Update #2 – Creature Design

Update #2 - Creature Design

This week was all about creature design. Our first level needed a cast of unique creatures—some helpful, some… not so much. Each plays a role in Max’s journey to find all the crystal shards.

Meet the lineup:

• Hope Worm – A tiny glowing friend that helps restore Max’s magic staff.

• Sad-amander – This slippery foe hides in water or holes, latching onto Max’s staff with its tongue.

• Crabby Crab – A feisty little troublemaker that pops out to pinch Max.

• Octopus Boss – The big bad, embodying one of depression’s symptoms—dragging you down. Max must fight this creature to collect the crystal shard. 

My Concept Art Process

Since this entire week revolved around designing creatures, I developed a structured concept art process to stay organized and creative. Here’s how I tackled it:

1. Read the script – Understanding how the creature fits into the story is key.
2. Gather references – I search for real-life animals similar to the creature, compiling images in PureRef (an amazing tool for reference boards).
3. Watch nature videos – Seeing how the animal moves and behaves helps bring the design to life.
4. Check Pinterest – Exploring how other artists have stylized similar creatures sparks fresh ideas.
5. Start sketching in grayscale – Blocking out shapes first avoids getting lost in details too soon.
6. Do quick studies – If ideas aren’t flowing, a few quick animal studies help me get familiar with their forms.
7. Push past the first few ideas – I aim for at least eight different designs—somehow, the eighth is always the strongest!

Design Inspiration

While researching, I rediscovered Eyvind Earle, an incredible artist with a masterful sense of rhythm in design. Studying his work made me think more intentionally about shapes and flow.

I also went down a rabbit hole of 1950s animation, falling in love with Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom. The bold, exaggerated shapes are magnificent, and I’d love to infuse some of that playful yet simple aesthetic into Project Hope.

A Colorful Finish

To wrap up the week, I created the first full-color scene of the game: Max vs. the Sad-amander. I imagined the battle deep inside a cenote, crafting the mood, color palette, and environmental design. Having worked as a background designer, this part felt a bit familiar.

That’s it for this week! Looking forward to refining these designs and bringing them to life in the game. More updates soon!