ChoW#215 :: Insect-based armor design

[Martheart]

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii293/chowarchive/CHOW_Headerimage/QUEENOFCHOW_logo-1.jpg



ROUND #215:: Insect-based armor design



DESCRIPTION


Insect-based armor design


This round we want you to design an armor for an MMORPG character, using insects as inspiration!

Setting:
Here, humans don’t rule the planet; the insect do. Huge beetles, ants, wasps and more roam the earth, scaring the people away. But since the insect husk is both very strong and light, some brave humans hunt the insects and make amazing armor and equipment!


Design an insect-based armor!

Keep in mind the following:

- You can pick any insect to base your design upon, but make it visible and believable they actually used the insect material to make the armor.
- Arthropod-based designs are also allowed (spiders etc)
- Think of the silhouette, this is a game character and his/her armor has to pop out and be recognizable.
- If you really want to make concept art out of it, also draw the side and back view of your design!
- Be original :D


Good Luck!


PLEASE NOTE THE RULES AND THE DEADLINE TIME

---------------------------------------------------------
DEADLINE:
SUNDAY, September 26th, 2010


Deadline is Sunday, at 9:00 pm (GMT +1).
Check your timezone (http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/)


---------------------------------------------------------
THE RULES
If you do not stick to these 6 simple rules, you will not be added to the poll.
---------------------------------------------------------

:right: 1) FOLLOW THE TOPIC.
It's about designing the character of the topic. The environment or side characters are far less important.

:right:2) SHOW AT LEAST ¾ OF YOUR DESIGN.
This is not an illustration contest, but a design contest. Show your whole design!

:right:3) POST YOUR FINAL IN THE FINALS THREAD.

:right:4) INCLUDE WIPS WITH YOUR FINAL.
Show your work in progress and post (links to) this in the finals thread!

:right:5) SAVE YOUR FILES IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT. Chow##_Nickname
example: "CHOW#100_Oblio.jpg" ;)
No final.jpgs please!


:right:6) PLACE THE IMAGE IN A FRAME WITH YOUR NAME/TOPIC

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/ChowPics/frame.jpg
(you can add CA logo, etc).



About quality - as general rule: if your shapes and values are not decent - you are out. Watch proportions, perspective etc. we need perfectly readable shapes and coherent, consistent values.

_____________

BE PROFESSIONAL - only finished and good quality entries will be taken to the poll. Icemoon and Arthemis IX will make the selection.
Please review these helpful reminders if you have not done so already.

:right:ON GETTING TO POLL (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1891823&postcount=15)
-------------------------
:right:NEW ROUND RULE: WIPS PLEASE! (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1910999&postcount=27)
-------------------------
:right:SUBMISSION FORMAT REMINDER (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1911002&postcount=28)



PLEASE REMEMBER TO WRITE YOUR COPYRIGHT INFORMATION UNDER THE IMAGE IN THE FINAL BURNING THREAD SO I DON'T HAVE TO HUNT YOU DOWN LATER!

[goldilockz]

MMORPG = Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game such as World of Warcraft or Everquest. :)

[Crysse]

Cool round again… Great idea.
Tips and emulation, a good way
to improve his technique.
Nice team really ! ;)

[Ian Barker]

Does the fact its for an MMORPG mean it should look different than if it were another genre? I don't really play those.

[~baxter]

Does the fact its for an MMORPG mean it should look different than if it were another genre? I don't really play those.

I'd say no. MMORPGS are a game type, not really a genre. There's MMO spanning many different genres (fantasy, sci-fi, modern, etc.)

I think what is supposed to be taken into consideration with the whole MMO thing is to keep in mind its supposed to be gear/items for a character in a game.


Great Topic! I'd like to think I'm going to do this one, but who knows with the current state of the tablet :(

[Lianti]

Great topic !

[John McKenna]

Here's my first go at some scribbles. I thought it would be interesting if this warrior's weapons were also chunks of insect.

1066631

Lianti, that sure was fast for such a vibrant piece! My only critique is that some of the armor pieces, helmet and shins in particular, look like they fit too well.

[prepsage]

This would be awesome to combine with the Creature of the Week.

[blackrobin]

Does the fact its for an MMORPG mean it should look different than if it were another genre? I don't really play those.

oh, You should play :yum:

Initially i wanted to use centipede, but the centipede sketches needed some very dynamic poses, it was too difficult so i dropped it
Now its a spider-blackwidow themed concept, early sketch :

[hoshicat]

I don't think I've ever finished a chow, but I love this idea, i have sooo many ideas to play with for this one! :D Hopefully I can finish this one

[UCT]

this is a chow brief ?

[blackrobin]

Here's another sketch, scorpion themed

[ArtbyWard]

this is a chow brief ?

Yes, it is. This week's more focussed on armor/clothing design than the actual personality of the character. MMO (RPG) can be seen pretty broad, just imagine a game where players can hunt bugs, collect armor and show off how cool they are to each other. (character customisation is important in these kind of games, so often they need lots of different and cool armor/weapon designs. Think WoW, Monster Hunter etc etc.

[Le Eb]

Is it also possible to use Crustaceans as Armor?
since they belong to the class of Arthropods.

[dierat]

Does the character have to be a melee fighter? (Can the character be a mage/priest/ranged spellcaster or does the character exist in a non-magical world?)

[ArtbyWard]

Is it also possible to use Crustaceans as Armor?
since they belong to the class of Arthropods.

Yes, if they are arthropods you can use them :).


Does the character have to be a melee fighter? (Can the character be a mage/priest/ranged spellcaster or does the character exist in a non-magical world?)

