Tiefling Armor Sketches - What could have been...

As I mentioned on Monday here are some of the drawings that I did for the Tiefling armor I worked on for the D&D Character Visualizer. If you missed the armor the first time around you can seen it HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. Some of these early versions may have been a little over the top, but you never know till you try. In the end the final design is more solid but some of my first passes still have a lot of draw for me. Makes me think about what could have been...

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC
I still really like this first pass on the male plate. I am not sure it is right for the Tiefling race or would even be remotely functional as armor, but I still found it cool. Something about the plate/scale abdomen that I found really successful.

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

The male warlock was another I felt really strongly about after my first pass. Again, not sure if it is right for the Tiefling or even able to be worn by someone while adventuring and fighting, but I thought it was cool. It most likely is over the top. The rest of the designs were all considered to "Disco" until I got to the final one.

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Tiefling Armor Designs #4

Today I bring you the last installment of the male Tiefling armor I designed for the Character Visualizer. With getting these ready for the blog I went back and looked at all my drawings and various early drafts for these designs. I think I will post some of these early version later this week. Having not looked at them in well over a year (or more) I was able to get a fresh look at where my brain was back then. I definitely had a look for the Tiefling in mind going into the design phase that got changed by the time I was working on the finals. One of the things I like so much about "Art of" books for movie and game projects is to see what didn't make it and the various design dead ends. I think I had some of those with the Tiefling but I had many more with the Genasi which I will be sharing with you starting next week. Until then...

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Axes and Damsels - Dreamblade

It is Friday so I must be talking about miniatures, right? Speaking of miniatures, it has been exactly two years (give or take a week or two) since I worked on my last miniatures project and I have been hoping for another one ever since. Though I hate to tip my hat in regards to work, I started up on a miniatures project this week and I am thrilled! It is only a couple of pieces but they should be fun and different. They are for one of my newer clients so I am really looking forward to the project. Don't hold your breath on more details anytime soon, if my experience proves true it will be awhile before the finished products surface.

Today I have two more of the illusive unreleased Dreamblade pieces from set 7. The "Executioner" and "Damsel in Distress". I don't know how much I can say about what made these special, since while I do I have permission to show these pieces not sure I can technically talk about some of the unreleased game dynamics. Lets just say their aspects was not Fear, Madness, Passion, Valor, Anvilborn, or Multi. I did one other piece that is special like these two that you will see in the coming weeks. Maybe you will be able to look at all three and piece together some ideas. Enough riddles, lets get to the designs...

Unreleased Executioner - © 2006 Wizards of the Coast LLC

Unreleased Damsel in Distress - © 2006 Wizards of the Coast LLC

Both of these were to be commons. While I am extremely happy with how the Damsel turned out I always felt like I missed an opportunity to do something 'more' with the Executioner. My first version (which was rejected) had him wearing a half hood so you could see him yelling. I always liked that visual but apparently the design team didn't. Looking back now, I think I should have made him a lot more massive and bulky and even more detail and gear. I should have given him more blades, a whet stone of some sorts, other terrible objects of pain and torture... maybe a string of ears. Not sure if these would have been fitting to the theme or the character, but would have made it more interesting and expressive. The first pass on the Damsel had less detail which was resolved with this version. Since I do so little pretty and female I was really attached to this piece and was really looking forward to it's release and to have it in my portfolio. It took a little longer then expected but at least I get the later finally.

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Flagbearer Custom by Byleui

I had a really awesome comment left over the weekend on my post about the unreleased Dreamblade miniature, the Flagbearer. The comment had a link to Flickr and some pics of a custom Flagbearer miniature by Byleui, aka David Thies. I have to say I am REALLY impressed with the job he did on it. I am also humbled by the time an effort he put into creating something I designed. This was indeed a treat and very unexpected. I look forward to seeing what David comes up with next!

Here is my turnaround for comparison

David's Flagbearer

A couple more views of David's handy work

Here is what he had to say about the custom figure:

"OK, some six weeks later, I think I've managed to do justice to your artwork for Flagbearer. It was actually a lot of fun to construct, especially the weaving of the body from 1/8th-inch ribbon (stiffened with Superglue)." - from my blog

"It's hard to say just how long the Flagbearer took, since it was done in 5-minute increments over a month or so. I could probably make another in a weekend, doing very little else. It started with a bamboo skewer for the flagpole and some Testors Plastic Putty and Superglue Gel for the fittings. The flag was made from a high-quality cloth-like paper towel I picked up at the Alamance Country Club men's room (gotta be resourceful!). I painted the pole and flag with Testor's Enamel model paints. And for the body, I took 1/8th-inch polyester ribbon and glued it down with Superglue (holding the ribbon in place then dabbing it with the glue; once the glue soaks into it, it stiffens up in a few seconds)." - from the WotC Dreamblade Forums

If you would like to see more of David's customs he has a ton of them over on Flickr. You should take the time to head over and check them out!

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Yes, MORE Geek Night Wrap up...

My cohort in crime for Geek Night, Lee Bretschneider, has as a recap of the big night over on his LiVEJOURNAL. You should take a movement to check it out. Some great photos by Parker McCabe. Looks like I was not as good at dodging Parker's camera as I had hoped. Here are a couple of images Parker took of me and my goings on. Enjoy...

This is in fact how I see the world most of the time.

Even these miniature guardians could not keep people from walking up and touching my computer. Do you walk up to other people and touch their personal electronics?

Two more sketch cards - not my favorites by any means but I did them REALLY fast.

Okay, this should be the last of my Geek Night post... until next year.

