Illustration & Visual Narrative - Project 1

Chan Qian Hui 0334447
Illustration & Visual Narrative
Project 1 - Vormator Challenge

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VORMATOR CHALLENGE

For our project 1, we were tasked to do a vormator challenge, which is using the shapes given and create our own character. However, the rules are we are not allowed to distort or cut the shape, we are only allowed to change the size or rotate the shapes only.

First, we start by tracing the shapes given out by Mr Hafiz. 

Fig 1.0 Template of vormator shapes

Fig 1.1 Traced shapes

First character design :

I wanted to go for a samurai theme initially for my vormator character. I wanted to mix samurai with a skeleton structure so it seems interesting. I created a spine using the shapes but I wasn't able to create a proper legs for the character thus it looks uncomplete, thus I decided to further improve the character.

Fig 2.0 outline of shapes used in first character

Fig 2.1 Vormator challenge first character 

Second character design :

I tried to focus on the spine structure as the main focus of the character. But I ended up with a snake-like looking character and the overall structure and shape of character is really odd looking. I couldn't tell what kind or type the character was and the balance of the character is really weird too, so I decided to redo my character.
 

Fig 3.0 Outline of shapes used in first character

Fig 3.1 Second Vormator character 

Third Vormator Character :

For my third vormator character, I decided to focus on the overall balance of the character. I tried to balance out the weight of the bow and the weight of the character by having a larger body for the character and four short legs to increase the center of weight. 

I maintained the structure of the spine as the arm to the bow and attached it to the character so it looks like it's the tail of the character. The overall structure was inspired by a scorpion with a flat and large body and a huge long and sharp tail.

Fig 4.0 outline of shape used for third character

Fig 4.1 Third vormator character (plain colour)

I also applied shadow to my character from what I learned in class. 

Fig 4.2 Third vormator character (with shadow)

However, I realized my character does not really have it's own type and I couldn't tell what is the rough size of the character. Although visually it looks nice, but the concept looks confusing to me.

Final Vormator Character :

This time for my character design, I decided to do a proper research and ensure that all the characteristics and type for my character is done first before I move on to designing the character. This ensure my character to have a proper type and design it's structure which suits it's type.

Animal species :

I start by researching for an animal which is the base for my character. I chose a fox because I really like the structure of a fox with a small body and a large tail, this gives the character a cute yet strong look because fox are known as predators. I chose the pokemon Vulprix as my reference character. 

Fig 5.0 Reference picture of Vulprix

Element Type : 

After knowing the base animal for my character design, I move on to choosing an element type for my character. Since my character is a fox, I wish to give it an Ice Element. I really like ice type because I think ice typed characters are really elegant yet powerful. I also love the colour schemes of ice typed characters, which consist of blue, grey, white. 

Fig 5.1 Colour palette of ice

Key elements of my character :

After knowing what I want for my character, I list down a few key elements which I wish to include in my character.

1. A small body and large tail : I wanted to give my character a small body, in order to show that, I will create a large tail and a big head for my character which contrasts the small body and legs of my character. 

I wish the tail is big enough so that it can cover my character as it will be in a cold environment since it's ice typed.

Fig 5.2 winter fox as reference

2. Neck Wrap : I was thinking how can my character protect it's body in the harsh cold environment, and I thought of a fur neck wrap. So I decided to add a neck wrap to my character which give it a elegant look and also suits the ice element since it needs to protect it's body from the cold environment.

Fig 5.3 fur neck wrap

Design Process of final vormator character :

Fig 5.4 outline of shapes used in Final Vormator Character

I used a silhouette to check on the key elements of my character. In this way I can ensure my character is unique and recognizable just with it's silhouette. I was also able to recognize it's key elements which are : 

- large tail

- horn

- big head

- small body and legs

Fig 5.5 Silhouette of final character

Fig 5.6 Final Vormator Character (solid colour)

Adding shadow to character : 

Final 5.7 Final Vormator Character (with shadow)

Final 5.7 Final Vormator Character (adjusted shadow)

Adding texture :

I realized that ice typed pokemons have shiny element to it. 

Fig 5.8 Pokemon reference

Fig 5.9 Pokemon reference

Thus, I decided to apply a marble texture to my character's neck wrap and tail to enhance the ice element.

Fig 5.10 Marble texture

Besides that, pokemons also have a distinctive shape/pattern detail on it's body. This adds details and refines the character.

Fig 5.11 Pokemon reference

So I added a few details to my character on it's legs and it's neck wrap.

Fig 5.12 Outline of shapes used in Final Vormator Character

Fig 5.13 Final Vormator Character

Printed outcome of character :

I used Acrylic for my character since it's ice typed and so I think the acrylic suits the character better. I made a keychain and a stand but the colours came out slightly different. The tails are supposed to be grey but the outcome was green.

Fig 5.14 Keychain of Final Vormator Character

Fig 5.14 Stand of Final Vormator Character