Yes, there is no limit to classes, so spellcasters but also balistic weapons etc are allowed.

[psychosako]

Is it also possible to use Crustaceans as Armor?
since they belong to the class of Arthropods.

I was actually just about to ask that. :3 Crawdads, lobsters, crabs.... i've always thought of them as bugs too.

[RichLyons]

Sounds like a great idea, I'll have a crack

[UCT]

Icemoon - So I could just view this as 'Draw Bug Armour Squad' ?

EDIT: sorry if this came across petulant. I get it.

[Vaejoun]

I sooo wanna do this ^^ Sounds like a ton of fun to me.
SPiders, scorpions, insects, bugs of all kind. And some relatives.
A crab is already a little off for my taste.

Right now I am thinking about a rhino bug or such a big thing for a tank/warrior class. Something MIGHTY

@Rich Lyons: Already looking forward to see yours. I hope you show some more of your idea finding this time. You are always a little short in showing your first steps. ^^

[ccp85]

Hello People! Im excited about this project, I never taook a chance to participate in one of this contest, but fr now I'm gonna try to take more contest to improv my paintings. Thanks an¡d good luck
everyone.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm137/ccp85/ChowProcess.jpg

[RichLyons]

Not very inventive, but I'm enjoying having a scribble and I hope to really crank the bug shell texture in this design.

Photoshop/wacom

[kazerniel]

Hello, here again. I go with "Ladybug Amazon" :D On the right are the ref pictures I got from Wikipedia.

[prepsage]

oh bugger.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/9618/chow215.jpg

[Vaejoun]

@Prepsage:
Damn, I just made a sketch that looks almost exactly the same as yours.

[ccp85]

Hello there!

My W.I.P so far...
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm137/ccp85/insect-armor.jpg

[prepsage]

Yeah, I figured the stag beetles would be getting a lotta play on this topic. They make for pretty good base concept. But I'd love to see it Vaejoun.

[BAMeyer]

Alright this weeks chow entry(my first one). Its just a WIP im gonna add spikes and the works also thinking i might do front/back/side for funzies let me know what you guys think.

1067083

[Claudio Grassi]

Havent done this in a while tho this is very different from the usual!

I figure the only way to kill a bug with a strong shell dead...is wiv a warhammer! yaaarrr!
quick first sketch...

1067087

Version 2..i like it better

1067091

refining the sketch...I think Im done for tonite... :P

1067144

[SGoodson]

just an idea so far...praying mantis ninja...meh

[~baxter]

With all this big bad warriors there's gonna need to be a healer!

Went a Priest/healer route. Not much of a wip, but its a start.

Using the Giant Silkworm Moth as my bug for this one. Thinking about making it an elf to kinda go along with the antennae

[kissorkill]

a very rough WIP. Just wanted to post my progress so far.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/b_milum/insectarmorcopy.png

[zepheenia]

These are all looking great! Baxter - I love the idea of this one, I'm such a sucker for pretty moths.

Wish I could join, but I have two costumes to sew by Friday argh

[JanJager]

Cool topic.
Many promising wips already. This going to be great.

SGoodson
Nice design. I like the helmet.
Claudio Grassi
Good design and character. looking forward to see you render it out.
BAMeyer
Nice start. I think you can do something more with his hands. Be careful to have balance in his body. Perhaps he's lean a bit to the right.
ccp85
Nice design.
prepsageI
Powerful guy. I like the weapon in his left hand. I have a bit hard to read his right side.
kazerniel
Very nice character perfect for a Ladybug Amazon.
RichLyons
Great start as usual. Looking forward to a killer.
ccp85Good start.
UCT
First design is my favourite.
blackrobin
I like the second sketch best. First is cool to.
John McKenna
I like that you incorporated wings.Also like the hairy part of the armour.
Lianti
Great Very fast. Seem finished. Nice insect feeling in the armour. Perhaps adding some hard shadows.
~baxter
It's going to bee cool.
kissorkill
Good start a bit early to crit.

So many interesting forms, colours and patterns among the insects hard to decide a design trying to brainstorm

[bluki]

Reminds me one of my favourite game! Monster Hunter, got heap of insect based armor!
I'll try to make one

a question, can I go with some kind of fictional insect?
Jan Jager: I love your early sketches lots of variety

[blackrobin]

thanks jan, well it's hard to pick one, cause i like the chick sketch too, maybe i'm gonna finish both and see how it's coming
the bee catches my eyes the most, good identity to sketch up and spin concepts with too

baxter, a healer, nice sketch!

bluki, roll a sketch, let's go

rough colors

[lkjhgfdsa]

lkjhgfdsa
sillouette action and insect pictures

[Brian.May]

There are some badass designs on here!

[John McKenna]

This challenge perfectly encapsulates why I love Conceptart.org so much: Everyone has a different take on the subject matter: everyone reads the same one sentence description and comes up with wildly different ideas.

Anyway, here's mine:
1067329

My biggest concern at this point is the chest armor. It's supposed to be the hollowed-out head of a giant ant, (his arms go through the eye holes), but I'm not sure that it's showing up that way. Any ideas?

[toastergargletop]

just found my copy of "A cold war in a country garden" by Lindsey Gutteridge this morning and then i see this is the topic?!?!? Its fate I tell you!

http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n0/n1586.jpg

[Rusty]

Been slacking off too much so back to doing some CHOW. Hour and a half worth of doodles, nothing set yet although i might aim for a heavier body type.

~J

[Yeti Ball]

Oh Rusty, you sexy man, good to see you here! If I do throw my hat in the ring maybe I'll actually try to finish it this time.

