Digital and 3D Concept Development

Testing and Analysis

In order to develop the character designs of the Soucouyant, Jumbie and Douen, I decided to use Adobe Photoshop to illustrate and alter aspects of their designs. I wanted to use simple and complex sketches in colour and in greyscale to take into account the use of colour symbolism that I researched, form and evidence of the character narratives told through their myths and legends. I began by developing the Soucouyant using simple line drawings and copying and pasting elements of my sketches, taking them and then developing them further. In particular I looked at the placement of the extra faces on the Soucouyant, such as placing them in a vertical row along the side of the face and adding more distorted faces. I also looked at adding more eyes to and around the faces. I also got the chance to do full body greyscale and colour drawings of the body and head, developing the lanky and disproportionate figure and the details such as the jagged skin and claws. In another experiment I drew over my 3D Mudbox sculpt, in an attempt to visualise the development of the 3D aspect, as well as to place it in the setting of the forest where the Soucouyant moves through at night.

Wood Carving Test

I then took my time to research traditional Yoruba wood carving methods by watching a youtube video of the process (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP36rJ8SJy4) and learning about the tools and techniques used. The wood carvers were from the Igbo-Ora state in the South-West of Nigeria and traditionally pass their techniques on from generation to generation. Using natural woods from nearby forests and hacking, carving and detailed cutting tools (the Awobuigi ax and Ifayi knife), they produce mainly ritual figures, drums and furniture. I then decided that I would like to create a wood carving of the Jumbie character, which I associated with Yoruba wood carvings in my initial ideas. I bought two planks of soft balsar wood, cut them into quarters and stuck them together to form a block. Once the glue was dry, I used a small carving knife along with a Stanley knife and a dremel to cut the basic shape of the head, finally to add details. I then took the carving and applied mahogany wood stain and waited for it to dry. I was very pleased with the final result, as it felt authentic and represented how I imagine the head of the Jumbie to look. To follow this up, I did some more concept sketches to develop the character and place it in an environment.

I lastly did some development drawings for the Douen. I began by experimenting with black and white line drawings, altering the shape of the hat and referencing against my original ideas. I then drew a more detailed version, looking at patterned cloth for the wrap and most importantly, placing it into a forest background. I was pleased with the overall mood of the piece and the eerie effect of the void face.