Something about Swarm Keeper number 1 really does it for me. The heft of it really seems appropriate for the job, functional. The added weight around the arms is unique too, but not out of place if this girl handles swarms...and in a fantasy setting I can only assume they're killer, giant, magic, or mutated swarms. Best come prepared for those.
Also, dunno if it's too late to say, but I dig the horns on the left side wrangler. The idea of people associated with animals having clothing based on those animals resonates with me. Such as cowboys in leather, a hunter in fur, etc. Wearing the horns is like the next step up.
I'm going to rapid fire some ideas as they come to me because I'm too busy and distracted at work, but I'm desperate to comment.
Firstly, as the Fool commented, I think the bulkier designs are better. They seem to have more of an implication that the wearer (i.e. the Swarm Keeper) is physically removed from the swarm itself. I also think you should consider making some of the designs more asymmetrical. Right now they are all evenly balanced out, and while they look good, I think having the designs be either a bit lopsided or unbalanced would make them pop more. For example, consider falconers or other animal handlers that emphasize a dominant action in their trade with one of their arms.
As far as masks go, I don't entirely know the extent this character will be used, but I'm inclined to pick #2 because it gives you the most potential to convey the character's profession, but also allows the audience to see the Swarm Keeper's face, and therefore, emotions.
I know this all probably sounds a bit disjointed and schizophrenic, but I'm trying to fire these out when I can at work. More to come!
I appreciate the comments, I no longer feel like I'm working in a vacuum. I hear you on the asymmetry, mars. When I work on the three I'll move some stuff around. I still have one class to go ( A shape shifting, spirit conjuring one whos name I have not hammered down. ) so I'll try to keep a more asymmetrical mentality going into that.
I like the bulkyness of one, but the player needs to be able to climb and explore. I sorta worry about how something that bulky will come across, which is why I didn't go full on beesuit. She both needs to be just a bit limber, and to keep electric bugs out of her mouth.
Ok, thanks Rook. That info is good to know. With that in mind, here's some more thoughts and opinions:
I like #1. The trim, form-fit legs convey the action-adventure of run/climb/explore that functionally the player-character will need, while the top heavy nature still conveys bee-keeper. Honestly, I even like the over sized hood on #1 as well, but it could be paired down to something closer to #4 and still have the same visual appeal, me thinks. With the added bonus of neck articulation.
Barring that, the mask on #7 gives the character a nice impression of being immersed in the swarm, as though the character is not just a handler but part of the swarm itself, the swarm there by being an extension of the character.
I like the bracers (suspenders, whatevers!) on #1 because it gives it a utilitarian look, as though they are in place to keep the upper wardrobe in place during the action-adventure, as opposed to keeping a pair of trousers held up. I also really like the v-neck "crest" type form of #4 and really like the cross laced look on the clavicle of #6. The more the wardrobe shows it's functionality within its form, the more it appeals to me.
EDIT: Also, I loved Final Fantasy 9 as well, for what it's worth.
Yeah I like #1 for its top heavy bulkiness but I also like #5's design too. 5 doesn't scream beekeeper, so I think it would need more of a mask thing to sell it.
The other ones are rad too but they seemed more like future ninjas and alien fencers than beekeepers.
when I ran out of beekeeping reference I figured fencing was a good costume that was limber but had a face mask, so Im kinda happy the inspiration comes through. There is a little combat/exploration so looking a bit ninja like isnt an issue either, but I do want that essential feeling of a bee keeper.
I appreciate the feedback. right now Im leaning to 1, 5 and 6, but I'll be examining elements from all of them and trying to put something together.
I'll be doing some cleaning tonight, probably wont get to this till tomorrow, so pile the comments on and I'll stew on it.
Echoing the general sentiment that the bulkier designs are the most pleasant. 1 and 2 are really great. I also like the general design aesthetic of 3 but I'm not sure it seems quite as functional for the job itself. 1 is by far the bitchin'est.
#1 looks the most similar to what you are looking for.
#2 looks like a chinese butterfly catcher.
