Introduction to Creature Design: Volume 2

Senior Character and Creature Concept Artist Kyle Brown returns with Volume 2 of his Creature Design workshop to share his coloring and texturing techniques for Photoshop. With Volume 1 dedicated to the sketching and idea-exploration phase, Volume 2 now focuses on the core skills at the foundation of creature design and discusses the differences between real-world materials and textures that can help to achieve photorealistic results and bring concept sketches to life.

Kyle revisits the original reference used to create imagined shapes in Volume 1 and this time puts them to work to show how to apply color and texture to designs. Taking the final creature concept from Volume 1, Kyle’s first color demonstrations reveal how to rapidly ideate using different color combinations and materials to flush out design options. He then shares quick and efficient methods for using some of Photoshop’s simple yet effective tools to create an additional color option on the same design. You’ll learn how to convey multiple conceptual ideations to a client for feedback, providing them with a wide net of options to see what works and what doesn’t.

Chapters 4 – 7 show Kyle’s approach to designing a brand new creature from start to finish using the lessons from both volumes. Kyle showcases every decision — warts and all — including both the successful ideas and mistakes made through the designing process. His demo focuses on a non-destructive workflow.

The final chapter offers a bonus lesson where Kyle shares his armor- and weapon-design techniques for those looking to add a further dimension to their creature designs.