A project for my Design classes. I had to create a character from sketch and make it a bookcover. So I created a small story for him that could be a chapter in an hyphotetical book.
About the Character
He's a wanderer, who disguises himself as a poor, homeless and blind old man, but is in true a fearsome warrior possessed by a spirit who wants to bring balance to the world. He gained the tattoos in a ritual to bring the spirit to our world.
Here's the first sketches.
The outfit inspiration came from shaolin monks.
In this early stage I thought the tattoos could be more emphasized in his design.
The book cover
The cover should be eye-catching. I decided that a back view with his tattoo in a balanced and meditative pose would better fit the character in his book. The environment should contrast with his inner peace, but in a way that doesn't distract the viewer. The sample chapter that I wrote for him was settled in a snow environment, so it fitted perfectly.
The lighting wasn't helping with his pose. I decided to change the light source and remove the character from the center, making it much more attractive.
The name of the book was going to be decided after the illustration was finished, but I did a small test before.
And here's the final piece, using contrasting colours that could put the emphasis in the character and his tattoo.
And here's the final book cover. It was funny to see my name as the writter. Who knows, maybe someday...