#3 looks like a super hero dr.
#4 looks like a fencer missing her sword.
#5 looks like a space swarmer thing with swarmer tech.
#6 looks like a female version of the guy from "dead space the game"
#7 looks like a insect haha.
#8 looks like shes ready to go underwater diving.
So I say 1, 5, and 7. I think it would be cool to have like insects floating about
behind what you draw
Are the character's appearances going to progress? I think #2 and #5 would be ideal for a character starting out, with progression towards #1, #4 and #6.
In #8, I see a diver. In #7, a grasshopper. In #3, an engineer or post-apoc character.
NappuccinoSurveyor of Things and StuffRegistered Userregular
edited February 2011
For the maggot arms, i would give a little bit of gap between the folds and her abdomen area- right now her silhouette is just kind of a blob with legs instead of girl with two giant protective sleeves.
I do, however, like the general design of the maggot arms the most.
For the maggot arms, i would give a little bit of gap between the folds and her abdomen area- right now her silhouette is just kind of a blob with legs instead of girl with two giant protective sleeves.
Thats mostly what I like about it. I've always like the look of bigger torso's with small/thin/short legs. Gives even serious designs/characters a slightly lighthearted appeal.
I think the hat with the simple face veil reads more bee keeper to me than all the others on no. 2, but I'm also with the no. 1 crowd for silhouette. I'd combine the hat from 2 on No. 1 and see how that fairs.
I think they're pretty cool, but I think you could push the interest of the silhouette a little harder. You've got variation, but (as an example) in the helmets, I think there's a lot of room for playing around with the shape, and making it more interesting...pushing the variations and "flow" of the outline. Giving it weight and movement.
Same thing for the legs and poofy arm cloth...kinda tubey, overall...I think you can push the character of the shapes a little more and make the silhouette more visually interesting.
By go crazy, I meant not really. The shifter is kinda naked be design, because she pretty much can turn into an idol or call on spectral protection willy-nilly. Because of the variety of types of idols, her base form shouldn't be very animal specific, just kinda tribal. I didnt really think about it when I was talking the talk. I will be making the idols soon, and those will be crazy. Like. Hog wild. Promise.
I did black out the two swarm dudes i plan to use, I like the basic shape alot so I didn't really do much to it. It helps me see how to better smooth it out though.
5, 6, 7/8 for the preist shifter. They've got a lot of character that reads supernatural/natural. though 7 and 8 are pretty similar, maybe try to combine some of the tribal markings with the fur? I love the glowing orb stuff from 5
2 has a good silhouette. I love the shapes protruding from it, but the costume looks very plain imo
Thanks for the feedback. I started on some silhouettes today but wasnt feeling it. I ended up playing with more soft brushes instead. The colors on this one didn't compress so hot, I'll fix that purple smudge in the morning
When I get back to the shifters, I think I'll be working mostly with 3, 7 and 8. Maybe steal some touches from the others.
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Also, dunno if it's too late to say, but I dig the horns on the left side wrangler. The idea of people associated with animals having clothing based on those animals resonates with me. Such as cowboys in leather, a hunter in fur, etc. Wearing the horns is like the next step up.
Always inspired by your stuff, keep at it Iruka.
Firstly, as the Fool commented, I think the bulkier designs are better. They seem to have more of an implication that the wearer (i.e. the Swarm Keeper) is physically removed from the swarm itself. I also think you should consider making some of the designs more asymmetrical. Right now they are all evenly balanced out, and while they look good, I think having the designs be either a bit lopsided or unbalanced would make them pop more. For example, consider falconers or other animal handlers that emphasize a dominant action in their trade with one of their arms.
As far as masks go, I don't entirely know the extent this character will be used, but I'm inclined to pick #2 because it gives you the most potential to convey the character's profession, but also allows the audience to see the Swarm Keeper's face, and therefore, emotions.
I know this all probably sounds a bit disjointed and schizophrenic, but I'm trying to fire these out when I can at work. More to come!
