even on this computer so its an enormous pain the ass to keep scanning stuff. SO there ya have it.

[Nubb]

Arteater: Thanks. Hope You'll take Your bug to the finish to :)
klecksotopianer: Nice color, nice design. I realy like the piece :)

And another step of my bug. Hope I'm going the right way :/

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9220/explosivebug2hc1.jpg

[Rist]

Here is a pencil and then rotary pen sketch of my final design.

The name Explosive bug comes from two sources. The first is during the creatures young life it is first encased in a shell, 4 months into the creatures life it becomes pregnant and explodes from the shell. As the growing baby bugs grows within the creature, the creatures balances starts to waver. Once the baby bugs has grown large enough, the weight has become too heavy for the creature to hold and topples over, busting the soft tissue, where the baby bugs explode from the creature.

Bad explanation, I will tweak it later.

[Nubb]

Fozzybar: That's just what I was afraid of, so I've made some corrections. More anatomical changes to be shown ;) ( I think I'll reduce the size of those monkey hands :) ) Hope it fits more now and I hope it'll fit precisely soon. Thanks for pointing that.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4364/explosivebug3hg3.jpg

[Rist]

Nubb:

I think the reason why it still does not seem like a bug is because it does not have any bug characteristics. Add vices, multiple eyes, external skeleton, etc

klecksotopianer:

One of my more favourite designs this round. Try to keep this design until the end! I think it works well.

Arteater:

Be careful with blacks, they tend to 'bleed' the image with unnecessary contrasts. I like how you have kept close to nature rather than taking a unique route; easier for viewers to 'understand' the design.

St. Ginger:

I think its more like a Ladybird. Maybe you could make the design familiar by giving it a Ladybird colour scheme.

voraz:

Good design idea. Now start to add more smaller details.

[Fozzybar]

Nubb
What Rist said...orientate on bug characteristics. Unfortunately it is no bug right now ;)

[Nubb]

Thanks for guides Fozzy and Rist :)
There's no reason for dragging this design any further so I post latest changes just for fun ;)

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4970/buggohomeds7.jpg

And new sketch, new idea. A slug that explodes with his hot guts to melt his victim ( macabre ;) ).

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5259/explbugalfaof1.jpg

[Rist]

You welcome. But you do not have to abandon the design altogether; I think its a great idea. Just implement some bug characteristics and reduce the details that do not explain the bugs intentions.

[Nubb]

Rist: thanks again :) I realy got into new design do no sentiment for the monky-lizzard one :)
Last update for today I guess. Cheers!

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4160/bagiqz9.jpg

[St. Ginger]

St. Ginger:

I think its more like a Ladybird. Maybe you could make the design familiar by giving it a Ladybird colour scheme.



Thanks rist, thats a great idea. I think black shell with red spots will look good, like one of those evil ladybirds *shudder*

klecksotopianer, your design is awesome. the colours really work, and the concept is so cool. I can't wait to see what the final looks like.

Scorge and Rist, your line arts look great, some really alternative bug designs.

Christian, your concept is cool, I like the little round spikey dude with his giant bomb. A little background/anatomy/story description may help get the concpet further, cos it'll give you something to latch onto and develop. (Jihadist ant could be a story line to follow though. Comic strip? :yum: )

Nubb, The other design was brilliant, just not an insect. This new one looks great too. I love the cold vs. bright colours in the shell.

I feel like a self centered ass commenting on others work when mine is so naff, but its all looks so good! keep it up. :drinkup:

[Rist]

Thanks rist, thats a great idea. I think black shell with red spots will look good, like one of those evil ladybirds *shudder*

...

Scorge and Rist, your line arts look great, some really alternative bug designs.

...

I feel like a self centered ass commenting on others work when mine is so naff, but its all looks so good! keep it up. :drinkup:

That red spots and black shell sounds good. Make sure to make the spots feels at home, i.e. sharp and soft edges in their respective positions.

...

Thanks, I need to get into line work more often!

...

Keep posting them, we all have eyes and opinions. Best to be commented on than to never be commented on. Plus you are doing great otherwise I would have never replied.


-----

Here is a block-in before I render. I want to establish a value layer before going into colour.

[maxlay]

Hi all,

I recently joined and think this is a great site and all of your work is inspiring. This is my first entry of any kind I hope it is well recieved.

The Doomsday Bug devours and also dwells among a rare fungal bloom. If you come across a patch of this fungus you must move cautiously or risk the chance of stepping on the bug which will immediately detonate with enough force to remove your foot.