How long do you guys usually spend on one of these, just out of curiosity? I have probably started about 3 or 4 and have not yet finished, I always seem to run out of time (I usually work a bit after work each day, as I do not have a proper computer setup at my apartment, so typically Thursday is the last day I work on it, before the social obligations of Friday night and then the inability to come into the office on the weekend kill the progress).

[Vaejoun]

@Jan Jager: Sweet thumbs, I like the one with the shield. The wasp is hot too.

@Rusty: I envy you for your quick and good sketching stile. Only thing to crit is that they may appear a little more like insect-men than actual men in insect costumes.

Around 1 hour doodling or so, after some pencil sketches.
I hope to take this further as a personal piece to make a whole series of armors and clothings. Could be good in my portfolio. ^^

Well, it pretty much appears, that the basic thoughts are all more or less the same, so my personal favorite is the Warlock baseed on centis, maggoths and worms, all that nasty stuff crawlin all over his cape.
Continuing the thoughts: ( I plan as if it would be for WOW)
Hunter - Hornet/ dragonfly ?
Paladin - Mantis ?
Warrior: A big armored bug thing
Druid - A Snail would be interesting or something else, like a ladybeetle.
Mage: - Something light again...

[blackrobin]

Rusty : super sketches, pretty much agree with Vaejoun about the insect-men

my other concept: (sorry for separate posting, i'll put both in the same post next time)

[UCT]

...yep

[Crysse]

Wow ! Great start and fantastic skectches for this subject !… Amazing mate.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5008408006_cbb1daf884_z.jpg

[toastergargletop]

so, my first attempt. might need to seriously think about going in a different direction.

EDIT: So i laid down some colour, and made a couple of minor changes to the character. now i'm stuck.

[Vaejoun]

Depending on how close you all want to stay to the Description, but an Mmo char usually needs to be very flexible and needs to be able to do and hold a big variation of things.

So the big claws and so on are nice thoughts and damn good, that for sure, but in a game where he needs to hold a sowrd in the one and a shield in the other hand or a bow... that could get in the way. Its something else when you design the scorpion claw/fist as a fistweapon, that he could exchange with something else.

Oh and he usually needs to be able to ride a mount in some way ^^

Just wanted to add that to the pool of thoughts.

[jlafuente]

Working on the silhouette and aiming for something feminine too-- any thoughts? :)

[Tawnos]

Depending on how close you all want to stay to the Description, but an Mmo char usually needs to be very flexible and needs to be able to do and hold a big variation of things.

So the big claws and so on are nice thoughts and damn good, that for sure, but in a game where he needs to hold a sowrd in the one and a shield in the other hand or a bow... that could get in the way. Its something else when you design the scorpion claw/fist as a fistweapon, that he could exchange with something else.

Oh and he usually needs to be able to ride a mount in some way ^^

Just wanted to add that to the pool of thoughts.

Well if you think of warhammer online, the chaos marauder is able to mutate his arm to 3 different weapons, mace, sword and claws, so his version might me legit :)

[Vaejoun]

@Tawnos: Ah ok, never played that one ^^. I was more into WOW for some time.
Actually there was one Armor set in wow, that was designed after a big bug as well, but there is not so much left I think you could actually recognize as a bug.
http://thedemented.com/images/hunter_t10.jpg

Another try: A Wasp/ Hornet hunter.

[RichLyons]

another couple o wip for me bug slayer pic.
So many great pics, awesome to see full production pipeline and turn arounds etc... have been doing turn arounds recently but might just stick with illustration for this one.

[UCT]

... still mucking around in illustrator getting different shapes, etc.

[Sharppointystick]

Lack of graphic software leaves me with pencil and paper :$

[Ephelea]

I think the WoW image is more based off of the new zones, and not bugs. It has in fact, more to do with the Viking like people of Fjord than it does with bugs. And even more to do with the woolly rhino like creatures.

Not bugs -.o

[BAMeyer]

Dangit Jan you called out my weakness which was hands but you're right it looks a little gimp so I attempted to put something in hopefully it doesnt kill it too bad and I also changed the stance a little bit I still want it to look like hes running from 9 foot spiders. I think im gonna take this one to paint ill update later. Really cool designs in here so far.

1067592

[prepsage]

BAMeyer: might wanna use reference for a man running (google images). he's liable to stab himself at the moment.

[Ephelea]

Hey all.
So, I'm attempting to do this, even though I'm moving and probably won't finish XD
I went for a more mage-like costume. Battle mage :D

[Psychotrope]

I love your approach, Crysse (Sharppointy, too): looks like the armor was made out of bug parts, rather than a giant armor suit that just happens to emulate bug'ness, which seems to be the trend here.

We're designing armor. I'm -so- in for throwing down the gauntlet. Sketches tonight.

[CrookedHorn]

ok im in :rocker:

[silentkitty]

Nargggh.

Going with an archer type I think, based on a dragonfly. I'll do a back view as well to show better that the wings aren't actually growing out of her back. : P

[Quinn Simoes]

Not sure if I will finish this, but the topic sounded like fun.

[Ephelea]

Mix of Cockroach, and spider, with some scarab mixed in.

Her 'hood' neck piece is made of spider legs and where it ties together to make the cloak in the front also has spider fangs.
Leading down to a chest piece of carapaces (scarab husks/shells) of all sizes. Her 'skirt' is the heads/wings of roaches.
Her legs are covered in more carapace of larger scarabs, and her 'boots' are made of scarab feet. Wings are bee/roach mix.

[Fractalbot]

Love the topic this week, I'm definitely in. Here's some thumbnails I worked up so far, am trying to decide which to go for. I tried to keep the silhouettes really strong, and am leaning towards working up one of the beetle designs. More is on the way!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mwwdJzJcltU/TJk2r_AMoaI/AAAAAAAAAs0/XF2ngECTWz4/s576/thumbnails_1.jpg

[Claudio Grassi]

Great job so far everyone!

@ Fractalbot: nice silhouettes...I think my favourite has to be a mix between 11's arms, 6's shoulder pads, and number 10's leg armour...

@ Ephelea: Nice turn-around view :P it's a great start..I wanna see more of the details :) tho i must admit I liked your 4 previous designs a little better...

@ Quinn Simoes: Awesome as usual...the lack of symmetry plays well in your piece..only thing is, the helmet makes me think of a crab rather than an insect ;)

@ silentkitty: Beautiful color choices...the shiny breast plates are looking particularly nice..i think the hasty hatching on the forward leg is flattening it out and its making it hard to see the forms properly, but I know its just a sketch thing..

@ BAMeyer: I think prepsage is right, take a look at some pictures of dudes hoofing it towards the camera..reference is extremely important to help us build our visual library..its how we learn! :) and never hide the hands! :D

@ Sharppointystick: Nice action pose! :) I like the leg armour a lot..but whats that on his head? a cactus? :D just kidding, cant wait to see it more refined...and pencil and paper ROCK! :rocker:

@ UCT: Lots of great research in your studies! have you decided on which combo to flesh out for the final?

@ RichLyons: Hotness!!! glad you fixed that far leg :) looking fantastic as usual!

@ Vaejoun: Whats with the HUGE WoW jpg and the tiny wip?!?!? :0 I really like your design...the color adds much to it..one of the few that really says "insect"! how about a bigger pic? ;) I like the Scorpion black knight guy...do him do him!!! :D

@ jlafuente: Fantastic silhouette! really nice attention to detail even in this stage. can't wait to see how it gets rendered out...

@ toastergargletop: Nice character..tho it reminds me of like a super hero for some reason :) not a bad thing...but what are you stuck on? let us know, Im sure someone here can help!

@ Crysse: Very good use of reference..I really enjoy your style..I think you should push the insect "bits" a little further to give it more relevance...but I dig the overall concept a lot!

@ blackrobin: Great starting point for the designs, something abou the anatomy of both pieces is sitting quite right with me, but alas, I am unable to offer you any viable solutions...I could be wrong >_>

@ Rusty: What to say? >_> i covet your sketchings..sweet...I love the last guy on the top row!!!!

@ John McKenna: ok the spider-leg-skirt-thing is repulsive...in a cool way! heheheh, I really like whats going on with the shield arm...looks very rudimental in its use of the insect structures..not much craftsmanship, just grab and go..its a cool idea..the helmet on the other hand looks very elaborate..and a little flimsy IMHO but I like the design of it..maybe beef it up a bit? givei it more weight..anyhow, nicely done..

@ lkjhgfdsa: aldsfkdfokjdflkcv;lksjvcas!!!!1 ya dig? hehehe, no seriously...outstanding designs!!! So spiky and mean! >_< my ONLY beef..is the same as above...the male's headpiece looks paper thin...but its a question of taste perhaps.. :) p.s. thnx for all those ref pics..super sweet!

@ JanJager: Im jealous of how expressive the color is and how well defined these thumbnails are..if I were to pick a favourite it would be........the wasp girl with the quad-bow it feels well balanced..awesome..much respect.

@ kissorkill: It's progressing nicely...why dont you try to flesh out the entire body as a sketch on a lower layer so that you have a good base on which to place the armored bits...it will help you to have an overall view of your caracter..keep it up!

@ ~baxter: ooooOOOh! that little pencil sketch of the whole figure is really something...can we see a bigger version? maybe with some value or color...awesome!

@ SGoodson: Mantises...mantii ??? mantis ninjas rock! :D same little crit as Crysse..I feel you should push the insect armor bits a bit more..this IS about the armor right? :)

@ Claudio Grassi you SUCK! dont quit your day job!!! boooooooo!!!!

@ ccp85: Wow, you've gotten a lot done in a short time...check out his left arm, its missing a part i think @_@ :) besides that, I would suggest givig his weapon a little more thought...it looks a bit random..but great work so far!

@ prepsage: Awesome MMORPG Tank character armor..someone mentioned that the far ar m is a bit hard to read..i guess its just cuz its a sketch..loving it tho..

@ kazerniel: Lady bug amazon! heheh I know she's an amazon, and by all means meant to be scantily clad, but I would love to see more armour on her..try to borrow bits of other insects to see if you can fill her up a bit! keep it up!

@ Lianti: Wow! first to post and it DOES look like an almost finished piece..i am ashamed of myself for being so slow! the armour has a lot of character...the helmetseems a little uncomfortable but hey, :) the only thing is, the weapon looks flimsy..I dont know if youre just sketching like a place-holder line for a sword or spear or something, but it kinda looks like its missing something at that stage..but then again, it may be because the rest of the piece is so far ahead..cant wait to see it finished.


WHEW!!!!! that took a while...hope I was a little helpful at least...tho I was lazy and busy today so all I did was throw a little random value on my sketch..geh...gotta get cranking!

1067803

[toastergargletop]

Claudio Grassi: I think i just wasn't feeling it with that concept. I thought i would try for a more "City of Heroes" MMORPG feel and try a new style. I was stuck at where to go next; working more colour into it, textures but mostly i was stuck on the values. (god damn values. how do they work????).