Good stuff though. try more thumbnails.
artistjeffc.tumblr.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/artistjeffc
I like the bulkyness of one, but the player needs to be able to climb and explore. I sorta worry about how something that bulky will come across, which is why I didn't go full on beesuit. She both needs to be just a bit limber, and to keep electric bugs out of her mouth.
I like #1. The trim, form-fit legs convey the action-adventure of run/climb/explore that functionally the player-character will need, while the top heavy nature still conveys bee-keeper. Honestly, I even like the over sized hood on #1 as well, but it could be paired down to something closer to #4 and still have the same visual appeal, me thinks. With the added bonus of neck articulation.
Barring that, the mask on #7 gives the character a nice impression of being immersed in the swarm, as though the character is not just a handler but part of the swarm itself, the swarm there by being an extension of the character.
I like the bracers (suspenders, whatevers!) on #1 because it gives it a utilitarian look, as though they are in place to keep the upper wardrobe in place during the action-adventure, as opposed to keeping a pair of trousers held up. I also really like the v-neck "crest" type form of #4 and really like the cross laced look on the clavicle of #6. The more the wardrobe shows it's functionality within its form, the more it appeals to me.
EDIT: Also, I loved Final Fantasy 9 as well, for what it's worth.
The other ones are rad too but they seemed more like future ninjas and alien fencers than beekeepers.
INSTAGRAM
I appreciate the feedback. right now Im leaning to 1, 5 and 6, but I'll be examining elements from all of them and trying to put something together.
I'll be doing some cleaning tonight, probably wont get to this till tomorrow, so pile the comments on and I'll stew on it.
I 6
It doesn't really sell the beekeeper design, but I think it looks badass. Kind of reminds me of a renaissance Dead Space
#2 looks like a chinese butterfly catcher.
#3 looks like a super hero dr.
#4 looks like a fencer missing her sword.
#5 looks like a space swarmer thing with swarmer tech.
#6 looks like a female version of the guy from "dead space the game"
#7 looks like a insect haha.
#8 looks like shes ready to go underwater diving.
So I say 1, 5, and 7. I think it would be cool to have like insects floating about
behind what you draw
You mean "Maggot arms ARE growing on me."
EWWW!!!!! O_o
Also, I like #3
The big sleeves (or maggots?) really sell the whole bee person thing
In #8, I see a diver. In #7, a grasshopper. In #3, an engineer or post-apoc character.
Also, #5!
Edit: (Is my favorite)
I do, however, like the general design of the maggot arms the most.
Thats mostly what I like about it. I've always like the look of bigger torso's with small/thin/short legs. Gives even serious designs/characters a slightly lighthearted appeal.
Also I see all three of these latest characters as bee-keepers. Which actually has a lot of potential for a really cool character concept.
if just to understand what all these things are
(that is an MSPA, or at least MSPA-style character, right?)
I would get cracking. If you started today, homestuck would take you 2 weeks of nonstop reading to catch up. Thats what It took me 2 months ago.
And OMFG is it good.
BTW Iruka. IDK wtf is going on with that clown right now, I don't remember anything about pie. I'm with karkat, he's fuckin creepy...
But that picture is perfect. Creepy and the colors : o)
I think my only problem with it is that his elbows are implausibly low honk
(#1 and #Maggotarms are coming along pretty nicely!)
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Same thing for the legs and poofy arm cloth...kinda tubey, overall...I think you can push the character of the shapes a little more and make the silhouette more visually interesting.
The priest shapeshifter....prestishifter, I'll try to go crazy with.
I did black out the two swarm dudes i plan to use, I like the basic shape alot so I didn't really do much to it. It helps me see how to better smooth it out though.
2 has a good silhouette. I love the shapes protruding from it, but the costume looks very plain imo
Good: 0, 3, 4
Better: 2, 1, 7
Best: 8, 6, 5
I think 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 seem more African-themed, and 0, 1, 3, 4 are more Aztec / Mayan-themed. They all look interesting.
When I get back to the shifters, I think I'll be working mostly with 3, 7 and 8. Maybe steal some touches from the others.