Character Designs for a Game: Part Four, The Minotaur

Here's the final design of the four characters I made for Steve Radabaugh's game, Dungeon Marauders: The Minotaur.

The final colored design of the Minotaur submitted for Dungeon Marauders

Of the four designs, the Minotaur was the one that needed the most changes. When I first did rough sketches, I was looking for the Minotaur to be different than the typical version we all know. So I made its face more beastly; like the main character from "Beauty and the Beast". And again, like the Ogre, I wanted to play around with a very top-heavy character with tiny legs. I sent the roughs to Steve for comments.

Quick concept pencil rough sketches of the Minotaur -- Trying to get a new look

This is where an outside critique really helps. As the designer who is constantly looking at the work, you sometimes lose focus and the perception of how others see your work. I didn't see what was wrong until Steve pointed it out. 

Tightened pencil sketch of the Minotaur which was off target . . . 

Steve felt that the sketch was off, especially around the face. While I was trying to be different, I was subconsciously omitting one of the most important features of a Minotaur . . . it's bull-like facial features.

 . . . The final pencil sketch with greatly improved Minotaur bullhead features!

Once the face was altered to be more bull-like . . . it seemed to all come together instantly. There was no question this was now a Minotaur!

The Minotaur design is seen with a drop shadow on a dark background

As Steve continues to develop his game, I hope to share his progress here with future posts about Dungeon Marauders.
Those interested can view the game's progress from his blog at www.radicalbomb.com
or look him up on Google+ at www.google.com/+SteveRadabaugh

Character Designs for a Game: Part Three, The Troll

Today's design is the Troll, which I have to admit is a complex creature because there are so many different versions in many world cultures. 

The full-color image on dark background with drop shadowing

Some are giants, while others are human size . . . Or they are long-haired, naked, googly-eyed imps as in the popular 70's dolls (which were re-popularized in the '90s.)
In D+D and fantasy games, they are often twice human size, slow-witted and regenerating menaces. Or, as in my Mother-in-Law's Icelandic traditions, they are 13 dwarf-looking brothers, who each take turns invading homes on the 13 days of Christmas. Some of the most annoying Trolls . . . are Internet Trolls. 

The many types of Trolls throughout the world

Some live under bridges, others live in the mountains, or as in World of Warcraft they are a dispersed race that has reggae accents. Some even turn into stone because they see sunlight.

But generally, there's one thing in common: they are ugly creatures.

Since this Troll is a role-playing game, I naturally had to focus on creating a more classic D+D gaming version . . . but keep it unique and original from all the others.

A few rough pencils sketches, which help me to explore, finding some unique (but recognizable) character features.

It was also important to keep this character different enough from the other 3 characters I was making for the game. As I previously mentioned, several of these creatures are interchangeable, where you may think a Troll might look more like an Ogre, Giant, or Orc than a Troll. Hopefully, with the main character features, props, and coloring, each of these designs will generally represent their legendary gaming creature.

The original pencil sketch of the Troll

Once I had the design cleaned and tightened, I decided to make a few color comps for the Troll's coloring using markers. The Troll was the only design of the four that I did a marker comp; I wanted to see how the coloring would affect the character. I gave Steve four color options, and again, he picked the same one I preferred . . . The yellow-green version.

Quick color comps I did with markers. Only one image was rendered on paper; then that was scanned into Photoshop, where the hues of the skin/hair were altered to create 3 more variations of color.

To help suggest the Troll's massive size, I gave him a heavy wooden club the size of a tree trunk.

The inked version of the Troll with his tree trunk sized club

 I still feel this character could easily play the part of an Orc, Ogre or Giant . . . But when comparing this to the other designs - hopefully, the traits of a Troll will be more apparent.

Character Designs for a Game: Part Two, The Ogre

Today's design is the Ogre, those big lazy bullies of the fantasy universe.

The full-color version of the Ogre on a dark background

I really wanted the Ogre to have a heavy-looking body -- yet make him appear strong and threatening. To add a little twist, I give him very tiny legs to hold that entire mass.

I think Ogres are better without too much gear, showing more flesh -- so I kept everything about this design very minimal. I focus on his body shape and bulkiness, giving him only a few shreds of clothing and an old battered sword that has seen better days. 

In the original sketch, sans sword, the Ogre appears taller.

The height was reduced to better fit the square area of the game card.

Just like the characters' sketches, I created several drawings of the weapons. These were then added to each of the character sketches in Photoshop. I find it easier to draw and design articles like this separately from the character. Designing items this way allows more focus to detail without having to worry about composition and balance.

The pencil sketches of weapons for each of the creatures

Also not wanting to make all the creatures in a tone of green, I gave Steve several color options for the Ogre. He picked the one I liked too . . . the flesh tone version. 

Take that Shrek . . . in your face!!

