Jan '20
1

As a Virgo, I gravitate towards the earth elements. Seeing so many amazing earth characters from other artists, I considered making a character made of stone or trees, one that uses brute force and would be considered the “tank” player in a video game. But brute isn’t really me, which is why I’m choosing to design a character inspired by plants, flowers, and butterflies. The basis of my idea comes from the nymphs of Greek mythology, specifically, the Anthousai, nymphs of flowers.

One concern that I have is that flowers, plants, and butterflies are often depicted as delicate and easily damaged. So I am challenging myself to create a nymph that is delicate, whimsical, and mystical, but also powerful, intimidating, and epic-looking when she is is defending nature. Inspired by pinks, purples, and green, I put together this mood board (I am not claiming any of these pictures as my own). I don’t have a name for her yet, but I will share my list of names that I’m considering in my next post.

Please feel free to share any suggestions for names, powers, weapon, etc. Any constructive criticism as I progress is greatly appreciated!

Jan '20

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Typically when I do illustrations, I rarely sketch out ideas and make thumbnails. I usually produce my final illustration without planning. This is something I want to steer away from because I know how useful sketching and thumbnailing is. I am using this competition as an opportunity to learn different methods of producing a piece. With that being said, these are the initial (and very rough) sketches of my character.

With these designs, I find that she came out looking a bit fun, cute, and maybe quirky. That’s fine and all, but I want to push myself to draw a powerful and wise woman, not so much a cute, little girl. Maybe the flower bud on her head makes her feel shorter or more bubbly? I think I will explore more ideas with a flower crown and a sleeker dress to make her look taller and more poised.

I haven’t thought about a weapon much, but I think a staff would be fitting.

Suggestions are always appreciated!

Jan '20

I’ve briefly worked on some clothing designs. They’re not too detailed, but just to see basic shapes.

So far, I’m leaning towards designs 2, 3, and 5. I definitely want her to have a flower crown, but I’m not sure if to use a whole flower bud, like in 3 and 6, or many flowers put together, like in 2. I love the look of the long skirts in 2 and 3. Thoughts?

cedricgoModerator
Jan '20

I really like 3 and 5. I'm not sure about the crown though. I think both styles could work :smile:

As for her weapon, I think a staff would work, especially if you can incorporate some sort of floral or butterfly elements.

I look forward to see how your concept evolves. It should be really nice :smile:

Jan '20

Thank you! I am not sure about the crown in 3 and 6 either, if that’s the crown you’re referring to. I would like her to have some type of headpiece though, since it makes her seem taller or simply in a higher position. I definitely want to incorporate flower and butterfly elements into the staff :smile:

Feb '20

This might not be the final design before I start on her illustration, but I am enjoying the direction it is headed in. This might look scribbled, but I wanted to express how busy I want her clothing to be with many butterflies, flowers, and vines on her. As for her headpiece, I’m exploring the look of one large flower on the side of her head instead of a flower crown (I think I prefer the look of a flower crown as seen on #2 on my earlier image. She looks more like a leader this way).

As the comment says on the picture, I am considering making her feet and hands slightly green and possibly illustrate her making plants grow on the ground that she steps on. I like the idea of having her reconstruct a damaged environment. As always, your suggestions are appreciated!

Feb '20
1

I think I have finally chosen a design that I am happy about. I’ve chosen to go with a flower crown and made the first design of her staff. I’m still exploring the idea of making her feet and hands with a green tint.

I’m thinking a lot about her personality and motivations to figure out how I want to showcase her powers in the final illustration. As for names, I’ve compiled a list of floral names that I like, but I am having trouble choosing. Here’s the list:

Amaryllis
Azelea
Begonia
Chrysanthemum
Dahlila
Gardenia
Hydrangea
Iris
Magnolia
Marigold
Poppy
Peony
Paeonia
Petunia
Primrose
Rosalia
Sage
Zinnia
Zenia

Some names I do not want to use are Jasmine, Lily, Rose, and Ivy since those names are rather common and/or already used for famous characters.

Let me know which names appeal the most to you, or if you have your own suggestions to share!

Feb '20
1

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I’ve started a sketch for the final illustration. I will continue to tweak the composition until I’m fully happy with it. I was thinking of drawing an enemy on the ground in front of her on the bottom right of the screen, maybe tied up in vines. More important than that, I want to figure out other ways of making her seem a little more dynamic. Maybe that will show through more when I add color and some type of energy surrounding her and the staff.

I post progress updates on my Instagram story pretty regularly. I welcome you to follow me @artofaleza to check them out!

Feb '20

I quite like Iris or Rosalia but I think to reflect any of these names it would be nice to include that flower on her person too!

Feb '20

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Thus far, the changes are minor. I have fixed the angle and perspective of the arm and hand that is holding the staff, as well as changed the design of the staff. As someone pointed out to me, the previous version of the staff did not read well and something like this is more fitting for her. Still undecided on a name but I that’s definitely not the priority. I’ll be getting started on colors and updating more often throughout the next day.

Constructive criticism always welcomed

Feb '20

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I’ve added my first base of colors, which so far I’m feeling pretty confident about. Of course, I still have much to work on. I may not keep her hair white; what color do you think will look good for her hair? I’m also showing a color palette I put together from colors in my mood board so that I have an idea which ones to use in the piece.

Feb '20

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She is complete. I have officially chosen the name Paeonia, for her clothing is inspired by peonies. Inspired by Greek mythology, Paeonia is a nymph of the forest and flora. While flowers are often portrayed as delicate, Paeonia is quite fierce, especially when it comes to fighting alongside other members of the Earth faction to protect her domain. With mana that she absorbs from plant life, she can heal fellow faction members while fighting in the War of the Elements. She also has the power to make plant life grow from land that is barren. I wanted this character to address an issue we see in real life: deforestation. As many of us know, the act of excessively cutting down trees causes severe repercussions to the environment. To me, the ability to care for nature is crucial in order to have thriving ecosystems.

I want to thank my professors, friends, and family for the feedback on this piece. I was very close to giving up multiple times, but I am happy to see it completed and submitted on time!