Soulful Savage: The Art of Jared S Pullen

Freaky Creature Illustration: The Naysayer

2012-02-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Naysayer...

Welcome once more to Freaky February! As promised please find enclosed yet another offering of the freakish and the bizarre! I have been gone for far too long, turning this way and that as change sweeps across all that I know, revealing in its wake a landscape that is familiar yet wholly uncharted.... unemployment. This creepy little fiend, dubbed 'Naysayer' finds me back on the hunt in 2012, looking for work in fresh places. Once more, like so many of us from the Australian games industry I'm navigating my way about the dust bowl, scounging here and there... looking for a fresh kill to scavenge... (too freaky?) So when leaving for more abundant hunting grounds is not an option momentarily, it can be easy to feel doubt... but you just can't give in.

We all of us, no matter who we are, at one stage in Life or another, experience self doubt. Doubt in our career direction, doubt in what we really want, and (specifically where art is concerned) doubt in our own abilities. Nagging self doubt is for me (without a doubt) worse than a tangible crisis :) It's a time when that intrusive, secreted monster coiled deep within you stirs, rising to scale the ladder of your spine and take up residence within your Spirit... 'He' comes at you in sections, through dark and irrational places, herding fears like a shepherd through your Mind, and once he gets his hooks in, he can be very hard to shake. In that nagging, Nay-Sayer voice he spits in your ear; "You can't do it." Whatever 'it' may be...

Self doubt and the feeling that you're really behind the 8-ball skill wise (much like the pursuit of perfection) seems to come hand in hand with many of the art disciplines. It's that age old curse of self deprecation. Humility is a beautiful quality and is to be admired, but specifically self doubt, if left unchecked can do some serious damage long term. From experience, being paralyzed by doubt can often lead to stagnation in ability as you'll be less likely to try new things. As such you'd probably be less likely to develop as an artist :(

It's the same thing for Leads of any profession, who rise to the position because of their skill, only to wind up involuntarily shelving their craft in favour of managing a Team (and the task sheets) to handle the workload. If you don't make time to continue to develop (or you have no time to invest in your own skill development) before long the Team you're managing are leaving you in their dust :) And its easy to dispair the situation and start doubting your own abilities. Just never give up! Defeat is only momentary, and I believe its true that the best storytellers (for that's who we really are as artists) are the ones that have travelled long the paths of adversity.

Naysayer grey scale illustration...

Everything you do and everything you say (and I mean everything) has an energy... and that energy has power over us; for good or ill. While challenges can lead to 'will power', self doubt can lead to 'won't power'... the trick is to use energy in a positive way so that you (and potentially others) can benefit from it. For Freaky February I decided to give my doubt a name and a face, and use it as an art opportunity to have some fun and create something... albeit a bit sinister and weird. While he is not a joy to behold, he seems less intimidating on the page than when wreaking havoc in the mind ;) Again it borders on the edge for me, but all in all Naysayer was fun to bring out for you all to see. (Craig Mullins did something similar a while back when he gave his doubt a visual persona.)

I definitely think Life is what you make of it, and more importantly how you see yourself colours how you view the World and all things in it. It's easy to doubt yourself should your peers surpass you. Its easy to doubt your place if you feel you don't have what it takes. It's easier still to become synical and even bitter if you hold onto that doubt for a long time. So... take what you've got right now. Use it... weild it like a weapon and swing it for all you are worth. For you are worth alot indeed. Never doubt your value... You can do it, so go for Yours. I know I am :)

Creature Character Head Studies: The Alien Condition...

2011-09-30T06:11:00.003-07:00

Alien Bust Final Design 01

Alien Bust Final Design 02

Alien Bust Final Design 03

Alien Head Study (Rough) 01: Seer

Alien Head Study (Rough) 02: Privateer

Alien Head Study (Rough) 03: Pirate

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Costumed Characters and The Super Hero Space...

2011-08-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

Coming soon ;)

Creature and Environment Illustration: Freed Souls WIP

2011-07-31T03:34:00.000-07:00

"Freed Souls" WIP...

Hi Peoples, stay tuned for an update on my "Freed Souls" piece. Busy, busy, busy.. and getting busier! Will be posting this asap to give an update :)

Kindest regards... and GO THE ALL BLACKS in 2011 ;)

Soulful Savage.

Work in progress section 01...

Work in progress section 02...

Overall Illustration WIP...

Once More Inside The Dragon's Vault: Prop Concepts From The World of Spyro...

2011-06-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Ancient Scrying Pool...

Stay tuned for more from the Dragon's Vault, in which we'll take a look at various prop concepts from the World Of Spyro The Dragon...

With much to do and so little time. Keep on creating Peoples :)

Boom Barrel from The Munitions Forge...

Diseased Silt-Hopper...

Obsidion Beetle Hive...

Obsidion Beetle Hive: Damage Remnant State...

Smashable Plate-Rock Entrance...

Smashable Plate-Rock Entrance: Remnant State...

Infernal Pool Shoots...

Corrupted Tree: Small Scale...

Corrupted Tree: Mid Scale...

Corrupted Tree: Large Scale...

Corrupted Tree: Feature Piece Scale...

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Creature Design: Grotto Gargantuan; resolving the details...

2011-05-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Grotto Gargantuan Returns...

Greetings People and welcome to May 2011 and once again to the home of the Soulful Savage!

This post marks 1 year of art posting under the Soulful Savage banner; 1 year since I took up this much needed journey to create something beyond my 'nine-to-five' existence...

And what better way to celebrate than by returning to where this blog began? By going back into the wooded wilds of my mind to wrangle that zoological conundrum; that slippery Leviathan... the Great Grotto Gargantuan!

In last May's post you'll find the creature from a more illustrative approach, but I mentioned I wanted to go back to wrangle all the details and resolve the particulars of design. So stay tuned! The May 2011 Post is here! I thank you all for your support in tuning in over the last year, and for being patient! The Gargantuan is surfacing from the crushing depths, and its full story will be revealed very soon. Design work is on the way...

Gargantuan Design... preliminary head studies

Gargantuan Design... overall treatment and scale

Fan Art That Goes Squeek: Illustration From Mouse Guard

2011-04-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Celanawe: The Black Axe

It's that time again and I've managed to just squeeze in some content this month, in between freelance and raising my three spectacular Children :) I thought it was high time I did some Fan Art, and what better world in which to indulge than in David Petersen's Mouse Guard? So with a mighty 'SqueEk!.... I present this offering :) So much of the content we create, especially early on, comes largely from what we like and has it's origins in what we enjoy personally as artists.

There's a big school of thought out there that argues that a concept artist need be well versed in all forms and styles, and that in order to be a viable option for a games development studio one needs to have a handle on a variety of things from industrial design and architecture, to character and anatomy. While its great to be versatile I find its hard to specialise and master any one thing if you try to spread too thin across a broad range of subjects. Not only that, more often than not, our best pieces tend to be those that have a personal significance to us based on our interests. Sometimes we just need to allow some room (guilt free) for 'drawing what we like'.

So draw what you like. Don't be daunted by the fact that you don't have a plethora of interior design, armchairs and funky tables to show off in your folio... just make a start, draw what you like... and let your technique and ideas do the talking. Your style will naturally emerge and the body of varied work will follow over time. At least this is what I'm finding as I progress.

For this piece I wanted to be as authentic to Mouse Guard as I possibly could, while inadvertently adding my own personal flavour to it. (Authenticity above all else is the GO when dealing with brands and licenses... but we'll talk on that later!) Celanawe, pictured above in his frosty fatigues is a personal favourite of mine, and having read all the Mouse Guard books with my Eldest Son, he definitely has that grissled and experienced warrior vibe that so appeals to me. So staying true to the palette, the forms and the textural quality was important to me as I have a deep respect for the Mouse Guard brand and its' look and feel. I did my best, but as always you can be the judge of how I fared :)

Despite trying to understand and nail the style, there will always invariably be differences as I am not the creator in this instance. There is absolutely no substitue for the genuine original, and the work of David Petersen is quite simply stunning. There's a rich charm to the world of Mouse Guard, tempered with culture and history that on deeper reading becomes increasingly apparent. I'd encourage everyone to check it out for themselves:

www.davidpetersen.net/mouseguard/index.htm

So hats off to you Mr Petersen, and thanks for offering something that is truly special. With much respect I present this little work for Mouse Guard fans and hope to do some more down the track :) Can't wait for more Mouse Guard!

Kind regards,
Soulful Savage.

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

The Dragon's Vault Opened Once More...

2011-03-31T03:39:00.000-07:00

The Greater Guardian...

Once again I left the great stone door of the 'Vault' ajar... and once more the creations from Spyro issued forth. February was a tad freaky, so this offering should lighten the mood. While the body of work I've done for Spyro TLOS is very dated now, there's just still so much more of this work that I havn't shown yet... and so from time to time I'll unearth a few pieces because I remember the time on the project fondly. There was just so much of me in every piece, and I spent alot of energy passionately trying to create a mythos in the visual form. It was a great and fun responsibility to help shape the new feel for the franchise at the time :)

The image of the great Guardian statue above was an homage to Dragon culture in general, but more specificly a stately and regal representation of an actual ancient Dragon hero... the last Purple Dragon before Spyro's time. Indeed it was my intention to have this statue foreshadow Spyro's future, and set down a clue as to what he may even look like in the coming decades. From the very outset I wanted to portray what a fully grown adult Purple Dragon would look like, how it might stand and carry itself, and I pitched the idea that the statue itself was actually a representation of The Dark Master.... before he renounced the path of good. So you could say that right from the beginning, from 'the new beginning' we had already caught a glimpse of the Dark Master... I thought it a very fitting and 'full circle' type thing to do.

So here's to a fun time well remembered, and to creating alongside talented friends! I hope you enjoy this offering!

Kind regards, Soulful Savage.

Dragon Temple Entrance...

Ignitus' War Helm...

There's a story with this piece and the other Dragon armour relics... (as there is with so many pieces from TLOS) This helm was intended to be Ignitus' personal war helm... I drew it up as a feature prop and a story hook for Spyro for when he first encounters Ignitus.

The story went thusly, that back during the 'Ape Wars' Ignitus was a General who led a company of War Dragons into battle against the forces of the Dark Master. After a fierce struggle in which many Guardians were lost, Ignitus' forces were driven back until only the four Guardians remained. When Ignitus failed to repell Gaul (the Ape King) and gave up custody of the last remaining purple Dragon egg (Spyro) in a biblical flavoured attempt to save him, Ignitus exiled himself to the Swamp, casting off his armour in despair, becoming the crestfallen figure that Spyro meets in 'A New Beginning'.

As an idea I'd intended the Helm, the broken Lance and the Shield to be symbols of Ignitus' return to vigour. At Ignitus' request I'd intended Spyro to go on a mini quest to hunt for and retrieve the missing pieces of Ignitus' armoury. This was to be a way of developing a friendship with the old Fire Guardian, introducing a clue into Dragon culture and Ignitus' military past, as well as reinforcing the magnitute of his feelings of failure. It was a way for Spyro to actively rekindle Ignitus' desire to rise from his despair in the game.

While the 3D props were made from my drawings, this little story nugget did not make it into the game due to time pressures, but having drawn them I feel that at least a little bit of culture was injected and I feel that added some value. Despite intended as one off features, the armour props were duplicated throughout the Swamp level and so became common objects, which was lamentable, but I'm glad they made it in at least. Regardless, giving backstories to your pieces can help them feel more realised and more plausible... it's the little details in the background like this that can strengthen your work and give it presence, even if your story or vision doesn't make the final cut. Well, at least we know ;)

Ignitus' Battle Lance...

I felt it best to break the lance as it seemed a more fitting representation of Ignitus' state of mind when we first meet him; a broken weapon for a broken leader, gathering dust and moss in the dark. But even in its damaged state, the lance is still a potent reminder of the rigours of battle and deeds long done. (Ignitus was by far my favourite character... I can truly identify with him.)

Ignitus' War Shield...

The Shield was the final piece in the armoury and I imagined that this mounted on a swivel and brace attachment slung over Ignitus' left shoulder, protecting that flank from glancing blows. A while back I did a rough sketch of Ignitus harnessed to the hilt and in full plate armour, with his Lance, Helm and Shield attached. Unfortunately the rough sketch was lost (somewhere in the Swamp presumably) but it's very fresh in my mind... I may just have to draw him up in all his glory as a way of giving back to so many wonderful Spyro Fans who have been so very good to me. To those Fans, I thank you all for every comment you've sent me in support of this blog, and I'll be sure to reply with kindness as soon as I can... I'll wrangle up something special and personal for you all :)

Earth Breath Elemental Sigil...

Electricity Breath Elemental Sigil...

Fire Breath Elemental Sigil...

Earth Dragon Elemental Banner...

Electricity Dragon Elemental Banner...

Fire Dragon Elemental Banner...

Iconography in the world of Spyro was very important to me, and you may have spotted a great deal of it already... I'll talk more about the graphic language of Spyro in a future post later on when I can explain it in closer detail.

Smashable 'Shroom Roots...

Frogweed Spawning Mud-Pile...

Collapsing 'Shroom Root Bridge...

Thorny Brambleweed...

Fossilised Swamp Predator...

Gellatinous Stench-Bulb...

Parasitic 'Shroom Shoots...

Greater 'Shrooms: A Swamp Feature...

Strangely enough, this image was by far the most prevalent of all images that went out when Spyro TLOS rolled out onto shelves. The 'Feature Tree' of the Swamp became the official mascot of the series and seemed to resonate with many people for its stylistic simplicity. Originally created to fill an enormous void in the starting area mesh in the game, this 'tree' added so much charm to the space that it became the style exemplar for the rest of the Swamp world's content... and so the 'Mushroom Swamp' was born. Talented concept artists like Ben Ward, Ron Marc and Mark Douglas pushed things furthur to create the gorgeous mushroom forest walls and twisted vine laden corridors that set the Swamp world apart. Check it out in game... in 2006 it was something quite unique at the time and something I was proud to be a part of.

So keep creating, and more importantly keep creating stories... for the trick to creating memorable art and works that capture the imagination seems to be all in the details; obvious or implied.

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pulen

Freaky February! Creature & Environment Illustration that teeters on the 'Edge.'

2011-02-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Spoooky Freak WIP

It's Fiendish... it's Freakish! It's Febuary! Welcome to the first 'Freaky Febuary', in which I indulge my freakish side and explore the weird, the bizzare and the somewhat unsettling all in the name of art. Keep an eye out for my Spoooky Freak coming soon this month; an illustration that for me skates the razor fine edge. What originally started out as something for a studio project, and something I'd call diabolical, (and would have been moreso if I'd followed through and finished it) I've altered in keeping with my own sense of values. Make no mistake, as this one pushed my sensibilities, but I feel the need to talk about it and offer an example.

Values and ethics... we'll talk about them and the intent behind a work when I post the final, but for now I'll leave you with this freakish teaser of this very eerie character here.... he certainly makes me feel nervous.

*Freed Souls' (the work I began in October) is progressing, as is the list of work and pieces I'd love to do! So hang in there, 'cos Febuary is about to get a little Freaky...

Spoooky Lobby...

Spoooky Reception Hall...

Gunter: The Spoooky Bellhop...

"Stooped on the threshold, the withered bellhop clasped the iron door cage, peeling it back with a livid hand to admit me. At once I was rigid with fear, all resolve choked from my marrows as I stood there, bereft of courage, as he bid me enter with a mangled finger. That sound again... a sickening squelch from the putrid eye set within his hat as it swivelled to take me in; a clouded lump of meat, yellowed and scored. I stifled a gag as the creature's fetid odour assailed me. To my horror he stirred as if to speak, but from his throat issued forth a wet rattle, dire and foul; the words came like the grinding of gravel and ash, "Ggoing... downnn???"

Steeling myself I quietened the voice within that begged my heels to turn away and entered the lift that would take me to the lowest levels... and all the while that eye studied me, watching, unblinking... taking the measure of me in ways I could not fathom."

Excerpt from 'Spoooktown Showdown', copywrite Jared Pullen 2009

So ok... this guy makes my skin crawl, as do the environments presented here, but let it be said that everything you see here has been dialled back all the way from 'Producer 11' :) This is a taste of what was unleashed when I operated outside of my comfort zone in 2009. Sure I feel the visuals are compelling, even stirring, yet when laying 'paint to canvas' and coming up with the broader concept... something felt 'wrong'. It was like there was a voice warning me not to pursue; not to 'get in that elevator.' Well I did, but the one thing I am glad of was I didn't go all the way to the basement... despite the project calling for it, or more accurately: despite the need of those steering the project to see it go there.

You've heard that word the Top End might throw about when the way forward stylistically is unclear to them; 'Edge'. Yeah... good old 'Edge'. It's cousins 'Gritty' and 'Dark' are never too far away when 'Edge' is on the loose, and you can rest assured that Edge is usually the first stop on many inexperienced Exec Producer's and Art Director's fave destinations list. In order to create something cutting edge and unique, 'edgy' is often the direction from the top, and usually this happens at the expense of other style options that may prove stronger and more memorable in the long run, but lack that shock value.

Edgy treatments don't bother me, what does is the steady and natural gravitation towards darkness and possible depravity that seems to occur when we are asked to engage in this space(as has been my experience.) Catch phrases like "Intimate Violence" have been pillars of games I've created visuals for, and on face value you might be thinking "suck it up Soulful, it pays the bills!" But let me ask you, why do we want 'intimate violence?' Why would any 'hero' character that you play need to stick a gun in an NPC's mouth to interrogate him and why does that seem to sell? Getting up close to inflict your moveset seems to be the go, but how far is too far? Is it something we actually want, or is it just on offer? If its what we honestly want, then what does that say about us as a species? It makes me wonder if it's really mass market driving these style directives, or whether its something else at play. Why does darkness appeal?

The scary thing that hit me when doing the art was just how easily these ideas came to me, and how easily I put all this together. The creativity just flowed; there were no obstacles, no visual challenges... it just came like 'that'. The answer is this... its so easy to go dark. It seems much harder and more challenging to do what is good and right. If ever there was a life lesson, it's that one :)

I did what was asked of me but in the finish I regretted it, and ended up changing alot of the art for my folio. I got in that elevator man, and rode it to the ground floor, but eventually punched the brakes and escaped through the crawl space! But after I changed the art I realised something else too... that even though I'd altered it, the germ of the idea behind it was still there. It still had its roots in the dark.

I wanted to share this with you for a good reason, and the message is this; if it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it... find another way altogether, stick to your guns, because in the end no amount of money can buy back what you give up; your values, perhaps even your core beliefs....your principles, your design ethos... your very identity in many ways. Dramatic? I feel its important. There is so much darkness out there and its message is always the same... there's nothing unique about that. Stay premium Peoples, and never compromise on the important things. I learnt that one the long way :P

Keen to hear what people think...

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

A different time, a different approach: Character Toy design...

2011-01-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Rattle-Gland...

Hi Peoples and welcome to a new year. Hell of a start to 2011... and my heart and thoughts go out to the people of this rugged land during these incredibly testing environmental disasters. Floods, fires, now Cyclones... I pray for no more grief. Stay safe all... and remember what is truly important; our lives and the lives of those we hold dear. Never give up. Ever.

The pieces seen here are from my first ever Freelance contract with a Toy manufacturer based in Holland. The art was never picked up and for the hours spent the pay wasn't brilliant, but it gave me my first taste of working a contract as a sole trader. Terrifying, but wonderfully freeing all at the same time. I have learnt many things and for that experience I am truly thankful :)

The Vahgeist...

If the last few months of unemployment has taught me anything (in fact if the events of my entire Life have taught me anything) it is this: to never, ever, give up. It's true that terrible things happen all the time. As people we live in a world that is brimming with trends, ideas, events and circumstances that seek to be the undoing of us. We lose jobs, loved ones, our faculties, property... we suffer at the hand of Nature and at the hand of eachother and often the worst part is we cannot control these circumstances or comprehend why they have happened... and it is easy to dispair in the fact that its all so much greater than we feel we could ever be.

Don't give up. When times are tough your true measure of spirit comes from how you choose to respond; from choosing to get up again. When Krome Studios collapsed, (and yes it very much did) part of me was released back into the Wild... while the other part (not in equal measure), the institutionalised part, longed for the safety of the 'known quantity', however toxic the environment had become.

Facing joblessness is not easy; it gnaws at your self worth, undermines your confidence if you let it and places extreme stress on relationships... the urge to provide is there, but when the market isn't friendly, you have to weather the storm and somehow overcome. Don't give up :) The one thing you can control is your tenacity of spirit. Never give up... there is always a way forward, however wildly departed from the norm it may feel. We all have within us the Spirit to overcome; for ourselves and in many cases to show others the way. We can do it in our own time and in our own way, what matters is we refuse to quit.

The Elkspell...

Within the ever tightening noose of Games Development in Australia, options are few and come with their own tricky set of circumstances. I immediately went into the Freelance scene, not by choice at all... but let me tell you it has made me a better artist. I'm more driven, focused and determined now than ever before. Time management counts for so much on every job and I'm now occupying this headspace in which dicipline and professionalism are paramount. Indeed they are 9/10ths of the game.

My first freelance endeavours didn't really go anywhere, but I'm not going to give up... there is a reason for everything and I believe that this precarious situation that I face (and many, many others out there) is the push out the door needed to realise our own potentials. Don't give up, never give up.. Do what you can, try new things. Help others to keep going... and good things will find you...

Contract work is stable for me right now until October, but beyond that already there are things set in motion that offer far greater rewards than I've previously received... and I'll have the time to nuture them. More from me next month ;)

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

More from the Dragon's Vault...

2010-12-31T02:08:00.001-08:00

Captain Skabb with the Parrot-Monkeys Scratch and Sniff...

Message coming soon!

Captain Skabb with closed Treasure Chest treatment...

The 'Plunder-Busta': Skabb's Tri-Barrelled Hand Cannon...

The 'Hoodoo Blade': Skabb's Venomous Voodoo-licious Sword!

Tier 1 Grove Mite Enemy Type for Ancient Grove...

Tier 2 Grove Worm Enemy Type for 'Ancient Grove'...

Tier 3 Grove Beast Enemy Type for 'Ancient Grove'...

Grove Beast Elevation Views...

The 'Death Hound' Enemy Type for 'Mountain Fortress'...

Death Hound Elevation Views and Scale Reference...

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Beastly Design

2010-11-30T03:50:00.000-08:00

This was perhaps, not what you were expecting to see for November... I remember that November's Post was intended to be all about Freed Souls; my latest illustration which was (and will be) a commentary on the situation now faced by many out of work concept artists from Krome Studios. Being a huge fan of telling stories (the right way) without compromising quality for the sake of 'just geting it out there', I'd like to do it justice. Rather than rush it and ruin it (which is something else we can talk about later) I must with all humility ask for your patience while I get this one right. Kindest thanks to everyone :)

In these few short weeks I have been truly the busiest I have ever been in my entire career... There is so much to do, so much to prepare for, and so many opportunities to grab hold of and explore all that truly makes me happy. For the first time in a very long time I am really the master of my own destiny, and this was indeed the major theme and inspiration for Freed Souls... but we'll get to that ;) There has been much change in the air with me and for reasons that I'll make clear very soon, my time has been short; for I have been focussing on other more compelling ventures...

For now I hope that you'll enjoy these preliminary creature designs that I have prepared as they offer a small window into part of what I'm currently doing with my time, and they are part of a larger plan. Freed Souls is well on it's way...

Banded Striker

People ask me alot: "Why do you focus on drawing Creatures? Why the fixation?" It's true that from a very tender age I was absolutely drawn to animals, both real and imagined... indeed they were for many years my only real friends. I'd honestly have to say that creating them is a very primal and instinctual thing for me to do, they just come to me and it's a simple affair to explain my facination with them: I can trust what they'll do. I could say there is a purity to them and a wonderful simplicity in their nature that I'd long to have. I could go on to say that there's a sense of virtue within every beast in the Animal kingdom, and they have instincts and ways that one can pretty much bank on...

I could say that by contrast we Humans can be highly unpredictable most of the time, and that the factors that motivate us to behave are so varied and numerous as to keep us guessing... and more often than not, confused as to our actual purpose here. You can trust a Lion to be hungry at certain times of the day and act accordingly, but we are different beasts entirely... On the visual front there is such an aspirational majesty to the Creatures of the Earth, both in their great design and in their purpose that I cannot go past drawing from it. Yet it is from the fabric of their very nature (to eat only when hungry, to take only what is needed, to preserve what remains for the future) that I draw my greatest inspiration. They have taught me an aweful lot about myself...

The most potent thing about Humanity though is; we get to choose our own 'nature'. We get to govern our own behavior and we have that freedom to choose the impact we have; for good or ill. 'Tis the greatest natural ability we can exercise; so choose well, and keep on slammin :)

The Bow-Horned Sail Strider

A Vahgeist Bull

Horned Woodsman

The Bloated Smoulder-Face

Bark-Skinned Leaf Beast

The Plumed Hunter

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Sneak Peak at November's Posting

2010-10-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

'Freed Souls': Creature and Environment Illustration WIP

I have not been idle in my time away from the workplace; in fact... this is the busiest I've been in some time now. Yet for the first time in a long time, I feel I'm actually getting somewhere, and moving in the direction that feels right for me. I've felt in this time it is important to just keep moving, improving and doing.... attempting new things and choosing to back myself on every challenge no matter what I'm trying for, or who I'm presenting myself and my work to. You just have to keep on 'doing'; know your value, back yourself... and with the right attitude and at the right time, a strong opportunity will present itself. So acknowledging that Life is a journey, I plan to keep on powering on...

What you see here is a small Work in Progress sample of my next illustrated piece planned for the November posting. I'll talk more about it then, but I can say it is a tribute to those I've worked closely with and a supportive commentary on what we have faced as a concept art group. I hope you'll join me in November to see the finished work. So until then, (and long afterwards) keep on 'doing'. Keep on moving towards what you want... and keep on powering on.

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

From The Dragon's Vault...Something for the Fans

2010-10-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

'Steam' the Iron-Clad Locomotive Boss and The Conductor from Munitions Forge...

Steam Boss plan views for modeling reference...
Sometimes things just resonate with us. Whether its a movie or a book, or as is increasingly becoming more common place; a video game.... sometimes somethings just grab us and stick in our minds. It becomes a powerful influence, an experience we must have time and again and one that regardles of how old or dated it becomes will always hold a significant place in our psyche. Holding onto a piece of that 'something special' is an amazing thing, as whatever it is can have a profound and everlasting effect that puts wheels in motion and can set us on the paths that our lives may take for years to come.... but actually being a part of its' creation is something entirely unique again.

I posted not that long ago, but it seems to me that there is quite a large body of people for whom the world of Spyro the Dragon holds a great deal of significance. I myself am an epic fan of Dragons, and for Spyro I tried to re-inject that ancient and weathered majesty for the Guardians, and get Spyro dragons walking on four legs again! When the franchise came to Krome Studios Spyro was in need of a style makeover and so I did my best to ensure that everything that was loved about the old Purple Dragon of Legend remained intact, while along with Bruno Rime and fellow concept artists Ron Marc, Rod Wong, Mark Hansen and Danh Nhan we sought to rejuvenate the franchise with contemporary style and heart.

I did not in a million years expect the reception that Spyro, Sparx, the Dragon Guardians and the Spyro visual style would get from such a diverse range of people... but it has certainly lit a welcomed fire in this old soul :) So, this post is for the Fans; those hard core and devoted souls who craft websites, make avatars and create simply amazing fan art in the Spyro space. This is for you guys. With humility and gratitude I thank you. Helping to create something that means so much to so many is all an artist could ever hope for. I deeply hope you enjoy this little offering...

Kind regards,

J S Pulen

The Steam Boss' caboose...

The Caboose was very much part of the Steam Boss' character; it housed Cynder's minions to taunt Spyro on his high speed rail chase in TLOS: A New Beginning and acted as armour to be damaged and stripped away. Steam was the only machine type Boss designed for this title.

Steam Boss Caboose plan views for modeling purposes...

'Dreadwing' creature: Themed for the Munitions Forge world...

These sinister agents of Cynder were a blast to draw and theme for every environment type. We had strong elemental themes that served to influence every design, right down to materials, so drawing became an almost unconscious thing for me. When I first designed this beasty I called it the 'Dreadwing' as a working name, but the name just stuck right through to the printing of this title's hand manual.

'Dreadwing' creature: Themed for the Dante's Freezer world...

'Dreadwing' creature: Themed for the Tall Plains world...

Dreadwing plan view for modeling purposes...

Tier 2 Cynder Leader Class: Themed for Dante's Freezer...

Hands down these jibbering Baboon-like minions were the most fun to create, as the theming posibilities were endless. My only lamentation was we had but four theme types to work to, and if scope had allowed there was so much more I wanted to do with these guys. These minions added a comedic vineer to what could have become (if allowed) a very dark game. I went with a Mongolian touch for these snow bound bruisers...

Tier 3 Cynder Commander Class: Themed for Dante's Freezer...

With these types of mainstay foe consistency was key; in their theming and materials across all world types and also in their sense of scale across the three enemy tier types. To keep scale cohesion between the three enemy sizes, I made sure that the feet, hands and eyes generally remained the same scale, regardless of tier size. This really facilitated a cohesive look. Having items of armour stay the same scale on both the big and small guys reinforced their scale also... see the bear's paw on both Leader and Commander for an example of this.

Kane the Atlawa warrior champion from Tall Plains...

A somewhat Mayan influence seemed appropriate for the proud and independent character of Kane. What began as a four legged Lama, resulted in the image you see here. Our character animators referred to him as 'that chicken-lama' whenever Kane was mentioned. I created a back story and mythos for Kane, but it was never used in the story.

Luggs: An Atlawa warrior...

This unfortunate creature had the dubious honour of being 'lugged' off by one of Cynder's Tall Plains Dreadwings... and didn't feature strongly in the title despite a fair ammount of time being spent on both the design and his character model. Aptly named for his role, Luggs was a pleasure to draw nonetheless...

There are many more concept art pieces relating to character, props and environment from both TLOS: A New Beginning and TLOS: The Eternal Night that I will share in coming months, but I hope you have liked what you've seen here so far. (For other Spyro related works see the art of Ron Marc, Rod Wong, Mark Hansen and Danh Nhan.)

Very different things from me next post ;)

Listen to the Soul: Remember always what is most important and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Character Illustration and Design: The Scarecrow

2010-09-30T04:33:00.000-07:00

The Scarecrow: with Feudal Japanese styling

I do try to tell a story in every design, and I'm always looking for real world hooks and historical connections to support my design choices wherever I can. I thoroughly enjoy the research and reference gathering phase as its my chance to realy get inside the space I'm creating for and produce something different, something with heart... for me it all starts at the grass roots reference phase. As part of a Concept Art workshop while with Krome Studios, my fellow concept artists and I came up with the challenge to re-imagine the traditional characters from Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz by overlaying a Feudal Japanese thematic styling. As a child I was raised on this kind of whimsical and higly imaginative narrative and so took to the task eargerly.

I chose to re-design the Scarecrow as I felt I best identified with him as I like to think, and talk, and talk about thinking... and for me the pairing of such a character with the romantic and evocative visual theme of Feudal Japan proved too tempting for me to leave alone. I felt the Scarecrow had a kindly, inquisitive and disarming nature and also saw him as a somewhat piteous creature; created for a purpose that was beyond his dimeanor... to frighten and disuade, and in this regard I felt he was very much like a broken thing.

Imagery of the Samarai did spring to mind, but I thought it best to avoid taking the design down a mainstream avenue. Immediately Kabuki theatre entered my mind, as the Scarecrow was quite a dramatic and theatrical creature. His link to the land as an agricultural device appealed, so I resolved to make him more of an enchanted object rather than a freestanding character. As I researched origins of scarecrows I stumbled upon a Japanese legend that spoke of a creature known as Kuebiko; (see the reference plate) a scarecrow that could not walk but had immeasurable knowledge of the world. For me this was all too convenient so I went down this path to create my painted, straw packed fellow.

Reference Plate with Lead Up roughs

Having him permanently bound to his pole presented an interesting opportunity for both a unique design structure as well as animation. Originally I had his arms free of the pole aparatus but later tied them to it, as I felt this character had more important features to capitalise on than his arms. So I tied them and had the sleeves without stuffing so as to create a draped look to his arms. His hands however were very important to me... the hands of a gardener I imagined, and these could slide along the pole and gesture as they needed to.

