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?

Inktober 2017 • day 8 • Little Witch

Inktober 2017: Day #8
Little Witch . . . 'Nuff said!

#Inktober Day 8: Cute Little Witch

Inktober 2017 • day 7 • Helium Ghosts

Inktober 2017: Day #7
Ever wonder what would happen if ghosts played around with helium?

#Inktober Day 6: Ghosts discover helium

Found a harder tipped version of my favorite Tombow brush pen (WS-BH 150).
I find it's better for my heavy hand, allowing me to add more pressure to get the line thickness I want. This allows me to draw thinner lines than if I used the soft tipped version (WS-BS 150). Because of this, it feels more comfortable. Overall, I think it produces a cleaner image, allowing me to add more lines and detail.

UPDATE: Inktober 2017 • day 6 • Pumpkin King

UPDATE: Decided to do a complete inked version of #inktober day 6's sketchy gel pen image of the Pumpkin King.

Updated version of the gel pen sketch using brush pen and markers

Inktober 2017: Day #6
Greetings from the Pumpkin King!
Did a very sketchy drawing this time using two gel pens instead of the brush pen.

#Inktober Day 6: The jolly ol' Pumpkin King!

Inktober 2017 • day 5 • Zombie Canary

Inktober 2017: Day #5
The not much discussed, but just as dangerous: Zombie Canary!
We worry about big wild beasts becoming zombies; I think I'm more fearful of the little cute things becoming zombies. #watchoutthereisazombiecanarybehindyou

#Inktober Day 5: I thought I smelt a Zombie Canary. I did! I did!

Inktober 2017 • day 4 • Uncle Skullipus (Underwater)

#Inktober: In 2009, Jake Parker created Inktober, where every October, artists everywhere draw one ink drawing per day for the entire month.

#Inktober Day 4: Uncle Skullipus kicking back with a can of suds