A few thumbnails

Currently, in my free time, I'm working on another mini-series, much more epic in scale, which hopefully I'll show you guys in about 2 weeks. In the meantime, here's some thumbnails I made a while ago, just to show a few different ways of creating these little buggers (or at least some methods I use). Each method results in slightly different outcome, so it's good to try them all when looking for a shape you like.

v1 - silhouettes created with black marker or digitally. Since silhouette is vital to a good design, it's good to bang out some of these first, without thinking about any details - just the shape.

v2 - soft marker tip (e.g. in Copics Sketch line) is good for creating more curvy lines, with varying thickness, a bit like in comic books.

v3 - pencil is great for more detailed approach. For thumbnails, a simple mechanical pencil will do. Start very lightly and then tighten stuff up. An alternative way is to use pencil first (normal or blue) and then trace on top of it with a pen.

v4 - marker and pen combo is a nice combination I use quite often, also for bigger sketches. First, sketch some loose shapes with a light marker (I use Copic's C2 or C3) and then sketch the lines with a pen.

Happy sketching!

Buggy (TX-4 series)

For reconnaissance purposes, quick transport and perimeter checks, the facility is equipped with several buggy-like vehicles. They are adjusted to a harsh off-road environment of TX-4. A buggy takes a driver, a navigator and has enough space for some basic gear. Just like the heavy carrier, each unit is equipped with a single missile launcher. Missiles are often signal flares or scanning devices that can be fired in order to gather data from an unknown area before the buggy gets there.

Armored carrier (TX-4 series)

Heavy carrier is used for moving larger pieces of machinery, staff, orb samples, etc. A single carrier can transport up to 20 people. Due to the size of a unit, the hangar area is equipped with robotic arms that are used to replace vehicle's energy reactors, recharge oxygen supplies and carry out various maintenance tasks. As a precaution, each carrier has two heavy ray guns and ion missile launchers for offensive actions, though so far such means were not necessary.

Approaching TX-4 (TX-4 series)

Third concept in the mini-series, though chronologically, it would be the first one (then "Descend" and "Docking procedure"), showing the alien construct from space and the new arrival. Two vehicle designs will follow.

Docking procedure (TX-4 series)

The research base looks like a cross between mining facility and oil rig. The mountain it rests upon is riddled with man-made corridors, through which the samples and machinery are moved. Flying drones inspect any suspicious surface activity and check the integrity of the whole structure. Due to the unknown nature of the artifact and the planet's original climate, the staff rarely goes outside. Docking station, among other things, is entirely automatized.

Descend (TX-4 series)

One of concepts depicting galactic discovery and its exploration. A planet has been discovered literally pierced with a construct of an alien origins. For the last few years expeditions were sent to establish a research facility, which is still under construction. Once a year, a new transport of technical gear and provisions arrives.

Once through the planet's atmosphere, a crystal-like structure is clearly visible. Although the majority of the planet is not of volcanic nature, the insertion of the structure must have caused eruptions and surface movements, hence the strange looking mountains and rock formations surrounding the artifact. At its base, some kind of radiation has been traced and holographic-like shapes happen to appear from time to time.

'BF' sketches - part 1

Here's some sketches I prepared so far, more will follow but a bit later, since for the next couple of weeks I'll be working on several images for an online magazine (very sci-fi, other planets exploration kind of thing, will post them as well). As you can see, some initial ideas for AC's (aero-cars) and the 'van' vehicle.

Unstoppable

Working on the first batch of sketches mentioned before. In the meantime, here's a quick piece of some urban action. Just felt like demolishing something ;)

Featured in 'Graffus' e-zine

Polish e-zine 'Graffus', dealing with art and design, published my profile, which includes some top secret background info on me ;) You can have a look here (in Polish).

Sketching month begins!

It's easy to see that August was filled with polished concepts from my 'Butterfly' project. A few more of this kind will follow but in September, I'll continue the visual development in a bit different form - more loose, more organic, with many iterations and perhaps some crazy forms. In other words - sketches! I decided it's time to grab some pencils, pens and markers and go nuts :) I'll probably use my sexy LED lightbox as well, perhaps some crazy French curves and other 'old-school' tools. The most interesting sketches will end up most likely in Photoshop for coloring. So, expect the unexpected ;)

First of all, I'll take care of several vehicles that you can see indicated in the storyboard below (also an earlier concept 'Battle suit rendezvous' depicts a moment from this particular scene). There will be: HC (hoover-car) the protagonists are using, armored 'van' with ACS Suit inside (see other 3D concept) and turbo-helicopter, used by ZEN troopers. Additionally, I'll take care of AC (aero-car) of the main character, used in several other parts of the story.