I am working on some new silhouette now, i will see what grows.

[Claudio Grassi]

@ toastergargletop: HOW DO VALUES WORK?!?!? by sheer magic of course...no seriously, no one really knows. hahah ok ok ok, I dont know, but heres a little tutorial that I found online and its very helpful...

Itch Studios tutorial (http://www.itchstudios.com/psg/art_tut.htm)

hope it helps.. :yayca:

[Psychotrope]

So this is just the beginning of some sketch ideas- I wanted the bug "parts" to be obvious, but not define the shape of the armor. I mean, you're in a world full of bugs, and bug forms aren't always the best to -fight- bugs. Plus, these are armor-makers. Master craftsman, sometimes. There's a reason metal armor doesn't look like a pile of ore :P

Lots more to come. Also, I am beyond impressed so far. *quite out of my league*

[no_name_brand]

sci-fi take on it. how do we fight bugs now? pesticides, so take a leaf blower, and some pesticide. Take there exoskeleton for armor and let'm have it!

[prepsage]

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1149/chow2153.jpg

still a lot to do. The far arm is holding a massive shield made out of the head of a bugger. Still more rendering to be done.

[tbaldree]

A first night's noodling around, kind of riffing on those Camel Spiders ( or sand scorpions I think ), from the Middle East.
Not sure I like it - maybe will go a different direction completely,

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1068001&stc=1&d=1285140821

[Vaejoun]

Sadly I am moving in the next days, so I am not sure If I will be able to do one till sunday. If not I will make this a personal work and make a series of armors, envi and creatures.

Doing scribbles is a lot of fun.

[toastergargletop]

really didnt dig the first try at this ChoW, so i did some more thumbs. what do you think?

i don't know if i'm going to finish the challenge, but the process is great fun! :D

[Dead Clown]

Sorry if this has been asked, but can the armor and equipment contain elements that arnt bug? Say a patch of chain mail? or wiring and camera?

[lkjhgfdsa]

Phasmid Guardian
and
Butterfly Mage...

[Wiggers]

Some great work so far!

[Sharppointystick]

Claudio Grassi: That's a hollowed out eye from a giant fly that he's using as a helmet

[MrEshovel]

wiggers i dig that man, what you did, heh,

also love alot of these up here, hope i can finish this week, its already wensday eek! heres what ive come up with. would love any comments

[Nonobot]

Why didnt I start sooner?! Argh.
I (also) am going for the rhino beetle, but instead of a tank, going counter/pusher and putting all the defense/attack on one side. Thought, you flip most shelled creatures over and their week-spot is exposed, so i'd give him a week side also. Also going to give him a bug shell chain mail. The unexposed side kind of egyptian maybe, so i can have a black/white contrast. Also they liked their scarabs.
Little wips.

[Evil_Clown]

Wow, there is so much good stuff in here, I am particularly in love with that recent Sci-fi one done by No_name_brand. Excellent stuff!

This is my first go at CHOW, thought it would be worth getting involved in every so often.

Got some WIPs

My character is a scavenger. Kills lots of bugs and wears whatever the best armour is.

[OliviaM]

rough sketch

1068152

[silentkitty]

Just some quick flat colors, still have to work on the back view.

[Ephelea]

Olivia,
While I enjoy your detail, I think you have lost the form of your person under it all.

Claudio,
I liked my first four too. :) Thinking of reverting back to one of those.

[jlafuente]

@Claudio Grassi Thanks for the compliments!

Here's my detailed silhouette, now just the back and side to go :)

[sanya]

@ lkjhgfdsa; Fucking RAD.

[UCT]

Looks like another week, and another lame ass excuse you'll be hearing from me. Im up north for work the rest of the week. I will finish of last weeks and this weeks efforts over the weekend, probably too late again.

@ lkjhgfdsa; Fucking RAD. - yes exactly!!!

OliviaM - Nice sketch there.

prepsage - like the greyscale and figure.

Fractalbot -awesome, they remind me of little rubber pinkish toys I used to have.

Quinn - FINISH HIM!

[Josu]

a lot of time away from CA and what better than a CHOW to recober the lost time.

preliminar sketch

Olivia i love your design

[John McKenna]

I think I want a pair of the fuzzy caterpillar boots....

1068362

[prepsage]

his torso feels a little too long john.

[MrEshovel]

his torso feels a little too long john.

or hips too small

[John McKenna]

@ prepsage and MrEshovel:

I totally see what you're both saying. I wanted him to look very lean as opposed to muscular, but it seems I overdid it. I also wanted the armor to look like a less-than-perfect fit.

Thanks for the crit!

[Thujon]

Guys you are totally awesome¨!!!

Jan Jager: Ou boy, this is already so good!!!! SO impressed!!!

Heres my WIP, took a HIrschkäfer in german, dont know it in english...

[Juicey]

This topic is awesome. Really like some of the deigns I've seen.

I Based my armour on the nastiest arthropod I could think of; the funnel web spider.
Plus I see them in my back yard allot.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V6nwsrsrD1U/TJpdgxHC4MI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/JDQ8lNFA9ZI/s1600/chow%23215wip4.jpg

[Juicey]

Not sure if I will finish this, but the topic sounded like fun.

Please finish it, I wanna see the end result ^_^

[CrookedHorn]

im getting my reference from this site (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/picture-galleries/7924099/Creepy-crawlies-Amazing-Scanning-Electron-Microscope-pictures-of-insects-and-spiders.html).


sharing is caring :P

[Nonobot]

im getting my reference from this site (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/picture-galleries/7924099/Creepy-crawlies-Amazing-Scanning-Electron-Microscope-pictures-of-insects-and-spiders.html).

