Dart Bullet Gun-encyclopedia page

The dart bullet gun and ammo were originally two separate things; the gun being a very old sketch from a purse notebook which I included in my Bionicle sketch dump, and the dart bullets were a concept sketch inspired off the red bullets that came in the Mahri guns. 

The bullets were the main concept. What inspired me to sketch them as automatic syringe like things? It's because during role play I would use the bullets as syringes or darts, seeing they stick and stay so easily in the peg holes of the figurines. That then led to the idea of them being shot out from a gun like a tranquilizer dart (as it's displayed in the lower right corner in the above image).

The gun sketch was an after thought. I sketched the gun and it remained a random weapon concept for a long time. It's not till after I included this sketch in my sketch dump and went through other old sketches like the dart bullets that I found these two random concepts could easily fit together. I figured why not? So I enlarged the gun sketch, slapped on some color, and suddenly it all came together.

I like the look of encyclopedia type pages, they're like a blog post that can be put anywhere. And so, the gun and bullets now have their own small trivia page, complete with example usage photo.

 I've included the sketch dump here. The gun near the center of the page is the dart gun before coloring. (Amazing what a little color does eh?). Right is the bullet dart sketch before tweaks and text.

A little more on that example usage photo in the corner of the trivia page. I set up a place for photo shoot and made the scene. Above is the original, raw image before adjustments.

I took pictures from several angles to experiment, and I always like having extras which tend to turn into their own project. That's right, I'll be posting some illustrations I made with the other two angles of this photo scene, so stay tuned.

Bionicle Sketch Dump

It's true, this is technically the first sketch dump I've actually posted; and yeah, I compiled random sketches of Bionicle related stuff to one spot. 

Some of the sketches in the lower left corner are actually draft images for actual illustrations, one of which I haven't actually posted yet. Other random sketches around the page are all from different years, some of them done in pen. It's sort of just random stuff I use to do, everything from anonymous character ideas to weapons, rahi, and masks of both OC and canon figures like Tahu Mistika.

It feels like I've been spending an eternity holding back my work because I want it to be complete and colorful before I set it out there, but sometimes a sneak peek at the world of sketches can be just as fascinating as the final product, and I'm just now telling myself to try it head on, even if the little cynic in the back of my head says not to. This is coming from my own experience and view on sketches of other artists. Seeing sketch dumps of other artists actually interests me in a way that the final illustration can't. It's that moment of being able to see the gears and concepts, the stuff that goes into art, the ideas which may or may not make it to the "finished" stage of work.

Other artists sketch dumps (such as Kaiba Gal's on DA) have inspired me to share one of my own; and sure it may be like a spoiler to what may or may not be done, but hey, some like spoilers right? :D

I'm planning on taking some of the sketches shown and either making them into illustrations or compiling them onto a different page at some point. I don't really plan on redrawing any of these sketches into final products so much as I may use the sketches directly and just add some color to them. There are plenty more sketch pieces in my files that haven't been shown, but you'll probably be seeing them in the future in both their traditional stage, and newly colored stage.

Fire and Jungle Agori

 Sort of a series I have going on with pen sketches of 2009 done around the same time. These two Agori are some of the few Agori designs I've done (sadly they too have part of their feet not shown....). 

I've always imagined these two as being fire and jungle types, so that's the color scheme I went with, then added them to a rocky desert scene, since after all, Bara Magna was a desert land for the most part.

There could be any one particular story behind this sketch. I'm not sure what's happening in the scene, but I know the fire Agori is speaking about something, his jungle friend patiently waiting and being a watchful guardian.

Strait color on the left and original sketch on the right.

Tarisa-Tarix Inspired Sketch

Tarisa, another pen sketch from 2009, inspired from Tarix's design. 

I added her to a nice watery scene (right), but her pose seemed so stiff and hieroglyphic that it felt like she needed something to balance that factor out. That's why I added a flowing blue cloth she holds in her hands. I figure Tarisa likes to practice movement in water with the factor of drag as part of strength training. 

The original pen sketch (right), colored version (left). Before I added color to the piece, I assumed this sketch must be a male character, but after adding color and detail, I noticed it looked much more feminine, especially the small middle, so I named her Tarisa, a female based off of Tarix.

Fem Skrall Skaliska

 Fem Skrall, a Queen Skaliska concept design, pen sketch from 2009 now colored and backdropped.

Skaliska is a villain from the Life of Lewa series, a very evil witch, second worst baddy in the story. The cape is to add to her whole royally evil queen look, also based off the clothing the MOC wears.

 Original pen sketch on the left, colored version right. The pen sketch was based off her MOC, but not exact to her. A redraw of Skaliska may be in order some time in the future.

Final piece with color and cape, minus background. She's so creepy, I love it. :D

Puzzled Lewa

Nothing like some black outline and color to an old sketch which dates back to  at least 2011. "Puzzled Lewa", kind of debated on what to do with the sketch, put off coloring it till a day ago and am happy with the results.

I should try this style more often, has an odd charm I like. And those added details, mm....I love double shades on one my favorite characters.

Why is Lewa puzzled? I remember when I sketched this, a concept came to mind that still makes me chuckle; I was doing this without much care, and as I drew I saw Pearllight smirking and looking up at Lewa saying, "Hey Lewa, ever wonder why your feet look like giant gray slippers?" That's why he has that puzzled face. :P

Sometime I may make a full scene of that day dream, and use this existing image to complete it.

Flame's History Share

 Flame's History Share, a scene for LOL chapter 11, "When Cultures Collide". I did my mini photo shoot as usual and got the base shot (above), and a close up (below).

This close up may be the official picture for my chapter. I like the angle of it which shows the engagement between characters, Lewa and Venimbus listening with interest while Flame tells them history and his story on how he became Lewa's buddy.