Evilness of my own mind

[nakamuraxakira]

I've been trying to draw 9 amazing Zoids from my own creation, some have heavy referance from other sources. I Can't for the life of my get them to look right!

This leg is to big, this armor piece fails, it's driving me mad...er than usual ^^;

Any useful tips for them? Or do you need the descriptons first?

[Pirate]

I can't really help with the armour/weapon problems (my zoid armour is usually strange and my zoids never have weapons) but I CAN help with the anatomy issues!

take your pictures into some image editing software, anything will do, even paint, and flip them horizontally. That usually helps you see what's wrong with the picture and how to fix it. It does sound a strange idea, but seriously, it really helps you notice problems! Otherwise, just use references of the actual animals you're making zoids of, or something similar shaped, if it's a chimera type.

[nakamuraxakira]

My main issue is that, I can draw it perfectly still like the model, but so far I am incapable of posing it and adding detail.

[Pirate]

Ahh! Well what you need to do is anatomy studies. Understanding how an animal's body works (where the joints are, how they move, etcetera) is really helpful in understanding how to pose them properly. And, like I said before, photo references. What I tend to do it draw the animal and then build the zoidiness up around that shape.

...I'm not making sense, am I?

[nakamuraxakira]

On the contrary, you're making perfect sense. I'll do my best, thanks. Would you like to see what I'm going for with my most troublesome creation?

[Pirate]

That would be simply spiffing! I'd love to!

[nakamuraxakira]

Alright, I'll post what I've got so far...
Idea I wanted in my head:
Okami Fuhrer- Evolution of the Berserk Fury. Close combat mastery and possesses Ragnarok CPC (Fires a ball of energy equal in power to 1 Ultimate Deathsaurer CPC + 6 Berserk Fury mouth CPCs. Only the best pilots can survive charging this weapon, let alone firing it.)

Stats:
Name: Okami Fuhrer
Type: Tyrannosaurus
Registration Number: EZ-049OFX

Height: 12 Meters (39.37 Feet)
Length: 22.7 Meters (74.48 Feet)
Weight: 136 Tons
Max Speed: 540 KPH

Stage: Evolution (from Berserk Fury)
Class: Legendary

Features: Energy Shield Generator (Backpack), Thruster Pack (Legs), Wing Stabilizers, Vertical Stabilizers (2), Dual Footlocks, Advanced 3-D Radar, Advanced Life Support System, Hyper Energy Converter x10 (tail and neck)

Weapons: Claws, Teeth, Talons, Ragnarok Charged Particle Cannon (Mouth, can use a normal CPC as well), Platinum Metal Zi Blade x2 (arms), Laser Blade x6 (Uses Particle Energy to form blades on back), Zan Blade (tail tip)

Upgrades: None
Evolutions: None
Fusions: None
CAS: None

Rough image of the beast:
i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/NakamuraX/sdioZ/Kaiser002.jpg

[Comrade easykiller]

When drawing zoids, I usually start out with a basic shape/sketch that usually doesn't even look like anything at all. Then I kind of make it more animalish, and then slowly add up layers and detail as I go. I draw all by hand, so I don't know any computer art tricks, but sometimes by looking at what ever you are working on in a mirror's reflection will show errors you would normally not notice. It gives you a different perspective on your art piece. I learned this trick while taking some art classes at my university for electives. And as skeptical as I was it worked.
Also, here's how I draw zoids: (although I'm not saying my technique is the best or fits you, but it sometimes helps to look at how others draw, and I like sharing art and helping others and getting help from them as well. It makes art all the more richer!)
easy-killer.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1rft79

[nakamuraxakira]

Hey, I remember that image! I think I posted on it! XD

But for some reason that...isnt working...pointyness...

Would you suggest doing a Normal Fury, or a Gairyuki, then going over it to make the Okami?

[La Volpe]

Naka, plz read the rules on image sizing (here: ghostliger.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rules&action=display&thread=266 )... I turned your pic into a link.

[nakamuraxakira]

My appologies. I did not see it and shall be sure to consult it for next time.

[Comrade easykiller]

Jul 21, 2010 0:09:14 GMT -5 nakamuraxakira said:

Would you suggest doing a Normal Fury, or a Gairyuki, then going over it to make the Okami?

Well I'd use it as a reference, but add the unique parts as you go. That way it wouldn't look too much like a Fury or Gairyuki. When I first started drawing zoids, I always used references. Now, I'm so accustomed to it I just pop stuff out of my head w/o even bothering to check, lol. That and my understanding for mechanics has gotten better.

That brings up a good question. In your opinion, which is more important when drawing a zoid: the understanding of machines or animal autonomy?? I'm struggling with this atm...

[nakamuraxakira]

Honestly it depends on the type of Zoid.

For example, a Zoid like the Berserk Fury needs more of the animal since it's flexible and fully capable of moving to those primal standards.

However, something like the Storm Sworder requires more mechanics due to it's superb maneuverability that surpass the typical Pterasaur abilities.

And thanks for the feedback. I just cant really seem to get certain parts right, and its driving me nuts. Care to look over the stats and the rouch sketch and offer any other advice please? Kinda wanting to get this beast down to drawing from my memory so I can show it tearing apart a Deathsaurer like it was tissue paper.

ALL FEAR THE GOD OF DESTRUCTION, OKAMI FUHRER!