Monster Making
Creating an appealing monster for an animation project is no easy task. It requires a delicate balance of making something that is both horrifying and relatable to the viewer. For my latest project, I went through hundreds of different ideas before finally landing on the perfect concept.
One of the first ideas I had was for a frog-like critter with tentacles. While this concept had potential, I quickly realized that it didn't quite fit the tone and atmosphere of the project. I then moved on to a giant piranha, but this idea also didn't quite feel right.
Eventually, I decided to focus on a large bipedal monster with tentacles for arms. I liked the idea of having a monster that was both terrifying and humanoid, as it would make it easier for the viewer to connect with. But as I continued to work on this concept, I didn't feel like it was quite hitting the mark.
It was only when I was out on a walk that inspiration finally struck. As I was passing by a spider, I had the idea of mushing together a spider and a squid to create a monster. I immediately began researching different types of spiders and squids to see if there was a way to combine the two.
I spent a lot of time looking at reference images and studying the different shapes, forms, and textures of both spiders and squids. Eventually, I found an image of a spider with long spindly legs and a squid with a bulbous head that I felt would work well together.
With this new concept in mind, I set to work creating the final design for the monster. I incorporated elements of both the spider and the squid, and added in other details to make it more terrifying and unique. In the end, I believe I was able to create a monster that is both horrifying and relatable to the viewer.
As an artist, I believe that taking walks is one of the best ways to get new ideas and inspiration. Being out in nature and observing the world around you can help to spark new and unique concepts that would have been impossible to come up with sitting in front of a computer.
