03-08-2024 |10 Minute Drawing

Watch MJ draw Grand Beast of Air version 4 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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Iterating on My Air Guardian’s Anatomy for Striking Visual Impact

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

In this 10-minute drawing session from March 9th, 2024, I continue refining the design for my Air Guardian beast character. Building on the foundation of previous sketches, I’m honing in on the creature’s defining features and overall silhouette to create a memorable and impactful concept.

One of the key changes in this iteration is experimenting with the guardian’s leg structure. I decided to borrow elements from my Grow Bug character designs, giving the Air Guardian an insectoid lower half. This fusion of avian, mammalian, and bug-like anatomy reinforces the chimeric nature of my world’s fantastical protectors.

I also played with the guardian’s head shape, taking inspiration from the sleek, angular lines of a woodpecker. The elongated, almost arrow-like beak adds a sense of aerodynamic grace befitting an air-based entity. Coupled with oversized, dark bug eyes, these details give the guardian an alien yet expressive quality.

Another area of exploration was the wing arrangement. In previous sketches, I had the leathery bat wings and feathered bird wings positioned front to back. Here, I tried folding the bird-like wings against the guardian’s bulbous body while extending the bat wings upward. It’s an unconventional anatomy that I’m still working to reconcile, but I believe it has potential to create a striking visual contrast.

Creature design is all about iteration and experimentation. Each sketch is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what feels possible within your fictional universe. By mixing and matching real-world animal features in unexpected ways, you can arrive at something truly unique and captivating.

Of course, the process is never quite finished. Even as I refine this guardian’s look, I know there will be further adjustments and explorations down the line. The key is staying open to new ideas and allowing yourself the freedom to play on the page. You never know what happy accidents or breakthroughs might emerge from a willingness to try different combinations.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue developing this Air Guardian and its elemental counterparts. Designing a diverse pantheon of creatures, each with its own distinctive silhouette and anatomical quirks, is an invigorating challenge. The goal is to create a memorable cast of characters that feel both cohesive and complementary within the larger mythos of the story world.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this guardian’s evolving design! What aspects are resonating with you so far? Do you have any favorite examples of creature designs from books, films, or games that successfully blend different animal traits? Share your insights and inspirations in the comments below – I’m always eager to geek out about the craft of creature creation!

If you enjoyed this peek into my sketchbook, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more behind-the-scenes goodies. I’ll be sharing new artwork, worldbuilding tips, and musings on the creative process every week. Let’s keep those artistic muscles limber and imaginations soaring together!

Until next time, happy sketching and dreaming! Remember, every doodle is a doorway to a new discovery. So grab your pencils, embrace the possibilities, and let’s see what fantastical beasts we can bring to life.