Week 1 - Insect-Human Photobashing

For the insect photobashing task I began by browsing for interesting-looking creatures so I could get an idea of what I was going for. I searched specifically for bugs that could serve maybe as armour or weapons or that simply make for interesting shapes and details. 

From the get-go I knew I wanted my character to have a helmet so that I could use the interesting shapes to the fullest. This is, in my opinion, the best and most efficient way to replicate the look of the insect I'm going for. Also, I usually like to concentrate the detail on the top part of the character, to guide the viewer's eyes there. After all, when we first meet someone we look at their face, so I want to make the helmet the most interesting and most detailed part of the composition. 

At first, the moths inspired me the most and the idea of an agile moth-like lady assassin came to mind. I used curved lines and sharp forms in order to recreate a lean, slender and feminine look, but also aggressive and fast. I think the overall triangle shape reinforces that.

The second design is a bit weak. I think I had to get a bad idea down on paper too so I could come with a better one in the end. The overall vibe is child-like, which with maybe some modifications might turn into something, but I think it lacks a general pattern/idea that would hold the composition together and make it make sense. 

The last one. I absolutely love it. This one is definitely a tank, her armour made of beetle shells, her shield of a bugs wings. I like how the spider eyes give the impression that she will most definitely see you, target you and charge at you. It doesn't look like her armour is actually made of bugs, but more like she is some sci-fi cyber soldier whose armour imitates insects. The only thing I think I will change are the wing-like spikes on the boots, which imply agility, going against the idea of a tank character with heavy bulky armour. I first added them to repeat the shape on the glove, but now it doesn't seem like a good idea anymore. 

As you might have guessed, I went for the last design. But the first one will remain in my drafts for possible future projects.