You have been warned!

[chuck18mp]

Very nice work everybody!!! :D

[bluez3023]

Nubb I like your second design

klecksotopianer this is really nice the colors really make it stand out

humboldt squid thanks, I changed up the legs a bit mainly because they didnt seem to flow right. I wonder if we got this topic from the banelings to begin with?

Arteater thanks, yours is looking good

alright here is a slightly altered design and a preview of the color version.

[Verastegui]

Here's mine.

[electric goat]

pretty hard to stay away from the exploding ass idea. some nice concepts out there.

mine sticks into your flesh to lay it's eggs. if you try to remove it, it will blow your hand off.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9349/explosivebugpaintcopyun6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[klecksotopianer]

hi,

nubb - thanks, i think your new design looks more like bug ...and i really love glowing stuff on creatures :)

Rist - thanks, your sketch looks fine, but somehow the feets remind me of slippers, perhaps you can change them just a little bit ;)

Arteater - looks good so far, but i think, as rist said, the contrast is a little bit to hard...

St. Ginger, bluez3023 - thanks guys

electric goat - your design looks very cool

...and now i have a small problem. a trojan crashed my hard disk...so i lost all the stuff i had on my computer.
i hope i can get a new hard disk... fast enough to finish this round
this is the last version i have from this bug:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/595/expbugidtake1col600qq6zk7.jpg

sorry for my bad english

[humboldt squid]

update

[ChristianWeeks]

Ugh, im having a problem. I scanned some more sketches and one drawing that I want to actually use but for some reason photoshop doesnt want to open the files. It keeps coming up with this error message:

"Could not complete your request because an unkown or invalid JPEG marker type is found"

I have checked time and time again and these files ARE jpeg files, and I can open them with the windows photo gallery. I dont know why the hell they wont open. All my other files still open, and I uploaded them to this computer the exact same way that I uploaded these pics. Idk what the problem is. Its so frustrating :( Fuck computers.

[Funkyskull]

Electric goat: Your design is pretty neat! very artistic.

klecksotopianer: I like your design, the face looks kinda like a mask though. (not that mine is better)

humboldt squid: cool concept, did you use ref from google?

bluez3023: Looking forward to the end product. looks very good, and reminds me of a scrin from command an conquer 3

Rist and maxlay: Pretty cool!

ChristianWeeks: Nice idea with the terrorist ant, I think your idea and mine are very similar.

Arteater: I really like your concept. Specially the male version. The sides look inspired by fighter planes, where you aware?

Nubb: Please dont give up on the first concept, it was awesome! Maybe if it it had small legs like a centipede, it would look more like an insect?

Edit: Snarfevs : wow that thing looks huge!

:mod:

Now, my contribution:

Its a kamikaze drone. It sacrifices itself to protect the queen and hive.

http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs31/f/2008/194/d/2/C_O_W__Exploding_bug_by_Funkyskull.jpg

[St. Ginger]

Ok, heres an update. I don't really like the sketchbook one (I'm not a fan of watercolours, just thought I'd give it a try). But its a good colour experiment sketch. http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/St-Ginger/scan0011.jpg

I also spent a stupid amount of time on Artrage doing these. I like them a lot better than the other one, but still want to do my final in real paint. I may run out of time though, so they're my backups
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/St-Ginger/wingsclosed.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/St-Ginger/wingsopen.jpg
(Sorry about the excess of white space. Couldn't be bothered to argure with photoshop to take it out)

Enjoy!

[ChristianWeeks]

Alright I managed to open it on photoshop by resending the file from the other computer. Anyways, heres a real quick WIP ive got.

The giant sac's color and smell is extremely appetizing to predators so they avoid the jagged and unappetizing head of the creature and attempt to eat the sac instead. Once a predator has punctured the sac's membrane, seperate chemicals flow together, causing an explosion that spews molten chemicals on the predator and surroundings. The bug pops off the sac and scurries just for cover before the reaction happens. If the predator was small enough for the explosion to be lethal, the bug has a nice dinner. :)

Still need to figure out a name for it :P

[artjedi]

hi,
here is my bug... a nasty one :D

[humboldt squid]

[
humboldt squid: cool concept, did you use ref from google?



yeah, I probably should have included them in my post

[bluez3023]

St. Ginger the painted version is looking good

Snarfevs nice design

Funkyskull looks cool is it finished?

Im still working on my final product heres a preview comments/critique?

