Sideshow Collectibles(2012). The process of design on Avatar

 

This lecture was more based around creature design however it was still relevant because it had some good points about designing in general so I still took notes and tried to keep them relevant;

 

Referring to the design cycle.

This can relate to creature design, editorial, hair etc.

For film, tv, gaming, collectables- specifically creature design.

Creature designers- Jordu shell, aris kolokontes, wayne barlowe, alan lee, Melvyn grant. My aub list.

Websites-

• creaturespot.com

• concept art.org

• schellstudios.com

Look at simple images- animals taking into consideration things that are specific to the creature. Often we skim over colours, adaptations, patterns, senses, camouflage and sight. Unusual animals.

Everything has been done, therefore it is important to look at things and use certain aspects of various sources to create something different.

Unusual creatures igor siwanowicz- photographer. Try not to look at the overall animal look at certain aspects of it.

Look at plants also for colours textures and shapes.

Few things to consider:

• What purpose will it serve?

• What environment will it live in?

• What does it eat?

• Does it have a culture?

• What age is it?

• Social position, notches tattoos- this all indicates social position.

Important factors

• Anatomy – human anatomy or creature?

• Areas of calm – (look at alien film) incrusted with detail- with smooth dome on head that is an area of calm which is essential can make work overwhelming to look at helps the eye to rest on familiar areas.

• Pose- the stature of the creature how it stands etc.

• Believable elements- when a creature is completely unfamiliar and has no human elements as a viewer we often do not recognise it as something significant or recognisable. Identifiable costume elements is essential as a viewer we like to recognize the difference between the costume and the creature.

Look at creatures from avatar- Jordu shell design shows culture and social position through certain elements of design.

Difference between first predator and final predator.

Legend starring tom cruise- clip of witch. Foam latex used pax paint which makes foam look very waxy then they just applied a lot of slime.

Polymer clay is more regularly used in industry especially sculpey and similar brands, usually used for marquets to create a 3d design.