03-07-2024 |10 Minute Drawing

Watch MJ draw Grand Beast of Air version 3 in this 10 minute drawing session.

#artist #mjmunoz #fantasy #monster #storyovereverything

What do you think of the results?

Look out for a 10 Minute Writing video next!

Watch the process below!

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Refining My Hybrid Insect Guardian’s Anatomy for Distinctive Visual Impact

Rewritten from transcript by Claude (https://www.anthropic.com)

In this 10-minute drawing session from February 7th, 2024, I dove back into the design process for my Air Guardian beast character. With a few workable concepts already sketched out, it was time to sharpen the creature’s defining features and silhouette.

The key to making any fantastical being feel believable is nailing down a cohesive anatomy. So I started by repositioning the guardian’s wings, ensuring the leathery bat appendages anchored the back while the feathered bird wings took prominence up front. This arrangement creates an interesting contrast of textures and motifs, hinting at the dualistic nature of my world’s protectors.

I also played with the beast’s body shape and proportions, moving away from the initial worm-like build. Instead, I experimented with concentrating the head and thorax into a bulbous central mass before tapering sharply into an elongated tail. Adding some feathered plumage to the tail tip provided a nice visual callback to the avian wings.

As I refined the guardian’s physique, I realized how important it was to differentiate its overall silhouette from my other elemental entities. Since I’m envisioning a more serpentine form for the fire guardian, I wanted to avoid any similarities that might muddle their roles. The air guardian needed to feel sleeker, more streamlined and dynamic in its outline.

Varying these core anatomical structures is crucial for crafting a memorable and balanced pantheon of protectors. Just like designing a team of superheroes or RPG classes, each guardian should fulfill a distinct visual archetype that telegraphs its unique abilities at a glance. And those visual touches help bring the lore of my fictional universe to life.

Of course, developing a compelling creature concept is an iterative process. Even within this short session, you can see how the lines and shapes evolve as I chase that perfect fusion of form and function. It’s all about trusting the journey and allowing yourself to explore tangents and mutations along the way.

I’m really happy with the personality and energy that shines through in this latest take on the air guardian. It feels more nimble and alert than its predecessors, poised to take flight at a moment’s notice. Those expressive details are what transform a flat drawing into a living, breathing character readers can connect with.

Do you have any favorite creature designs from books, films, or games that nail that marriage of aesthetics and mythology? I’d love to hear about the fantastical beasties that captured your imagination and why their designs resonate with you. Drop your picks in the comments and let’s geek out together!

And if you enjoyed this glimpse into my sketchbook and worldbuilding process, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more behind-the-scenes goodies. I’ll be sharing new artwork, writing tips, and story revelations every week as I chart the highs and lows of the creative journey. Let’s keep those artistic muscles flexed and imaginations humming!

Until next time, may your pencils stay sharp and your muses stay loquacious. And if all else fails, just keep sketching. You never know what wondrous beasts might emerge from the page.