Bit Blot Forum

Aquaria => General => Topic started by: Derek on December 01, 2007, 09:16:31 pm

Title: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Derek on December 01, 2007, 09:16:31 pm
These are the steps I went through to produce the image of Nautilus Prime and Naija on the front page (http://www.bit-blot.com/?p=28)!  I always like looking at artists' steps, so I thought this might be interesting for some of you.

(http://www.derekyu.com/bitblot/nautilusprime-001.jpg)

Step 1. Once I have an idea, I always start off with a rough sketch, trying to get the basic look right.  Sometimes I do the sketch in pencil first, if I feel it will be easier for me, but this time I went straight into Photoshop!

(http://www.derekyu.com/bitblot/nautilusprime-002.jpg)

Step 2. Refining the sketch.

(http://www.derekyu.com/bitblot/nautilusprime-003.jpg)

Step 3. Continuing to refine.  I'm no master at human anatomy, but I know enough to know that the limbs are a bit wonky.  I want to make it look like she's flattened against the rock and peering out, which is not easy! :'(

(http://www.derekyu.com/bitblot/nautilusprime-004.jpg)

Step 4. I added some fishies to give a better sense of scale (Nautilus Prime is big!), and also to provide some more interest in the scene.  I also like the idea that the fish are swimming out of the way, thinking "Okay, Naija, this is your problem!  We jettin'!"

(http://www.derekyu.com/bitblot/nautilusprime-005.jpg)

Step 5. At this point I'm just going in and putting in the last touches: the missing armor and highlights, some odds and ends, and bits and blots!  I also moved her ear up to where it would go on a normal human being.  Not that Naija is human, but she's also not a mutant!

A little ambient glow from the right side onto Nautilus Prime will separate that plane even better from the one that Naija's on.

From there, a little hue/contrast tweaking is all that's needed to obtain the final image (http://www.derekyu.com/bitblot/nautilusprime-final-big.jpg).  Thanks for listening! :D
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Zam on December 01, 2007, 09:50:12 pm
Art.

Pure and unadulterated.

Derek, the internet is an unworthy medium for compliments. Make no mistake, You are amazing.
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Xiagan on December 01, 2007, 10:03:44 pm
Absolutely great! But of course that was expected - at least we know your kind of art. ;)
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Hiro on December 01, 2007, 10:06:01 pm
Dude!

You should give me more detail into your "refining", since that seems to be the main part of the drawing. :D

I want to learn to draw like you!
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: alphasmart on December 01, 2007, 11:46:46 pm
wallpaper'd :)  first the release date...now this...careful not to be TOO awesome otherwise, well, nobody could behold it and survive, could they?
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Derek on December 01, 2007, 11:59:41 pm
Too kind, you guys. :-[

Hiro: Just have to keep practicing!  The fun part about drawing is that you can always get better. O0
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Tosheros on December 02, 2007, 12:56:08 am
 :'( I am such a noob at pixel art...
You did this marvel with a mouse or with a graphics tablet?
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Hiro on December 02, 2007, 01:31:26 am
Also, what tools do you use Derek? (Like, in Photoshop)
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: SixFifty on December 02, 2007, 10:55:09 am
Wallpapered too. Thanks Derek.  :)

Oh and for anyone that is interested I made a Widescreen version.
http://www.sixfifty.co.uk/dropfiles/nautilusprime-wide.jpg (http://www.sixfifty.co.uk/dropfiles/nautilusprime-wide.jpg)
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Derek on December 02, 2007, 07:30:30 pm
Wow, cool, SixFifty!  Thanks!

Also, what tools do you use Derek? (Like, in Photoshop)

I just use the standard and soft, round brushes usually, along with the eraser, lasso, and stuff.  Nothing too out of the ordinary. :)
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Assault on December 02, 2007, 07:42:27 pm
That's amazing. I also love the show of massive-sized creatures and this piece is beautiful Derek. Soon enough I'll be able to blow its face out of the deep areas of the ocean.
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Hiro on December 03, 2007, 05:04:50 am
Or if you find it before you are ready, have it chase you through underwater caves. :D

Hmm, just the brush tool? I'll give it a go. ;)
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Stalfos on December 03, 2007, 01:43:44 pm
Niiice Art Derek! Actually, that would make a HUGE wallpaper! Add the official Aquaria logo and stuff... ^^
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: eric monk on December 03, 2007, 09:24:58 pm
... just wow...
I like the angel and how you put him/her/ it (?) in the Background to make him look this gigantic.
Is there an artwork Gallery to unlock in the final Game ?
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Xiagan on December 03, 2007, 09:36:18 pm
... to make him look this gigantic.
She IS this gigantic.   :o
Title: Re: Nautilus Prime Concept Art - Steps
Post by: Klaus on December 07, 2007, 11:14:38 pm
Derek, you are one seriously talented individual!

Hopefully this time tomorrow I'll be playing Aquaria. It's after 10pm here in England and still no sign of the game. Hurry up, I can't wait much longer!  :)

Thus far I've struggled to apply my art to the computer. Can you recommend a good graphics tablet?