BA1a First project - A final concept piece for an insect - Received this on 21st September
To begin with I begin by making silhouettes on Adobe Photoshop. I made multiple patterns and shapes to form these silhouettes, ready for me to later iterate them. I also used Alchemy to create my silhouettes. This program was useful in generating shapes and forms I couldn't by solely using Photoshop.
I have created multiple silhouettes and have chosen a few to roughly iterate. I created sketches over the silhouettes to explore how I could create an insect from the form I had made. I would've liked to have created more silhouettes so I could explore even more designs when sketching over them.
I have settled on an idea that I found through roughly sketching over the silhouettes. I am now altering and exploring its form until I am happy and will create a character sheet. I found myself veering away from insect like features, so kept searching for images of relevant insects and analyzing. Through Google image searches on praying mantis', beetles, ladybirds, ants, bumble bees and wasps, I have designed certain aspects of my insect on these creatures. For the face, I have mainly used the Praying Mantis, and studied images found here http://clipgid.com/praying-mantis-face-drawing.html .
After exploring composition, light and colour yesterday, I have found images that follow some of the styles I have learnt.
The above still is from the film The Road, image from http://www.aceshowbiz.com/still/00003871/the_road37.html
The composition follows the divine proportions, in that the man and son are in a focal point of the shot, and also directly underneath the painting on the wall behind.
This other still from The Road uses the 'L' composition. The bottom right corner is the main focus, with a sharper focus on the man and his son.
This photograph shows light distortion in the background, as particles in the air block or alter the light direction, causing a misty look. There is a lot of reflective light allowing us to see the trees, and it is likely there is a more direct light source on the rocks as they are brighter and clear. There are shadows underneath some trees as the light has been blocked along the way. Image from http://photographyheat.com/20-stunning-photographs-of-beautiful-trees.
This still from The Dark Knight rises, has Bane under a spotlight, casting heavy shadows in areas that don't get light. With a black background, he is highlighted more, and the only point of focus in the still. His muscles are emphasized by the shadows, and these shadows also make him look more menacing.
Image from: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/batman/images/e/e2/Bane_Empire_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120128230019
On separate documents I have iterated my insect further, exploring slightly different forms, colours and texture. I have been experimenting with multiple brush types to get different effects for the insect. My first iterations didn't vary much in design difference, but when I used more brushes and colours my work began to vary and I created more ideas. This gives me options for my final design. Whilst iterating, I could expand the backstory of my insect, and think about how it moves around. I have used a Praying Mantis as reference for the face and neck, and caterpillars and ants as leg references.
http://clipgid.com/praying-mantis-face-drawing.html
https://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/sl/28/1.html
My insect uses its long neck to reach for food on other branches, and sometimes partially opens the tail for shelter or a little protection. This shows off its main aesthetic features. Using these ideas I have began my character sheet.
This basic diagram shows the tail open and closed. In my character sheet i have show the in between phases.
I have completed a small set of iterations for the legs, head and tail. I believe there are more textures I could have explored with different brushes.
This insect could have variations depending on where it is situated. I feel the the tail could have a few different variations which are adapted to its environment, as its purpose is protection and camouflage.
I have a basic character sheet, detailing the basic movements of my insect.
I have sketched a few composition ideas that show of my insects main features; the protective unraveling tail and long neck to reach further for food. My leg iterations are all quite similar, making it harder to choose which I prefer as I believe there are more forms that could've been explored. I have chosen the top left composition (from the image below) that shows the insects features well and in a position it would reach for food.
My small project is coming to a close, and my final piece is nearly finished on Photoshop. The design is based of the iterations from earlier, and the composition chosen is based on a composition idea, just mirrored. I'm trying to blend colours well and highlight and sharpen areas I was more focus on.
