The theme's description was as follows:
''Once again, it's War. The neighbouring nation has broken the long peace treaty that lasted for over 30 years. On the ground, the civilian casualties are endless, the enemy didn't respect the old martial laws and right now entire towns are burned and razed by the merciless bombardment. A brave aviator will get on board his airplane to defend his homeland: a hero of the skies has risen, and a new legend is born...''
''Once again, it's War. The neighbouring nation has broken the long peace treaty that lasted for over 30 years. On the ground, the civilian casualties are endless, the enemy didn't respect the old martial laws and right now entire towns are burned and razed by the merciless bombardment. A brave aviator will get on board his airplane to defend his homeland: a hero of the skies has risen, and a new legend is born...''
At first, the concept felt tricky; as it felt like you need to insert the characters airship into the scene to visualize the whole concept of the character's traits and visual style like era, height, age, and even his pose.
Poses and trial dressing concept of the character. The far right is the start of the actual track of the design.
I always wanted to create the design of a pilot related to the 19th century fashion of Egypt, with the touch of steampunk. That idea was overwhelming that I decided to discard the idea of including a vehicle to the design; as there are other more important aspects to show the concept... particularly the fashion sense.
Gathering a lot of research elements of pilots and officers since the 19th century to WWII, from Egypt and Europe/Allied Forces, real and fictional. Among those elements is the variation of clothing between battle & ceremonies.
Like I mentioned earlier, the one that I admired is the 19th century Egyptian clothing; particularly the one worn by Khedive Abbas Helmy I (centre).
Like I mentioned earlier, the one that I admired is the 19th century Egyptian clothing; particularly the one worn by Khedive Abbas Helmy I (centre).
The decision was to combine the ornate & motifs of the aforementioned clothing with some kind of a battle-outfit. So, some elements were reconsidered to give the character the necessary mobility and grandeur.
Another important decision to accommodate the design is having the character a commander of a huge airship; rather than a actual pilot of a regular-sized plane... a decision that suits his attire.
Another important decision to accommodate the design is having the character a commander of a huge airship; rather than a actual pilot of a regular-sized plane... a decision that suits his attire.
The beginning was the straight-pose of officers in old pictures. More historical elements were added like the fez, turban, motifs,...etc.
Some elements were added to add edge; like the side cloak and shoulder eagle.
Some elements were added to add edge; like the side cloak and shoulder eagle.
More anachronistic and steampunk elements were added, side-by-side the colour palette.
"Air Commander Akram Pasha Nasr is the youngest to bear his rank. His skills and tactical mind rose him to prominence; just as the Big War started. Now, on the command post of his massive airship "The Roc", the young Pasha will soar the skies to defend his nation from the invading forces who dared to violate the old peace treaty."
