Artist PROFILE Xiao
LOCATION: UK A Somerset-based illustrator who focuses on character design and explores storytelling with comics and book illustration. https://ifxm.ag/xiao
RESOURCES
WORKSHOP BRUSHES
PROCREATE
CUSTOM BRUSHES BY NIKOLAI LOCKERTSEN: RULL BRUSH This brush is similar to Nikko Rull, but is more sensitive.
EGG ROUND BRUSH
A round brush with some textures. I use it as a felt tip pen.
Get more Procreate brushes from Nikolai Lockertsen via https://ifxm.ag/nikkos
When it comes to character concept design, it doesn't matter whether you're designing for a given brief or a piece of personal work you will naturally draw inspirations from your own memory and experiences, things you've seen, read and felt. And consciously or not, you will channel your personalities and aesthetics into your work. So your concept character is like a reflection of yourself.
In this workshop, I would like to summon my spirit animal, designing a fantasy creature from start to finish. I will offer advice for each stage of the process, and will share my main painting methods.
There are some key guiding principles to be aware of when doing concept work. First off, your design's silhouette is essential, as it makes your creature recognisable. Secondly, a good understanding of anatomy is important, as it helps your creature feel real. And third, do not add details before the fundamentals are done. These principles aren't laws, but they are great pieces of advice, tried and tested by many!
Let's take a look at my character concept design process, from initial concept sketches, to the final, detailed piece.
1 Clarify concept and sketch thumbnails
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PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches
First Impressions
We discover the early influences that inspired the artist
ZBrush for iPad
GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant
BenQ GW2786TC
GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace
DRAGON OFORCEC
Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration
Erik Ly
Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing