Character Design Speedpaint- Forest Viking

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

This is my workflow for designing a viking character who resides in the forest, and doubles as a muscle study.
I wanted him to be widely built, focusing on his muscular physique to push the idea that he ambushes and overpowers enemies in hand-to-hand combat. I purposely kept his armour light and realistic, as to not only offer better mobility, but also make him fit well within his surroundings and the old world. The outfit was meant to help him blend with the trees and greenery around him, and I drew inspiration from the initial idea of a cape that acted like a ghillie suit. I also picture him using a large axe when necessary, prompting more of his bulky build and allowing for a way to chop wood or kill prey. It would rest on his waist belt, back or side. The deer skull’s antlers are reminiscent of branches, acting as both camouflage and extra protection. He wears the Vegsivir symbol on his shoulder, which is a common image thought to bring vikings good luck in travel and navigation– things that would be helpful in the thick forest setting. The green painted markings on his body that were hastily applied by hand (the technique most apparent when viewing his back) are in the fitting pattern of Yggdrasil, the “world tree” of Norse legend. He also carries the hide of a badger to use as either bait or a distraction. His hands are wrapped for fist-fighting, while the leather on his dominant arm and both hips helps protect him from weapon attacks. The leather strapped to his knees makes it less painful to kneel in a given position for long amounts of time, which is useful when hunting.
This design plus its final render took a total of approximately nine hours.