Mech Robot Idea

[MindCandyMan]

Hey people,
I sketched this mech robot on the train this morning real quick. I think I might turn it into a more involved drawing or painting...anyone have any ideas on the design to make it better. A different pose?...etc... Thanks

http://www.imagemagician.com/images/elephantdiarrhe/mechxrobotxsketch.jpg

[jakub]

maybe you could "overemphacize" the perspective abit. itd be more impressive if one looked up on that mech from behind the human beings shoulder etc.

[MindCandyMan]

That's a really good idea...sort of like an ant's eye view right? That's cool. Good idea.

[MindCandyMan]

hmmm yeah that's true...hehe...gotta redesign that.

[MindCandyMan]

Well I tried to do the ants eye view thing but I'm not quite sure it worked out hehe...I will work more with this idea. I want to try the composition the other way as well. I'm struggling with my lack of skills...what's in my head is no where near what is on the page...I guess that's everyone's struggle though. I will keep going.

http://www.imagemagician.com/images/elephantdiarrhe/mechxrobotxsketch2.jpg

[waynespaz]

the best way to give an exagerated perspective is to use foreshorting. I did a large pen and ink picture of a robot where I experimented with foreshorting, it is really a dramatic effect. I will try to post it tonight for you on here.

[MindCandyMan]

That would be awesome thanks! I could use some help with foreshortening...I struggle with it.

[waynespaz]

sorry I haven't posted that picture yet, I have been having problems with finding time, and a place to host my images. I should have it up for you soon.

[MindCandyMan]

That's ok bro...no sweat...try www.imagemagician.com they give you a meg free with unlimited bandwidth

[McNallyism]

Hey Jonathan, my suggeation for this piece is to find more reference for mechanical objects, robots, sci-fi stuff in general.

Think about what will make your concept stand out from the rest. Right now the concept is pretty basic and srtaight-forward. Giant humanoid robot with bubble cockpit for a head, and guns for arms. This idea has been done a bajillion times, yet artists continiue to create interesting and compelling concepts with this subject matter every day. The trick is to find your own personal twist. You may find an interesting shape or detail while looking through a book about car engines that could be effectively incorperated into a robot design. Or maybe you have a revelation about an alternative power source for it, or some kind of unusual weapons system. Or maybe your robot has a crazy color scheme or armor pattern. Whatever it is, it will set your work apart from the status quo.

One way to go about designing something like a robot might be to go through the different elements and think "what would the viewer expect this to look like on a run-of-the-mill giant robot?" and then do something completely different. Theres nothing wrong with using existing technology or weaponry, but if you're gonna do it make sure you have good reference. The mortar cannons you have on your robot currently look like they just might be regular mechanical arms with fingers protuding from the bottom.

As far as technique goes, don't worry about doing some crazy point of view right now. The important thing is to communicate the concept clearly. Your first piece is more like concept art than your second, whose composition would really qualify more as an illustration.

now my fingers are tired from typing this obnoxiously long reply...

-Sean

[MindCandyMan]

Hey Sean, hehehe don't worry about the long replies...I love getting them! Especially from pros like you...not obnoxious at all hehe. You are right about it looking run of the mill..it looks stupid as is...I gotta redo it. You are right about the guns on the side too...they look like "really menacing" paper towel rolls hehe. I looked up a bunch of machinery on the internet...I am going to try to incorporate that into the next sketch I do for this. It's frustrating...what's in my head isn't coming out...I originally wanted to do a bunch of different stuff but wasn't quite sure how to actually draw it. My original idea was this guy suspended in the center of this spider robot by a bunch of wires and making it function like a marionette...but I quickly realized...well...I suck hehe...BUT I WILL GET BETTER! I will keep punching it out. Thanks for the tips...I am extremely grateful for your help as always. Thanks bro