Saveaux

[Tooley Bostay]

As seen in the Writer's Workshop rules thread (sans text). Had a lot of fun putting this together. I don't often do background work, for one, so it was a fun challenge putting it all together and then properly having the candlelight fall on everything. But beyond that, I got to draw Saveaux, one of my favorite characters from Survivor history! I originally planned to just color him red, but was told that those, in fact, are American newts. Of course European newts are far more complicated-looking. Thanks, nature.

Was a blast to do this, and I hope Saveaux's author shows back up here. Super talented guy, and I'd love to see what he can come up with nowadays.

Timelapse here as an added bonus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywY0H32dcGA

[Matra Hammer]

What I love the most about the timelapse video is, as a largely incapable graphic artist, I can see all the tools and tricks used in breathing life into a piece. Choices on color, use of references, and brush/line adjustments. All this stuff seems "duh" when explained, but seeing the methods in action makes me appreciate the skill all the more.

Never imagined Saveaux as black and white and orange all under, but what's there makes perfect sense. Wonderful how the white crackles on his skin give him character and define his odd musculature / stubby, widdle fingers. Actually, they're not so little, are they? More like sausage nubs. Anywho, that's what I mean by the skin detail. Directs my eyes. Makes me think. As does the METRIC TON of detail work. Every time I look I see something new. There's a teabag string dangling from his mug, which is a nice callback to Biara and the contest. And all the books! A shame none of them have fun titles like "I can't believe there are so many books vol 1" and "Why Matra is The Best."

Also, what does the Redwall world's glob look like? I've a map of mossflower at  home from an official character profile book. Never more than Moss though. Hmm...

Recently read all of Midnight Mossflower. Saveaux was easily the most original character of the cast. This is an extremely fitting and wonderful tribute. I can almost see the grandiose verbage in the air above his head. And if the newt's author is lurking: baby, come back. You can blame it all on Tooley.

[Tooley Bostay]

It's funny looking back at these timelapses, and knowing exactly what I was doing during certain parts. "Oh yeah, here I had 'Pumpkin Hill' on repeat. Good times."

I was happy with how the crackles came out. A sort of "freckle" look, which I think enhances his unassuming, naive character.

A shame none of them have fun titles

It's likely super hard to see due to the shadows, but the closest stack of books do have titles referencing various contests. Dunno how they'd compare to "Why Matra Is the Best," but fun fact all the same.

No idea about the map. Though, with everywhere these contests go, it honestly would be good to have a full-on map. I know some people have mentioned doing contests set outside of Europe. Maybe have some clouded sections on the map that haven't been "visited" yet. Hmm... aspiring artists! Get on that! =P

[Ashleg]

Gee whiz you're good at this...