Several color options of the Ogre

Character Designs for a Game: Part One, The Goblin

Final image cleaned, slightly lightened and placed on transparent background

Awhile ago, during the holiday break, my friend Steve Radabaugh asked if I was interested in doing a few images for his upcoming Dungeon game. Since I've been trying to hone my work and do daily sketches of different characters each day - this was a perfect assignment. (Also, it's something I really enjoy doing - making monsters and creatures!) So over the weekends I started doodling to create some unique versions of classic creatures for his game.

Steve gave me a choice of many standard D+D creatures to pick from. I instantly wanted to do bulky and huge characters, since I thought I could have more fun giving them odd shapes and faces. I picked the Minotaur, Troll and Ogre. I also had to do the Goblin; just so many fun ways to draw these nasty little guys. 

Original pencil sketch of the Goblin sans his weapon

The thing I find interesting about Ogres, Trolls and Goblins is that they are very similar in many ways and are all portrayed in many unique styles and looks. Yet, I don't think there is an absolute definitive look of a Goblin, Ogre or Troll. If you Google each, you'll find very similar looks crossing between the three - where some images it can be any one of the three.) So my first challenge was to define what each one was to me.

Inked version of the Goblin now seen with his weapon

The most obvious . . . there is a definite size difference between the three.
Also, Goblins tend to be smarter, Ogres not smart and Trolls tend to drool on everything.

Goblins seem to be more spry. They make, steal and use tools/gadgets.
So I thought my drawing of the goblin should seem more rogue-like.

Color version of the Goblin using a limited palette of colors for a more graphic look

I'll be posting more of this work during the week, showing each of the four characters.

Tomorrow, part two: The Ogre

Inktober 2017 • day 16 • Minya (aka Godzilla Jr.)

Inktober 2017: Day16
Minya (aka Baby Godzilla or Godzilla Jr.)

I always thought Minya was a strange looking monster. He had to be one of the worst creatures made in the early Godzilla movies. But with this character's introduction came so many questions about Godzilla. Was Godzilla the father or mother? Did Godzilla have a mate? Were there other children?
But the strangest thing about the character was its weapon: the smoke rings. They hardly seemed to do any damage at all. Seemed more annoying than harmful. Makes one wonder how he learned to make smoke rings, right?

#Inktober Day 16: Minya practicing how to make smoke rings

Inktober 2017 • day 15 • Were-Cow

Inktober 2017:
Day15 Were-Cow

This cow survived a werewolf attack; As soon as it was bitten, the werewolf realized he was a vegan. I'd imagine the horrible milk this cow would produce since it's diet is probably no longer vegan. It would be close to blood pudding I bet. Oh, and good luck milking this cow.

#Inktober Day 15: Scanned version of the Were-Cow ink drawing.

Side Note: After scanning, I altered the placement of the lettering from above and set it below the character instead. Better this way, IMHO.

Inktober 2017 • day 14 • Da Batman

Inktober 2017: Day14
The Batman gearing for action

Would be weird to not do at least one Batman image for Inktober. This one is based on a sketch I did while in Iceland. I gave that original drawing to a family member while there, so I thought I'd do another version of that picture for Inktober 2017. (Hope you don't mind, Victor!)

#Inktober Day 14: Batman is ready for battle with his trusty little Batarang

Inktober 2017 • day 13 • Lumpy Bumpy

Inktober 2017: Day13
The Lumpy Bumpy Monster

When pressed for time, but you still want to do a daily image for Inktober -- go with what you know. I've been drawing this character for decades now, so it is easy for me to quickly sketch one of my oldest characters, Lumpy Bumpy Monster.

Inktober Day #13: My old reliable character, the Lumpy Bumpy Monster

Inktober 2017 • day 12 • The Pumpkinhead Kid

Inktober 2017: Day12
The Pumpkinhead Kid
I've created a rough draft of a picture book story featuring this character. This is the 6th Halloween picturebook story I have written. I think I'm obsessed with Halloween!

Inked version of the Pumpkinhead Kid

I was so busy around the time I was drawing this character. I didn't have time to post it and I left it laying on the scanner. It was weeks before I realized I never finished posting the drawing.
This is the one that almost got away . . .

Original pencil sketch

Inktober 2017 • day 11 • Halloween Broom Ride

Inktober 2017: Day11
Halloween Broom Ride
Okay, so Inktober is over, but the work for this blog is not. Most of my images were sent daily to Instagram this year. Due to my workload and how time-consuming posting to this blog has become - updating here had to take a back seat.

#Inktober Day 11: Little witch getting ready for Trick or Treating on Halloween

Inktober 2017 • day 10 • Deadie Bear

Inktober 2017: Day10
Deadie Bear
Did a similar character last year for a Trick or Treat Bag, (no one purchased the design.)
For this image, I thought of playing around doing sketchy lines. Actually, after finishing the image, I added even more scratchy lines to make have a rougher edge.

#Inktober Day 10: Awww, Deadie Bear is coming to you for a hug . . . 

Inktober 2017 • day 9 • Vampire's First Flight

Inktober 2017: Day9
Vampire's First Flight
I wonder how vampires learn how to transform and fly as bats. Is it similar to a baby bird?

#Inktober Day 9: Do vampires take a leap of faith to learn how to fly?