How something moves always appeals to me and having an animation background I try to provide evidence of this in every design. To get around I imagined the Scarecrow would hop like a pogo stick, and spin about... creating this guy was an absolute pleasure and I had hoped that Krome would explore this idea of a re-imagined Wizard of Oz given that the world of Oz is coming to grace the silver screen in the near future.

Design wise the most important element of the scarecrow however was what he stood for; intellect... and more to the point his pursuit of it throughout the story. I wanted to represent the quality he was questing for as a tangible thing, and the scroll case that adorns his hat did the trick I feel. It's closed at first, obscured from his own view, but when unrolled and revealed, the Kanji character for Wisdom is displayed. For me this was the unique story aspect that I wanted to inject into the design... representative of that moment in the story when the Wizard hands the Scarecrow his diploma and tells him, "it was with you all along." I truly identify with that. It reminds me of our own struggles as people and that sometimes, like the Scarecrow, we need to leave what is familiar behind and quest to find what we already possess.... if only to realise its full value.

We can be powerful creatures when we so choose to be.....when we look inside ourselves and conquer self doubt and realise that we already have the wisdom within ourselves to overcome and be all we can be; for others, for ourselves... and for our Dreams. On the work front there have been difficult obstacles that have arisen underfoot, and for many of my friends, myself included, the way has been rough. However, the message I would send to those of us that have been forced to look elsewhere for work is this: Remember what you have inside. 'Know your value.' A good friend once told me that.

Remember why you do what you do, and who you do it for. Do not let self doubt and fear make a nest in your spirit, and know that you have what it takes to find what you seek if you choose to never give up. Where there is an end, there is always a beginning and with that comes new opportunity. To my friends out there; don't give up, always keep trying for the works of your hands and the notions of your minds are truly born of talent. You have so much value, never lose sight of that, and the creative gift you have can lead down pathways previously thought unaccessable... so what would you really like to do with it? Be all you can be :)

Listen to the Soul; remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Character Design: Reinforcing Consistency of Style.

2010-08-31T02:13:00.000-07:00

Sparx the Dragonfly: Spyro's companion re-imagined

Sparx facial and emotional expression

As previously mentioned in July, for me I can say that consistency is a key virtue in art, as well as the quality of the ideas you present as an artist. Sure diversity is a desirable quality of course, as is the ability to adapt to varied art styles for project needs, but that said having a consistency of style, and also in message really defines you as an artist... and on many levels as a Human being. It becomes our calling card, our claim to fame or that one thing that others associate us with. It's all part of our identity and reputation building.

Something that intrigues me in the modern gaming industry is a focussed and uncompromising push towards 'realism' or what is regarded as 'photo-realism'. Indeed in dealing with those outside the creative field (and even with some from within it) I have seen many instances in which a higher value has been placed on art where the style gravitates towards achieving photo-realism. For these individuals that judge the work, there is an uninformed assumption at play that decrees that because a work looks realistic, there must be a higher rigour involved... a higher ability; that the work is more deserving of praise and compliment than a heavily stylsed piece. This is simply not true.

I honestly say to those that judge (and with much respect to my Realist friends out there) that there is a great deal of craft and rigour in creating a style independent of the world around you from thin air; in creating values and rules for that style and in maintaining it through consistency. That in itself takes discipline informed by understanding... and this I feel deserves our respect. To those that would judge, I implore them to look deeper and seek an understanding that there is much to be gained by having a look that is stylised, taylored and unique... for a memorable look beyond what we come to expect can mean the difference between whether the audience remembers your product, your Vision... or not.

Cynder Soldier: Tier 1 enemy type

Cynder Leader: Tier 2 enemy type

Cynder Commander: Tier 3 enemy type

For certain there is much energy involved in crafting any artwork, regardless of the style. Innovation of thought, understanding of the subject matter and exploring possibilities. What I would say is that a stylized approach demands that the artist create something that is less informed by the environment around him/her, and more pulled from the reserves of their inspired imagination. Having the ability to stylize and create a fresh take is a valuable skill. For me it reinforces that you can exercise the mind and the eye to create something different and unexpected, and discipline the hand to maintain the style. Artists of the stylized persuasion... I salute you, and those that would judge... I implore you to see the potent value inherent in this powerful art form.

On the Spyro: A New Beginning project consistency of style was paramount as I attempted along with fellow concept artists Bruno Rime, Ron Marc, Roderick Wong and Mark Hansen to rejuvenate the Spyro franchise and give it a fresh face. Settling on robust shapes, strong silhouette and a weighted 'spiral curve' that would later become an iconic Spyro signifier, I believe we were successful in doing so... and may I add I personally had the best fun of my career. There was a great deal of freedom to explore the new world of Spyro visually, (for which I thank our publisher liasons Chris and Mike from Vivendi Universal) and consistency of style, form and colour palette was something we monitored closely.

Every creature had rules and conventions dictated by the environs from which they came. The three tiers we split enemy types into all related to eachother... each tier an evolution of the last. I'll leave you to judge for yourselves...

Frogweed: Tier 1 local enemy type

Obsidian Beetle: Tier 1 local enemy type

Magma Worm: Tier 2 local enemy type

To concept artists of the stylised craft, I say simply: there is strength and value in the work you do... it is a stout gift... and moreover it is the quality of your ideas rather than the rigour of the render that helps to shape innovative visions. You rock. Never let anyone tell you any different.

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Character Design and Illustration: 'The Legend Of Spyro' Projects.

2010-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

For me consistency has always played an important role in any of my image creation. Indeed, like reputation, consistency is one of those fundamental building blocks that contribute to the construction of an artist's identity; for having a style all of your own is a valuable and rewarding thing. Consistency of style choice, consistency of tone and value, and perhaps most importantly... consistency of message, help define us as artists, and in many ways as Human Beings.

