Tell Small Stories

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by Tym

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This began as an inking test, trying out different tools (brush pen, micron, etc) to see which type of linework worked best for which style & effect. Brushpen won out overall.

But instead of just doing a few quick swatches, I decided to make something more than just a quick-and-dirty little test. I've always loved Parasaurolophi, and since I want to be a concept artist, I figured it would make the most sense to combine all of these things: watercolor rendering, Parasaurolophus, costume design, pose, as well as inking style.

I also took the opportunity to remind myself of something it's all-too-easy to forget: the paramount importance of story, whether you're posing a single character or building an entire graphic novel. Story trumps style, technique, skill, practically everything. That knowledge has a lot of power in it (e.g. "Instead of waiting until I'm 'good enough,' I should start this project NOW so I can tell the story, no matter how roughly.") and I decided to temper it, make it more palatable.

The stories needn't be sweeping epics, deep soul-shattering insights, galaxy-crossing empire-smashing, or even novellas. They simply need to be stories to be told.

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A mercenary for a wealthy Florentine family (though nowhere near as powerful as the great Medici Carnotauri), this Parasaurolophus stands guard while his employers enjoy a bright summer day in their sprawling Tuscan villa. Far from the noise, bustle, and stench (not to mention danger) of the city itself, Jacopo Squamosa allows himself a deep breath, letting the cool air from the shadowed arcade behind him waft over his tail and crest, cooling him off just enough to make guard duty bearable.

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