character designs WIP (bobo the seal is da man.)

[JoShuA]

here are some character designs for various races That Ive been doing for a fella who wants to make a video game. It got my creative juices flowing. Please comment on what can be changed or things you like. sometimes I think I get stuck in cliche`s of character design and The only way to break the vicious cycle is constructive crit. but then again, If you cant see what Im talking about, and the work looks fine to you say so:) then Ill know Im on the right track.

this first sketch is for a race of cat people. Very stealthy, not very strong, very fast, and kind of a loner race but a friendly one for the most part. They make good assasins and theives.
http://images.deviantart.com/large/indyart/indymisc/akiak.jpg

this next race is a primitive reptilian race that are quite aggressive and very good with bladed weapons. It was described to love armor on top of it's scaly skin but I chose to draw it without armor to show it's body.

http://images.deviantart.com/large/indyart/indymisc/draconian_concept_sketch.jpg

and this last pic is of a aristrocratic, very cultured and yet very dominating race that are basically the antagonists in the game. they are meant to be very arrogant and strangly beautifull and frightening at the same time. and convey a deep sense of culture/heritage in thier manner and dress.

http://images.deviantart.com/large/indyart/indymisc/magna_sketch.jpg

I hope to do a female counterpart to each of these races, and there are also a few other races to be worked on as well.
but let me know what you guys think of the concepts Ive illustrated thus far
thanx.
josh.:chug:

[Mr.Magnetichead]

AGGGH FURRIES!:scared:

[JoShuA]

Im sorry, what exactly does that mean?:confused:

[tyboogie]

dont be a "hater" magnet--


Josh--the sketches are looking good but i do think that thes concepts are bordering on cliche'

my advice--look at diff. cultures clothing and ornamnets and fashion and art for patterns and design

look at pics of cats, reptiles and combine aspects to get "new breeds"

if you only use whats in your head youre going to havea harder time not being cliche'

if you use the world around you youll see something no one else saw

get books, search the net its all out there for you dude!!!

[S13Drifter]

Originally posted by tyboogie


my advice--look at diff. cultures clothing and ornamnets and fashion and art for patterns and design

look at pics of cats, reptiles and combine aspects to get "new breeds"

get books, search the net its all out there for you dude!!!

tyboogie you are so right. I use those two points you mentioned constantly when designing new races \ creatures. Find as much reference as you can. Its good that you've already established a backstory to drive your designs. Now its time to crank it up a notch, do a couple more passes, each being different variations of the same idea. Because how can you know that your first idea was your best idea if you haven't explored any other options.

[soupface]

as far as style, they're great. they all have a sort of animated-movie cartoon look.

i'm going to agree with ty and s13 and say that you should differentiate all the races a bit more. not necessarily change what kind of animals they're based on, but their costumes for sure.

first think of the characteristics of each race and match costumes with that. right now your regal rams (forgive the alliteration) aren't dressed too differently from your reptiles. if they're really arrogant and majestic, give them capes and cloth, jeweled belts and rings, make them look like they groom themselves often.

for the reptiles, perhaps ceremonial scars and tattoos?

the cats, which are mysterious thieves, should wear cloaks or have most of their head covered, and have gloves etc.

look at costumes from movie concepts (the concepts from star wars and lotr are easy to find online and in bookstores), as well as old national geographics (have cultural themes: make the rams' clothing oriental/south asian, the reptiles northern-european, whatever!)

keep it up, good stuff so far.

[JoShuA]

Thank you for the compliments and the hard core crits. I always feel if someone is going to critisize they should offer a solution to make it better.
and also thank you for critisizing the concept not the stlye.
Ill post some stuff and get the crosshatching incorperated into the sketch.
thanks.:beer: