🐉 Apple Dragon. Pineapple Dragon. Apple Pineapple Dragon 🐉

I finished the Dragon class on Proko. It was a blast! And with it came great gobs of blob knowledge.

But blobs also breed dragons. Today we’ll take a look at the dragon I made using the advice in the class!

After some time kneading and molding basic shapes around, I was able to create the form of a dragon. Usually, I spent some time looking at references before diving into the thumbnail process. With these guidelines, I was able to dive directly into the thumbnail process. It’s easy to be influenced by references in the design-making process. By jumping straight into the thumbnail process, I can make original design decisions before that happens.

These small drawings are an exploration of imagination. I’m able to wander all over. Trying out new poses, styles, and looks without going too deep into the nitty gritty.

After the thumbnails, we gather references.

This board is simple and splits up into different categories: design, details, inspiration, and function. Once I’m satisfied I take my favorite thumbnail, place it happily into the trusty iPad nest, and make two mannequins. The first mannequin is the very basic broad shapes of the creature. Once I’m happy with that, I draft out a mannequin with more detailed shapes.

And now we ink it!

Then color it!

Seeing how this turned out fills me with joy! My big fluff, round, herbivore dragon is ready to eat a whole apple orchard! 

This process is fun. But I do get frustrated at the thumbnailing phase. But perhaps the prompt was too vague for me. I believe it was “dragon.” What dragon? A water dragon? A fire dragon? A mean one or a nice one? I need a bit more structure. Creativity thrives with healthy boundaries!

Until next time!

Arielle + Ryan

P.S. If you want to get some dragon goodies, browse the shop!