Semester 1 Complete!

Since my previous post, i have completed the design process for the Great Crested Bird (see Creature Development) and i have also put the finished concept in my Creature Gallery.

From this process i have learnt the importance of planning and attention to detail in a creatures design. Considering - how its feathers look? what colours are best? what kind of pupil does it have in its eye? does it fit in it environment? all important in discovering the right design path and creating a successful creature.

This first semester i feel my approach to creature design has been enhanced greatly. Starting with importance of structure (anatomy and musculature), my research into verisimilitude and overcoming a players disbelief, considering evolution and details as to how that creature lives, feeds and moves and finally the importance of the right texture - feathers, scales etc must look believable as the viewer can relate to existing animals.

My contextual visits also played there part in a new way of gathering inspiration and provided an insight into how other artists and designers work. The Zoo visit was of particular relevance to myself as i could study first hand animals in their environment and how they move and behave.

I believe my research into creating believable creatures this semester has provided me with the necessary foundations to further my creature design process next semester.

The Great Crested Bird...

After sketching, sketching and morrrre sketching :D i have selected one of my favourites to take that bit further on its design path.

It is a cross between a Secretary Bird and a Frilled Lizard.

The males have a highly colourful head piece which they use to threaten an approaching enemy and those with the biggest and most colourful head pieces are more attractive to the females.
They have a huge 2 meter wing span, long avian legs, a feathery scale covered body and feeds on insects and small fish. The Great Crested Bird can usually be spotted around the shallow shores of lakes and rivers.

Below are some experimental pieces helping me develop this creature...

I am finding that developing key areas of the creature helps me discover new ways of designing thus making my design process stronger,

Further Understanding

Today i have completed my Literature and Contextual Reviews for this first semester. The aim of my reviews was to discover how to make you, my audience believe my creatures could actually exist by creating verisimilitude (the appearance of truth).

I discovered the importance of anatomy and musculature in my designs and without a strong structural base its audience will start to doubt its existence. I also learnt to consider every little detail in a creatures design...
            What is its Purpose?
            How has its Evolved to Survive?
            How does it Hunt and Eat?
            What are the differences between the Males and Females?

All of the above are just a selection of factors to consider in the creature design process.

On top of all that, considering a players first reactions to a design...
Can the player approach and interact with the creature?
Should the player prepare for an attack? 
So the Psychology must also be taken into account.

The process of researching, reading, visiting places and writing these reviews have truly enhanced my knowledge and understanding of creature design, and bare all in mind when designing.

I have also added a new page to my Blog, Creature Sketches as i have previously said i have been working mainly in my sketch book recently and i have selected a few to share with you...

Take a look and enjoy!