Let me be the first to say..
ARUGH! KILL THEM WITH FIRE!!!!

[Kamikazuh]

Great work everybodyyy!! :) Loving your's Quinn!

My idea.
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And marker sketch for it.
1068455

Still a WIP of coursee

[Josu]

update

[prepsage]

ugh. dunno if i can work on this anymore...

1068518

[FridayEve]

In most MMOs I have played the equipment has never matched- Never played long enough to get a full set.

[Thujon]

After some hours doodling, I noticed that I really disliked the whole concept---LOL
Made me think about my process... I did thumbnails until I liked one and I started refinging.... I think it was the fourth... too early???? I guess so.

Anyway heres what Ive come out next:

[blackrobin]

prepsage, lots of juicy details on the front, i bet they sucked alot of time and life out of you. But the silhouette and forms in the back are not solid, also you might want to improve on the shield (especially how the hand and grip functions, how they correspond with shield's position), how the character will position the shield to block, move, etc, the shield looks quite cumbersome and more of a hindrance rather than a protection right now

Josu, check the torso

decided to use this concept, w-w-wip

[toastergargletop]

some progress.

If anyone can give me some crits it would be more than awesome. it would be morsome.

[~baxter]

Loving the designs guys! Keep 'em comin! :D

A few crits/comments.

Juice: Seems a bit stiff and flat.
Kamikazuh:I'm really liking this one, especially the expression.
Prepsage:I like the color and design, but the shield position is a bit weird as mentioned before.
FridayEve:I really got a kick out of this one. I know exactly what you mean on this one haha.

Finally getting in some work time on mine. Finally picked up an Intuos4 and am already loving it. Getting some rough color ideas in but its kinda all over the place right now as far as workflow. Need to get some feet in there too haha

[Thujon]

Worked on it, refined all the elements of the torso.... need to work on the legs and his right arm....
This is so much fun, never would have thought it!!!

Great entries guys, I think we all learn tons by doing this!

[lach-land]

Here's a very quick one.
I've a few more ideas yet

Sort of grasshoppery jump boots and fold out beetle glide wings.
Plus some plunge knife/ tin-opener type weapons to use on insects

[lach-land]

Very quick again (is it 20 mins later now....+10 mins typing?)
A sort of heavy rhinocerous beetle carapace
I wanted the elbow spikes to be able to fold flat to the forearm when necessary so's they don't get in the way- also the hand plunge knife spikes have handles so you can use your hands to hold other things...like this anti insect weapon-
The idea is you have this kind of harpoon jaws of life on a hollow insect leg segment- through which you feed the poison from a poison sac from some giant dangerous insect....you get the idea I hope.

[Ephelea]

Lach-land: Massive amount of negative space >_>..composition wise, you could make it more interesting.

Here's my Orchid Bee.

[lach-land]

post didn't show up,


trying again

[lach-land]

Hi Ephelea-
I'm not worried about anything like composition- only the ideas and designs for now
they're being cut and paste from a page of thumbnail ideas

[Krisjoe]

My first real post and first WIP, the design is looking very "roboty" but will change it to look more "insecty". But I'm running out of time so I may not be able to finish it. And yes my character is a fat guy

[Nonobot]

Baxter- Your's has a kind of winter feel to it, really cool mage design!

Just starting to break into the colour now, paint over and detail. I think I got all the kinks out of it...
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BieqzowHHpY/TJuZPiFiyLI/AAAAAAAAA4o/MlwbarRNRCU/s1600/rhino+4.jpg

[Obstfelder]

Baxter: That is a really great looking costume, but something seems off on the right side. Is the cape too short?

Friday Eve: Haha, I like how she looks really unhappy about it too.

Lach-Land: Im digging the space suit dude with the crazy eyes, The last ones have less personality.

First WIP. Still searching for a good idea...

[Obstfelder]

And another one: I want to make something post-apocalyptic. Tank Girl style.

[Sarmati]

Here comes mine. Each time I draw something for CHOW I try to pick some unusual idea and go with it. This time I'm drawing a cockroach armor clad warrior. More than that she wears a suit made out of processed wings that protects her against acid and flesh wounds. This type of protection is light, flexible and insulates well.

[Josu]

I feel really unsure about the colors :S

[Fractalbot]

Lianti: Great work, so fast too! Love the colours and contrast between the figure and the eyes, it's kinda eerie. Can't wait to see the final.

JanJager: Wow, really cool thumbnails. I especially love the hornet one.

John McKenna: Very cool design, the arm/stinger is wicked... I would work on the other arm though it looks a bit puny!

Rusty: Awesome poses for your sketches, really dynamic. Like the one bottom center the most, the shapes in the legs are really good, almost iconic.

Quinn Simoes: Love the spooky picture and armor... Is that guy going to have a weapon as well? His pose almost as though he's carrying something heavy. I also really like that its assymetric.

lkjhgfdsa: Really good silhouettes, very distinct. Also really like that you did male and female versions.

Juicey: Yeah I've seen those spiders too... they're legs are disgusting! Good idea. Are you going to make them hairy?

Kamikazuh: Cool sketch, love the detail in it. Very tribal.

Lach-land: Amazing sketches, loads of good stuff there. By far my favourite is the one that entirely encases the guy and you can see his face sticking out... it looks like the dude is just wearing a bug carcass!