On the 'Legend Of Spyro' projects the task was to visually reinvent the franchise. For me it was about coming up with something that resonated with the modern audience of the time (2006) whilst not alienating the established Spryo the Dragon fan~base. There was an arm in the development that insisted at turns that I push Spyro into a much darker, more 'edgier' (and even terrifying) visual space, but in trying to respect the brand and its audience I think I found a middle ground that satisfied. There is enough darkness in the world... why on earth would I seek to add to it? You can judge for yourself...

(Please note that while the Logo and all conceptual artwork presented here was designed and drawn by myself, it does remain the property of Vivendi Universal.)

Spyro: The Purple~Dragon of Prophesy...

Ignitus: The Fire~Dragon Guardian and Spyro's mentor...

Volteer: The Elecricity~Dragon Guardian...

Terrador: The Earth~Dragon Guardian...

Cyril: The Ice~Dragon Guardian... (A collaboration with the artist Ron Marc.)

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Logo Design and Branding: The development of an Identity...

2010-06-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Like every artist under the sun, you live by your reputation and values. Quality, authenticity and innovation are always paramount, so too are reliability and your ability to deliver in a timely fashion. Over time these qualities form the basis of your reputation and become intrinsic to your very identity. Indeed artist or not, we live and die by our reputation.

For a while now I have been looking to create a visual example that summarises me as an artist; something with which accumulated reputation and all I stand for can be associated and recognised. A Brand label, a symbol that is universally recognised. The symbol you see here is the end result of the development, and funnily enough did not come through a great deal of rigour. It was something that seemed fairly natural to arrive at.

Simplicity was key, as was depicting a duality in the design... an opposition yet harmony between the 'Soulful' and the 'Savage'. The circular layout draws the eye and softens the overall design, being indicative of infinity, the 'halo' of Christian faith and things of an unending nature. Potential and possibilities...

The more severe components are indicative of the savage side, or the protecting warrior aspect. The spear tip gives the design a directional and forward moving feel; the warrior on the move. The internal motif within the circle is the eye of a strange creature, watchful and alert... and this ties in with my first post, quite literally being the squid-like eye of the Grotto Gargantuan. It represents the visual and creative aspects more literally and if you look closely you can make out the 'S S' initials to represent 'Soulful Savage'.

This said, having an identity is more than a logo to be sure; it comes from all you do, from your words, from your actions and from the actions you inspire in others. Indeed, you will know someone by their works; their deeds... for it is a reflection of their values. At least for me, this is true in both art and life. I plan to do as much good with this life and my art as I am given time for :)

Listen to the soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen

Creature & Environment Illustration: Grotto Gargantuan

2010-05-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome all to the first ever post from Soulful Savage. For me the 'Grotto Gargantuan' illustration was an exercise in proving out 'the concept art process'; from the spark of thought, through exploratory sketches to the final treatment featured here. This is what you see, but under the surface this piece is more than the final image, and for me its value has more to do with the reasons 'why' it was created. As an artist I feel it is vital to understand the 'WHY- Factor', for when you understand the reasons behind all that you do, be it art related or in general living, the road ahead can be made clear to you. At least this is as it was for me.

Largely 'Grotto Gargantuan' has everything to do with crafting something that was from myself... something rescued from the corners of my mind that had been, up until only recently, bound in stillness. This piece, has proven a welcome outlet and has indeed ignited the creative fires to produce work of a close and personal nature... to spend time investing in creative visions that truly showcase what I like to do and what I am also capable of. For me this was long overdue...

The influences are unmistakable and indeed the original brief I set myself was to 'create an environment and a creature supported by it that could plausibly belong to the Pandora Universe; the world of Avatar.' A me too piece I might hear you say and the thought did occur to me as well... but lets just say that it is not too often that a film comes along that so whole-heartedly captures the imagination of the People on such a global scale. Avatar is certainly one of them, and it spoke to me on so many levels, but perhaps on the most profound front it called me to task to remember my dreams... and to remember that it is the strength of a creative and innovative Vision that will resonate and stand the test of time, not necessarily what the market forecast indicates. Indeed it is how the most powerful Licensed properties on the planet have come into existence; from a fresh, innovative concept backed by a cohesive creative vision.

So I went with it as a starting point, beginning with the environment and using it to inform the compositional make-up of my creature. Glistening luminous fungus, moss veiled roots and plunging streams were the order of the day... I wanted to convey the notion of a secluded grotto behind the base of a waterfall; shrouded by twisting foliage, where my creature could roost in private. Misted forests from Canada and elements like the giant lilly-pad contributed to both the content and the shape conventions for this wet and back-lit space.

The creature was a response to the environment (the creature design will be more fully explored in a subsequent post.) Drawing on reference from many varied aquatic life-forms to inject qualities that would make the Gargantuan feel like something from that world, but also separate it as something not yet seen. I made a conscious decision to abandon the 'six-legged' convention in order to set it apart from Avatar, and drew heavily on the surface qualities of coloured crayfish for material treatment. Familiar creatures like the squid and the chameleon were used as the basis for the Gargantuan's physical make-up. So what began as an image inspired by Avatar has finished as something different...

I thank you for your time and hope that you have enjoyed what has been shown... from me there is much more to come and when I think of the potentials, the ideas and the concepts not yet envisioned my head is set to spinning!

Listen to the Soul: remember always what is most important, and never compromise on it. Defend that like a Savage.....

J S Pullen