![Procreate: PAINT A FANTASY BEAST CONCEPT](https://cdn.magzter.com/1398687120/1647338047/articles/HKeWGW45W1647492881739/Procreate-PAINT-A-FANTASY-BEAST-CONCEPT.jpg)
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
This story is from the May 2022 edition of ImagineFX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of ImagineFX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![A Tribute To Akira Toriyama](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/jr2JF0c2R1712745052098/A-TRIBUTE-TO-AKIRA-TORIYAMA.jpg)
A Tribute To Akira Toriyama
Remembering a legend Artists from across the world pay homage to the influential manga artist and genius creator of Dragon Ball
![First Impressions](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/2PcAl7LCJ1712744714180/FIRST-IMPRESSIONS.jpg)
First Impressions
The illustrator reveals his journey through the world of art
![DEVELOP 3D SKILLS FOR CONCEPT ART](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/fq44h5MZF1712744270966/DEVELOP-3D-SKILLS-FOR-CONCEPT-ART.jpg)
DEVELOP 3D SKILLS FOR CONCEPT ART
Gaëlle Seguillon creates a breathtaking fantasy environment by combining a selection of techniques within her workflow
![DRAW FUTURISTIC VEHICLE DESIGNS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/JLTEKgIU_1712743489381/DRAW-FUTURISTIC-VEHICLE-DESIGNS.jpg)
DRAW FUTURISTIC VEHICLE DESIGNS
John A. Frye uses just a single brush to transform his messy thumbnail into a bold and colourful hard-surface creation
![PART 5: SIMPLIFY THE VALUE SCALE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/QQ2KwOnaO1712742888427/PART-5-SIMPLIFY-THE-VALUE-SCALE.jpg)
PART 5: SIMPLIFY THE VALUE SCALE
Charlie Pickard introduces his top advice for achieving strong values in your artwork to create clear and powerful imagery
![Charles Ratteray](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/_-SbcA_ef1712742058393/CHARLES-RATTERAY.jpg)
Charles Ratteray
Page-turner Library meets laboratory in the artist's studio, packed with inspiration and a mix of media
![How to tell a story in an image](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/WCxflW4hi1712741121168/HOW-TO-TELL-A-STORY-IN-AN-IMAGE.jpg)
How to tell a story in an image
Narrative masters Tanya Combrinck talks to four artists about using visual elements to imbue their work with personal and universal human stories
![ILLUSTRATE A MAGICAL CHARACTER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1659823/meoIHB3je1712740265481/ILLUSTRATE-A-MAGICAL-CHARACTER.jpg)
ILLUSTRATE A MAGICAL CHARACTER
For this illustration, I was asked to create a fun, bright image with the theme of making artwork magical by the developers behind the digital drawing app Clip Studio Paint.
![First Impressions - Glenn Arthur](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1364290/21gPmKDNH1690444633296/FIRST-IMPRESSIONS-GLENN-ARTHUR.jpg)
First Impressions - Glenn Arthur
Influences from Disneyland shape the artist’s work
![THE ART OF BRIAN SUM](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6242/1364290/sfc7O3CpL1690444034952/THE-ART-OF-BRIAN-SUM.jpg)
THE ART OF BRIAN SUM
Dominic Carter talks to the mech master about honing his cyberpunk visions, character designs, and his new artbook