[Funkyskull]

artjedi: Nice, I wouldnt like to be bit by that!

bluez3023: Yeah, I'm not gonna spend more time on my image. I prefer to start from scratch and make new concepts. Yours and nubs was better anyway. Keep coloring yours tho! shading an texturing will make it great!

However I did make some variations of my design, just for fun.

Exploding, electric, poisonus and enforesting bugs:

http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs31/f/2008/194/e/5/usefull_bugs_by_Funkyskull.jpg

[eraserfoot]

When the hatchlings are fully developed the mother secrets two fluids into the pod which combine to create an explosion ejecting the babies into world.

http://eraserfoot.blogspot.com/

[xinranliu]

When the hatchlings are fully developed the mother secrets two fluids into the pod which combine to create an explosion ejecting the babies into world.

http://eraserfoot.blogspot.com/

Awesome. great way to give birth

[anomalie]

Artist: Anomalie
Concept: kapcka

Kapcka uses the antenas located under his lower jaw to create small waves ...using those as a guid to move without hitting somethin in his way.
The same principales goes for enemies ....
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm103/stormgrabber/cow117explosivebug.jpg

[artiphats]

ok boys and girls so here is my concept:

there are 2 electrically charged antennae at the insects rear, located right over a gas releasing sac. 1 + 1 = 2 and BOOM! The front of the insect is needle shaped and covered in small poisonous spikes, and when it explodes the front of the body is hurled toward the target. Why would the insect do this? It's all about the community. As a swarm many members will sacrafice themselves to protect the colony when attacked by bigger predators. Long live the queen! Rendered version coming :)

Gas + Needles / Spikes + Electricity = one bad mamba-jamba

[anomalie]

well nice designs guys....keep up the good work and meet you on 15th this month with the final images....:oneye:

[Lege1]

Great concept eraser foot! I had almost the exact same thing in mind,lol. Good work. =) For real.

[Arteater]

well Here is my final, I dont have a second more to work on it, wish I had some time to work out the shadows better
http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs32/i/2008/195/9/d/cow_177_exploding_bug_by_arteaterproductions.jpg

great work everyone, I will leave comments for all after the poll is up

[ChristianWeeks]

Alright I haven't used photoshop in a while so I'm having a little problem. For some reason when I loaded my bug today, the brush defaulted to "threshold" mode. And I can't change it. The only 2 brush modes I can use are threshold and dissolve, everything else is greyed out, and normal mode isnt even on there. I posted a help request for this in the photoshop section earlier this morning but still havent gotten a response - So, any help please? I really want to finish this one.

[Rist]

What do you mean by threshold? There is a threshold adjustment...

[ChristianWeeks]

I don't know, thats just what it says in by the brush mode. I only have photoshop elements since i dont really need any of the higher up stuff so the interface may be a little different, but on the pulldown menu that has all the different brush modes, like dissolve, behind, darken, lighten, multiply, screen, etc. it has "threshold" selected, and I can't select any other brush besides that and dissolve, everything else is greyed out.

When I open a new document the brush returns to normal mode and I can use everything like normal, and the threshold isnt even an option. So I have no idea what I may have done to trigger this. I reset all the tools and that didnt do anything. Any ideas?

[Saurus]

here's a little doodle I did...any comments/suggestions?....really designs so far...loving all of them.....

my creature:
1: deploy explosives into fallen fruit
2: wait and let birds/ other animals eat the fruit + explosives
3: animal that consumed fruit explodes
4: feast!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/yourjefe/explosiveBugcopy.jpg

[Nubb]

klecksotopianer: This is going uber cool! :D
Funkyskull: Thanks for kind words. I like Your colors, some more work on legs could do good.

And an update. Time's runnin' out :D

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8522/bagizj5.jpg

[tsujni]

wip

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh319/tsujni/cow117-drkcopy.jpg

[Snarfevs]

Comments so far:

Arteater: Love the shading and structure of the male, the female looks a little rough

Humboldt Squid: Interesting concept, I do wonder about the long-term viability of the young of the species though. I like the way it lays the grubs around like demolition charges.

Rist: I like the awkward balance of the creature, with the heavy head(?) and spindly legs.

Anomalie: I can't really make out much.

Voraz: As previously mentioned, looks like a robot.

Blue: Great structure. Has a really solid feel. I look forward to this one completed.

Scorge: Kick arse!

Nubb: Looks good. Has a lot of character to it.

St. Ginger: The word you are looking for (for the wing covers) is 'elytra'. I like the general feel of the design. Has a pokemon-ish vibe.

Klecksotopianer: This looks really good. I like the colours and the mix of detail and painterly strokes.

Maxlay: Biological landmine. Good concept.

Verastegui: Very contrasty. Pretty dramatic though. Trying to nut out the concept: does it break off segments that then detonate?

Electric Goat: Small but pretty sweet. Digital or trad.?

ChristianWeeks: Another great concept.

Funkyskull: I like the different 'flavours' it comes in.

Artjedi: Needs some tightening up but has a good acarina feel to it already.

Eraserfoot: Great concept and nice style. The little one looks hilarious.

Artiphats: I like the concept, good way of fitting the topic into a superorganism context.

Saurus: My favourite concept so far.

Tsujni: Nice structure.

Sorry if I missed anyone out.


Probably final

Padekkerid Skater of Banchez Furen IIB

The bug synthesises zinc(II) diazide in its modified hindgut, secreting pellets from the end of its reinforced abdominal stem. The pellet is detonated by clapping two specialised pygidial plates together, propelling the bug forward in a powerful burst of hot nitrogen gas that may carry it hundreds of meters across the frozen carbon dioxide flats the bug is endemic to (The mook should be wearing a space suit for the rather uncomfortable environment). Pellets of desiccated faeces may be expelled with incredible velocity, becoming dangerous projectiles to the unwary who may startle the creatures into fleeing.

The rear legs have evolved into vectored halteres/fletches allowing it to steer fairly well, whilst the original wings have become vestigial due to their fundamental inability to vector appropriately.

[Rist]

This is fun! Well I am half way to finishing this one. The colours have not been applied yet and also the edges are not finished.

I hope you like!

[Edward B]

Snarfevs thats a beauty!

Rist, looking good, those hands on the feet are creeping me out!


A wip.

I'm thinking a species where the male and female carry different fluids that combined makes for an explosive cocktail.
A defensive system that prevents any predator from taking the chance to kill twice.
Or to avoid beeing swatted by enraged humans. (Or at the very least force a thorough cleaning of the flyswatter in between swats.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/Cerebellum/Exploadingbug.jpg

[Rist]

Here is the finished value pass. I know some things could have been better, but time is up very soon and my patience is wearying thin. I am going to try and colour it tomorrow, going all the way to the deadline.

Peg: Thanks! I wanted the creature to feel creepy without looking too obvious. Your bug looks to explode at any moment!

Snarfevs: Thanks! I wanted from the beginning to have a certain unbalance to the whole design, as if at any moment it could topple over and bust. I like your design, looks like it could ice-skate!

[artiphats]

see my reply #68 above for the original explaination of the concept. Basically there is gas and electricity that can be emitted at the bugs rear. Here is the final pencil drawing; insect's name, color, and final presentation with text should be up by tomorrow.

http://www.raysartonline.com/conceptart/bug_scan.jpg

[Rist]

Here is my final for this one.

Bring on the next!

[Meon]

hey, not finished, and its a pretty unoriginal concept, might just wait until the next round!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/Espengenin/explodingbug2.jpg

[xinranliu]

Alright I'm giving a try at my first cow ever. I realize now that my design was way too simple :< gotta do it better next time.

[Call0ps]

another comtribution to the cow =D

cimico rebentatis
an alien bug species which live in a planet where the ground is so hard, thats make impossible to this bugs to dig with their claws.They developed an small and powerful explosive in order to make the nest to be able to live in.

[artjedi]

Artist: artjedi

Concept: Explosive bug - Xb2

This is a specimen of a "Explosive bug". His real name is Xb2, a genetic modified bug, special created for only one reason: to destroy. It has an enormous destructive power and it is used to erase anything on the face of the earth :xpld: . The bug contains a "cocktail" of explosive substances. It has only one drawback: it can't breed. It is created in laboratory conditions by infecting species of bugs with an active mutating agent.

[electric goat]

aarrrgghh! got sick and don't know if i can finish this one. will give it a shot tonight if the snot on my keyboard doesn't electrocute me.

some groovy designs out there and thanks to all who gave comments!

snarfevs- it's digital. photoshop, one layer, chalk brush. i like that you had to ask though.

[artiphats]

ok heres an update, still rendering, tweaking, and adding side info but it will be up in the final thread tonight after work. render will have more detail and it should read better (lighting, etc.)... comments welcome up to this point though thanks!

[Michael Jaecks]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/neorepto/explosivebugjaecks72dpi.jpg

posted in the finals thread. Nice round, folks. Nice also to have regular weekly COW back with us. :)