Premise - Idea Development Pt 2

  Before pushing on with development ideas, I decided to really think about what it is I want to show at the end of this project. Mainly, I want to illustrate a range of interesting character designs (monster/creatures) whilst showcasing skills in Rigging and 3D modelling. This may mean conducting my own research as well as asking for advice from tutors. Although rigging is the most paramount part, being able to display confidence in 3D modelling will showcase a higher degree of work for my portfolio. 

  Continuing on with development, knowing that my phenomenons are gonna be more fantastical means that designs can be crazy but logical. I need to think clearly about why they do what they do and what these actions mean to the creature. Also, in regards to their presence, ideas around a possible ecosystem would help tie them all together, almost like a working unit or hierarchy. I need to be careful not to move too far away from the fun aspect of this project.

  With this in mind, I started looking at animal interactions. There are multiple cases where species work together for aspects such as protection, cleanliness and nest building. However, so to not get lost into this idea of a large ecosystem, I decided to pull back the amount to creatures to 3 and expand at a later date if needed.

 The chosen scenarios have now become: 

 - Socks going missing from tumble dryer/draws. (Sock-stealer)

- The floorboards creaking/ pipes tapping. (Pipe-tapper)

- Dust always re-appearing shortly after cleaning the house. (Dust-maker).

  Below is a possible eco-cycle, but this will tweaking to make it more consistent. Normally animals only work in pairs so this may be a little tricky to do. In terms of why humans need them, this is something to still be figured out. 

Developing Ecosystem

Looking back over the previous sketches, I felt there needed to be a bit more definition/research into the creatures before any further sketches are made.

Creature 1: Sock Stealer -  

Domain protectors - Larger/ bulkier in structure, slower in speed and may puff up to make self bigger (scales or feathers). 

- Socks are a delicacy, different colours are unique tastes. 

- Uses sock as a food source and helps to provide better marks with more distinctive designs (the more rare/colourful the socks, the better). 

- Fantastic sense of smell and hearing, bad eyesight.

- Uses bright colours and patterns as a terreant against outsiders (like birds or frogs).

- More colours obtained brings better camouflage.

- Appearance may be more scaled/ leathery (although open to change).

- Territorial, only one lives in a house. Will tolerate other creatures but not in personal space due to ecosystem. 

- Messy eaters. 

Animals that change colour: Lizards, Frogs, Seahorses and some birds.

 Eco-role: provides protection against outside peditors. 

Creature 2: Pipe/ Floor Board Tapper:

 Communicators - Creaks the floorboards and pipes as a form of communication. These maybe as warnings, notifying new food supply or just for emotional show (joy).

 - Smaller in size, lighter to make their way around the house silently and quickly. 

 - May live in groups, like mice, meerkats or some insects. 

- Excellent hearing and eyesight, skittish.

 - Uses scraps of socks from Sock-stealers for nests/homes (brighter the better for attracting mates).

- Always seen just of the corner of eye zipping around. 

- Animals that communicate through sounds : Kangaroos, Rabbits, Birds and Bats. 

Creature 3: Dust Maker - Main role is to encourage food turnover, making human environments messy to enforce cleaning and washing (more socks). 

 - Dust may work as scents to help deter enemies.

 - Dust to bring thermoregulation to environment heat.

 - Bouncier in structure, may float or fly. 

 - Excellent eyesight, feels vibrations. 

 - Most animals with fur cause dust, (elephants and chinchillas use dust baths).

 - Insects and plants also help to create dust.

- Something just like to cause chaos and play pranks.

  In terms of the environment, as this project is aimed mainly at rigging and modeling, small interactive dioramas (with some sounds/music) will be used to showcase creature movements. 

  So to help with creature design development, looking into toys and previous game/ animated creature may help with designing better proportions. Although these are going to be fantastical, I still have to keep in mind that they are be 3D modelled so simplicity will be best. 

  I started redoing the Sock Stealer design with a few rough sketches, keeping to the ideas noted above. However, I feel these need a lot more work until something really comes through that represents what I'm trying to capture. I need to explore shape a lot more, that's for definite but they are a start. 

Sock Stealer Sketches Continued