Anyway, here's my lates WIP, combining some of my thumbnails together. I always had the idea of him having an axe made from the head-shell of a beetle, found some good reference here:
http://www.myrmecos.net/insects/Dynastes6.html

Would love some feedback, am going to start colouring tomorrow!
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mwwdJzJcltU/TJvaAifqgCI/AAAAAAAAAuA/zI6_KlLlH9w/s576/WIP_02.jpg

[Lianti]

Went all the way and made a set...crits appreciated!

[ianthegeek]

Hello all. Here's half a day of doodling. Need bed now.
Whatcha think?

[lach-land]

Bit more vehicle like now but thats ok,
on one the things been gutted and its head ripped off- but its still being driven or puppeted by the guy

[Evil_Clown]

update

I eventually decided to get rid of that trophy pole...his sword is pretty big, that thing might get in the way a bit.

He keeps the scavenger pack though.

Colouring took a while to work out the scheme but I think Im ready to go forward. I just hope I can get it done over 2 days...

[Thélema]

This is how my "Manthys Rogue" is progressing :3

Don't know what colours put in the armor. Je suis desolée : (

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2841/manthyswip.jpg

[blackrobin]

final, comment and critique will be very appreciated
edit : thanks for the great crits from prepsage and thujon, i made some adjustments. Almost at my wit's end here, time to take a break and continue tomorrow, keep the crits coming, thanks guys

[OliviaM]

Working Painting. A lot to do still though!

1069292

[prepsage]

Blackrobin: Line from her bellybutton doesn't seem to follow her center line. Should we be seeing less of the spiderleg on the right next to her leg (the part from her backpack)? And her hair is kinda blowing in two different directions. I think the large portion to the right is distracting. Might work to lose it? But it's looking good. I think you could really refine the piece.

[blackrobin]

did a small update, yes certainly the piece can use tons of refinement, i just feel i have to finish this as quickly as i can, as usually i didn't have enough time to finish chow

no worries though, still got a couple days to go
i'll fix the hair too

thanks prep!

edit : oh yeah the spider leg, that kinda upset the piece, i'll fix it too, a great crit!

[~Twig]

My little WIP! Shaman guy who burns lighting bugs' butts to scare off other bug or something err!!!

1069295 1069296

[Thujon]

Blackrobin
Nice painterly style going! Check the left arm and the torso the anatomy looks a bit off there.

OliviaM
The Sketch is awesome! Check the upper part of the legs, they seem a bit too wide. Very nice lightning! Upper right arm is too short.... hope this helps a bit... :-)

Thelema
Nice action going on here! Before rendering out the whole piece, is the lineart and the pose aready established?

Evil Clown
Nice progress, looking forward to see more!

Lach - Land
Man you are indeed very productive! The rider on the beetle is awesome, really like it!
You seem to really have a lot of sketching skill. Your sketches are very rough and fast and very readable...

[LtPlissken]

This one is so amazing:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1067699&stc=1&d=1285104990

[silentkitty]

Moved the wings, she was looking too much like a fairy for my tastes. Still coloring, I keep getting interrupted this week..

[pixelfuture]

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8127/20100924123241526.jpg

a scifi take on it. crits please!

[Evil_Clown]

Nearly finished with this. Enjoyed the challenge as well.

Cheers

[ArtbyWard]

The Final Burning (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=197450) thread is up! :)

[nuine]

Crits welcomed

[nofu]

First time ChoWder here. Never played MMORPGs so not entirely sure what was meant with that but here is my initial design, going for a more lightweight getup. So far from imagination, need to consult some reference here.

[Veshkau]

A few crits, feel free to ignore...

nofu: Welcome to chow - looking good so far. One thing that leaps out though is his left (viewer right) leg is looking a little awkward. Also, be careful of having too many equally sized elements criss-crossing his body - especially when they're all pulling in different directions.

nuine: Also welcome to chow! Still a way to go, but nice flow.

Silentkitty: Her right (viewer left) leg looks like its in a strange position, and the foreshortening could use some tweaks. If you stand in the same position can you get your leg into the that position without your foot pushing back past the other knee? If not, try moving it to where it feels/looks most natural and push that into your character's pose. For the foreshortening I'd recommend showing some of the heel behind the lower leg to give it a bit more depth, and also be careful of where you put your countour lines (e.g. the fold in the sock - it should wrap around the cylinder as it goes away from you in space). Nice design anyways - keep it up.

LtPlissken: Nice design

~Twig: Really like this one, very wow-shaman with a sci-fi feel

OliviaM: Coming along well, would like to see feet though :)

blackrobin: Good stuff - can almost smell the poison! Just one personal thing though - why the foxy, bushy red hair? It doesn't seem to fit imo. Maybe some thin black dreads or something would suit the design a bit more closely - putting some thin spindley forms into the silhouette. Your choice tho ofc. Keep up the good work.

Thélma: Mantis rogue sounds like a pretty good idea to me. The weapons (are they sickles?) are a lot like mantis hands(er.. you know what I mean) - good stuff. One little thing - I'd like to see the hanging strand on her raised leg be hanging downwards instead, and wrapping around her thigh - this would give the impression of the leg being raised sharply and will let the eye flow to her face more easily - just be sure to keep the base of it in silhouette if possible.

ianthegeek: Nice armour shapes - almost inca/aztec

Lianti: There's some dedication! Lovely set. Maybe the healer/mage could have a staff/book or something though to show their caster status.

Sorry to anyone I missed - must get some sleep. Keep up the good work!


Just had an hour or two so to work on this so far, so it's pretty rough. Any feedback would be great though - cheers...

[OTTA]

Just comin' I don't know how much i can do to finish it.

[lach-land]

Its probably past time but anyway....

[~baxter]

another little wip update for my moth healer. Will finish this up tommorow hopefully.

[Hellfire]

Damn!!!
This Character of the week is amazing!!! Lots of amazing entries.
Those characters you guys are posting are so God damn cool it is inspiring me to draw one myself.
Unfortunately I only saw it today. But, what the hell, I think I will try anyway.
Well, I dont have much time, obviously, so I will try to run as quick as I can.
I just did a sketch and I will try to finish it by tomorrow.
Anyway, if someone could tell me if it is a good idea it would be great.
Good luck everybody.
Cheers!!!

[Obstfelder]

Veshkau: She has a good attitude. Her legs seem to be out of perspective with the top, though. Maybe draw them from a little higher viewpoint or change the top part closer to orthographical (if you want it to be more design focused).

My second WIP:

Very rough coloring. I´ve realized that I´ve spent way too little time designing the armor, considering that´s what this challenge is about. But I like the attitude on the girl.

[Krisjoe]

@Hellfire I really like your design, I like the idea of making the character wear an insect, much like wearing mecha/robot suit.
I haven't got very far with mine, and I don't think I will be able to take this to final. But I really liked working on this topic.

[Fractalbot]

More work in progress... started colouring, will detail more tomorrow! These things always happen at the last minute...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mwwdJzJcltU/TJ5FjLWYy5I/AAAAAAAAAuY/czWiQu_mo9I/s512/WIP_05.jpg

[Ian Barker]

I'm seeing some very fun entries so far!

Here is my woefully late start. I'm gonna try to finish though.

[Hellfire]

Krisjoe - Hi there!
Great design. I like the extra arms and the shield. It looks like some sort of insect world knight. At the same time the armor looks like a piece of art, like a samurai armor. Doing good man.

Obstfelder - Nice armor! The background is looking good too. Just be careful with the saturated colors. But its looking good. I really wanna see this piece finished.

Fractalbot - Nice one. The shoulder pad is amazing. Are you going to add this level of detail to the entire armor? Damn, its going to look beautiful! I just don't like that reddish brown area on the both sides of the lower part of the picture. Its too saturated. I think you should blend it a little more on the composition. But of course you are still going to work on the floor and the background.

Little update.
I changed a little bit. I am kinda of afraid of being disqualified for making something different from the requested. Maybe a "insect mech" is not allowed. So I made the guy a little bigger. It is still the same idea, but a little less exaggerated.

Its obviously too dark, but I still will work on the main light sources.
I am just thinking about the design and the silhouette by now.

[Carlos Rodriguez]

so i think this is gonna be my entry...the last time i didnt make it ...i hope this time i can , so this is it .....not finished...critics would be nice

[Anthis]

Think this is final. Losing some sharpness along the way towards Jpeg, trying to figure that out. Wips in the final thread.

hellfire - looks promising, good luck on the deadline! make sure to check the time specified.

[no_name_brand]

I haven't relly put too much work on the back but hopefully I'll get it done on time. nice round so far everyone.

[Veshkau]

Some great entries this round. Here's a little detail update from me, still a ton to do and have a busy day tomorrow...

[lach-land]

Rough and quick and still black and white but I'm settling for this.

because I don't have time basically....



oh well

[Obstfelder]

Liffey: Late but great it looks like :)

Hellfire: Thanks! Took your advice. Yours is looking good, but the man inside is really well hidden. He could stand to be a little more prominent.

WIP 3

Tidying up a bit, but it´s slow going.

[hoshicat]

This is my wip, unfortunately it's as far as I go this time too, my tablet stopped working on me. :(

[Carlos Rodriguez]

here i go ....slowly, but here it is

[Crysse]

Veshkau > Killer !
no_name_brand > Intense and strong
Anthis > just neat !
Carlos > great work. Nice armor.
Hellfire > Great idea
Liffey > fantastic sketch. I'm totally fan. Hurry up budy, please !

[RichLyons]

last work in progess, will finish up and post final in a couple of hours

[Obstfelder]

WIP 4:
Worried about being able to finish as usual. A little unsure what to do about the color too. We´ll see...

[mnogobatko]

It's a bit revealing. Sorry if it's offending to somebody

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4448/project3.jpg

[RichLyons]

last post

[Rusty]

Bah, other priorities arose so i never got around to working on mine. Anyway here are a bunch of prep sketches for what it's worth i had going that i never posted, final was gonna be based around 3rd page images.

Yeti Ball Cheers mate, whatever time i can muster before getting tired of looking at my mistakes, then repeat next day trying to cover up mistakes but creating new ones instead ;)

Vaejoun, Sharp eye ;) pushing it too far then pulling back is all part of the process of elimination, testing waters in the early stages.

RichLyons, Holy shit fcuk!

Well done all!

~J

[Lodin]

I post my WIP for comments if i Can't finish it at time

Rusty : your draw is always impressive and sensitive. I would like to see a finish entry, next time !
Rich lyons : Great entry and good work. Your skin tones are very sensitive.

[Veshkau]

Sick Rusty, just sick - if you could bottle that style I'd drink myself to death. Real shame you didn't get time to finish up - thanks for sharing your sketches all the same.

Calling this done - great round all...

[Ian Barker]

We have until midnight on this, right?

[Crysse]

Rusty Lodin, RichLyons simply fantastic…
I am impressed. Great work and good luck all ! ;)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5015413416_721b36381e_b.jpg

[Martheart]

We have until midnight on this, right?

:-) please read the description, deadline is about half an hour away!

[Ian Barker]

:-) please read the description, deadline is about half an hour away!

oops! oh well, here's how far i managed to get. maybe i'll finish it off.