Weird animal features – Part 1

Art articles, Character design, Creature design, Living species, Science and evolutionLeave a comment

The animal kingdom is full of weird specializations and features. A mutation happens and suddenly an animal has a different color, or a new feature. A stronger jaw, a higher top speed, you name it. Specializations are caused by little errors in the DNA of an individual. Most of these changes go completely undetected, but sometimes they’re very evident. More often than not this mutation doesn’t change much about the animal, but when it does it either means the demise of this animal, or success. And when success hits, this specific animal will likely be able to have more offspring than it’s other species members.

Inktobers tricky business, alternatives, and what you can and cannot do

Art articlesLeave a comment

There is a lot of controversy around Inktober. In 2020 the name Inktober was officially legally claimed by the person that came up with Inktober in 2009: Jake Parker. But what does this really mean? Why did he do this? And what does that mean for people joining Inktober? Tagging on social media, and selling your art under the name Inktober? And is Jake Parker really an a-hole, like many people claim he is? Lets dive right into it!

Creating a fictional world – Dry heathlands habitat

Art articles, EnvironmentsLeave a comment

Creating a world for characters and creatures sounds easier than it is. Each habitat comes with its own challenges and abundances. This is the sole reason why there is so much variety of species these days, including animals (and humans), plants, and anything in-between. In turn, they change the environment, creating a delicate balance between demand and availability. Heathlands are usually fairly dry and sandy habitats that depend on animals for their existence.

11 Animal locomotion slow-mo video collection

Art articles, Creature design, Living species, Science and evolutionLeave a comment

Locomotion is key to understand the anatomy of an animal properly. You can’t draw an interesting and believable pose without understanding the way the animal moves. You also can’t understand the way an animal moves without understanding its anatomy. These day’s we’re a lucky bunch because current technology allows us to see animals in slow motion. Allow me to introduce you to some of the best videos out there!