Introduction: Studio project

BRIEF PLAN:
For my studio project I will be creating a concept art book in digital form and if I have enough time then it will also be made traditionally. The Art will visually describe a story I have created about a character called the Horned Bear which is based on my family and an event that occurred  My work will also include a research document and blog which will show research related to my story and artwork. I will be heavily focusing on 2D art design, so I will be looking at designing characters, creatures, weapons, objects and environments. I will be looking at graphic design for the layout of my book and I will be using after effects to help express my concept art.

Personal Influence:

During my childhood their was an event that occurred that made me panic and think about the "what ifs?" in life. My sister at the age of five wandered of one afternoon whilst she was out playing and went missing for at least 2 hours. However she was later found playing near the lakes and woodland. I remember the emotions of that day and how I thought to myself what if my parents where gone and all that was left was me and my sister. I had to find my sister as she was young and innocent to the world which was constantly consuming missing people. I Remember the feeling of being scared of this thought as i didn't want to be alone and apart from my sister.

BRIEF STORY:

My story is about a family who's bloodline enables them to interact and live with their soul which has taken form of a creature which represents their personality. They are also able to talk to mystical creatures or lost souls which have been separated from their body or owner.The bloodline only runs through a family which consists of a father, mother,daughter and son and when all four are together they can enter hidden environments where they can retreat and remain safe from the harsh world. As a family they feel safe so when they are together they are granted safety. The antagonist in the story represents the fact and fear that people go missing and become lost. And in my story that fact takes form and is living. 
 The antagonist is a humanoid who has lost his way and has become more creature than man, he has gained uncontrollable power and can control the darkness and the shadows by devouring souls but now as time has passed  few people remain or have gone into retreat. When the antagonist devours the characters soul he is also able to control the body and soul to do as he pleases.

 The mother has already been taken by the antagonist thus creating a feud between the family and antagonist. The father and daughter get separated whilst return back home from a fishing trip and the daughter (Horned Bear) becomes lost for two years, alone and having to survive by herself until she realizes the ability to interact with mystical creatures. The Son who is scared of being alone sets out on an adventure to find his sister who is very un aware and innocent to the dangers that surround her. Both son and daughter are not aware of their mothers true death and they are not certain of their fathers location. 

In order to get lost in my story your have to be separated from your soul which is a living entity and without it you loose your identity and become a wanderer. A wanderer is a creature which is best left alone as it can be very hostile as it searches for a companion.

The story is very brief but I plan to expand my story as I continue to create concept artwork for this world and story.

Protagonist:
Brother and Sister which represent my family relationship.

Antagonist:

The antagonist is the fear of loosing someone which is represented as a living creature who devours souls.

STYLE:

I want the style of the game to be very fantasy based much like games such as Final Fantasy, Dream Fall, Alundra and Fable, I will be looking at other games this just for an example. I want each character to be based on an animal as the family bloodline is tied to the wildlife so i will be looking and researching certain animals. The characters will be semi realistic as i want to be able to put my own style onto them. The environments of the story will consist of Rocky earthy mountains with snow tops and forestry influenced by the mountains,mystical creatures and villages. There wont be much technology however magic will be present. Mystical creatures will heavily influence the games look and style.

WHAT I PLAN TO ACHIEVE:

- Digital concept art book.

- At least 3 character sheets which include movements, expressions, history and a 2D turntable.

- At least 3 creature designs.

- Objects and weapon designs.

- Environment concepts.

WHAT I PLAN TO RESEARCH BRIEFLY:

- Concept art books designed for games or story.

- How to make a good book layout for concept art.

- What makes a good portfolio.

- Story based games or graphic novels.

- Dream Fall, Final Fantasy, Fable and any other story driven games with in depth concept art.

- What makes a good concept artist.

-Character art.

- Animals influence.

- Creature concepts.

- objects and weapon concepts.

- Different style and types of environment art.