This week The Gnomon Workshop introduces a new CREATURE DESIGN series by renowned concept artist and illustrator Terryl Whitlatch. Whitlatch has a background in vertebrate zoology and animal anatomy and has been able to transfer her scientific knowledge into science fiction, creating believable creatures of alien origin. She is most well known for contributions to the recent STAR WARS trilogy and her seven years of creature design for Lucasfilm, ILM and George Lucas' JAK Films. Her book, THE WILDLIFE OF STAR WARS received critical acclaim.
In this series Whitlatch illustrates a new creature in each new volume, focusing on the specific anatomical characteristics that define the real life version of the creature -- in the case of Volumes One and Two, a domestic cow and an exotic bird -- and illustrates how to translate these features successfully into a fantastical creature. Each volume will cover new territory as Whitlatch demonstrates in traditional pencils and markers.
Also, in each lecture, Whitlatch discusses how to turn both the actual and concept creatures into animated characters and illustrates corresponding predators or prey, exploring story concepts and discussing their environments, habits and lifestyles.
Whitlatch is considered to be one of the top creature designers and animal anatomists working in the field today. In a career spanning over 25 years, Terryl has many projects to her credit, including STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE, JUMANJI, MEN IN BLACK, BROTHER BEAR, DRAGONHEART, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS, CURIOUS GEORGE, THE POLAR EXPRESS, THE PRINCESS OF MARS, ZAFARI, and BEOWULF, to name a few. Clients include ILM, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Talking Pictures, Walt Disney Feature Animation, PDI, EA, LucasArts, Chronicle Books, Simon and Schuster, and various zoos and natural history museums.
More DVDs in this series will be available in Fall 2008. Like other titles you can choose to order a DVD or purchase a downloadable version of the video.
CREATURE DESIGN WITH TERRYL WHITLATCH VOLUME 1: BOVINE CREATURE, "MOO MONSTER"
In this first DVD of a series, Whitlatch demonstrates how to create a fantastic yet utterly believable creature based on one of the most commonly known animals, the domestic cow. After drawing a study of an actual bull, she shows the process of designing a realistic "Moo Monster." Starting with rough thumbnails and ending with a fully rendered action-packed color illustration, she shares her techniques and tools -- pencils, markers and tracing paper -- as well as a thorough exploration of animal anatomy. During the course of the demo, Whitlatch shows how she indicates forms and planes, how she chooses and applies color, and how the underlying skeleton and muscular systems affect the surface anatomy. Above all, she emphasizes the "why" of the creature -- how its lifestyle and environment affect its design and appearance. She also instructs how to create a humorous character derived from the more realistic versions for a truly versatile, professional portfolio.
CREATURE DESIGN WITH TERRYL WHITLATCH VOLUME 2: AVIAN CREATURE, "WHITE FRIGHT"
In this second DVD of a series, Whitlatch demonstrates how to create a vicious avian alien based on an actual exotic bird -- the Greater Indian Hornbill. Starting with rough thumbnails and ending with a fully rendered illustration, she shares her techniques and tools -- pencils, markers and tracing paper -- as well as a thorough exploration of animal anatomy. Relax as she steers you through the intricacies of wing structure and feather arrangements -- all essentials for designing a believable feathered flying creature. She also covers how to create an illusion of white in the color version of the "White Fright," complete with prey, and discusses how the environment, habits and lifestyle of this creature affect the way it looks. Throughout the DVD, she explores materials, texture and story concepts, giving you insight into her development and thought processes.