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Geek Night 4.0 - Wrap up

If you some how missed my constant and repetitive announcements regarding it, Geek Night 4.0 at Florida State University was this past Friday evening. I was an invited guest at the event and all the sorted details can be found here, here and here. My partner in crime for the evening was Lee Brethschneider. It is safe to say much fun was held by all and I think the event went smashingly. They are already talking to me about next year, which needless to say is pretty cool. I think I prepared really well for the event with only two things I will want to change for next time I do something like this... 1) Make MANY sketches in advance to help when things get really busy, and 2) Have a sign that reads "FREE SKETCHES". I found myself repeating that the sketches were in fact free and people could take one. Had several people ask if they could touch the cards to get a better look at one only to find out that they could take it. Enough of this, lets get to some pictures...

Tables were set upon a dais so that we could look out over the masses like Jabba the Hutt. Seriously, this set up worked out really well and allowed us to actually see what was going on much better. For next time were were talking about having a little more room for people up in front of us on the dais. ...and look! They made us awesome banners!

A closer look at my table from ground level. I brought some of my portfolios, miniatures, and had a Quicktime movie playing images of some of my work. This did not stop people from asking if the work I was surrounded by was in fact my work.

The view from the dais. Very similar to the ground level only higher with more sketch cards.

My big event near the end of the night was to give away two signed prints to two lucky people. I think the drawing was a good idea and got a lot of attention. It was also a good use of my Clone Trooper bucket.

The big draw of the night though was the sketch cards, here are a selection of the cards that I gave out for free at the event. I was almost not able to keep up with demand, but people were patient and everyone that wanted one got them.

Some more of the sketch cards I did for the event. By the end of the evening I was taking requests and that got to be pretty fun, though unfortunately I don't have any of those to show off.

Here is Lee's awesome setup. He had lots of cool freebies to hand out including a comedy CD he made and "I heart Centaurs" shirts. Lee was also doing sketch cards and had lots of examples of his work to show off. You might notice he did not forget to bring along a "FREE SKETCHES" sign.

Last, but not least our two lucky winners of the signed prints!

I had a great time and I hope everyone one else that attended did as well. I am looking forward to being invited back next year to have even more fun!

Make sure you stop back by on Wednesday, I have something really cool to share that was sent to me over the weekend. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Crazed Kuo-toa

A quick update today since I am on deadline and tonight is the big night, GEEK NIGHT! I have been doing a lot of Dreamblade on Fridays recently so I figured I would switch it up with a Dungeons and Dragons miniature. Here is the Crazed Kuo-Toa from the Demonweb expansion. This was another redesign of a classic creature for it's new premiere in 4th Edition. I started with a series of loose sketches based on notes from my art director.

Yikes! Looking back now I am a little embarrassed by these to be honest. But they are loose sketches. I was trying to get my ideas out and explore some new directions... which is the point of rough sketches.

Ah, better! "D" is looking pretty good and with a few more notes I am moving forward on a more fleshed out sketch. Apparently these creature are a whole lot less modest then I imagined!

Turns out that I was mistaken with what was possible for a common rarity miniature. I thought for sure the spear across the body would not be a huge molding issue, but apparently it was. One last revision was in order before I move onto the complete turnaround.

Final turnaround for the Crazed Kuo-Toa with proper spear placement. To see how the production miniature turned out you can see it HERE.

Don't forget if you are in the Tallahassee area tonight to come out to FSU's GEEK NIGHT 4.o! Games, contests, trivia and I will be doing FREE sketches and will have a drawing for some signed prints! See you there!

Geek Night Version 4.0
Friday, September 18, 2009
Event at 8:30 pm
Union Ballrooms (FSU Campus)

For more information there is a Facebook event page that you can check out HERE!

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Geek Night Version 4.0 Update: SIGNED PRINTS!

I am happy to announce a new edition to my plans for Geek Night 4.0! Not only will you have the chance to get FREE sketches from me tomorrow night but you will have a chance to enter a drawing for one of two SIGNED PRINTS! You will be able to add your name to the bucket all evening and at 11:00 p.m. I will draw two names. You MUST be present to win.

Here is a look at what the two lucky winners will be taking home!

Be the envy of your friends and family!

Taunt your enemies with your good luck!

Geek Night Version 4.0
Friday, September 18, 2009
Event at 8:30 pm
Union Ballrooms (FSU Campus)

For more information there is a Facebook event page that you can check out HERE!

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Geek Night Version 4.0 Update and Poster

We are a mere two days away from the big event, Geek Night 4.0! I am pleased to announce that I am not the only artist that will be attending as a guest and creating free sketches! My good friend Lee Bretschneider will also be at Geek Night sketching and should have some other exciting items to offer those lucky folks that get there early. It is shaping up to be an exciting night!

I have been doing some warm up sketches to get in the groove and make sure I do not spend too much time on any one sketch. I am pretty happy with how they are turning out. I hope that the folks attending feel the same way! I still have some prep work I need to get done but it should all be resolved by Friday evening.

As promised yesterday on Twitter, here is the very cool Geek Night poster. You can't beat roller skating Wookiees!

The very cool Geek Night 4.0 poster designed by Heidi Zito

Geek Night Version 4.0
Friday, September 18, 2009
Event at 8:30 pm
Union Ballrooms (FSU Campus)

For more information there is a Facebook event page that you can check out HERE!

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Tiefling Armor Designs #3

And the week begins with manly armor for the Tiefling in your life. Here is the first installment of the male Tiefling armor I designed for the D&D Character Visualizer. I am still crunching through deadlines and responsibilities, so not a lot to say about these at the moment. I did like how the cloth attire turned out. Until next time...

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

Don't forget, this Friday (9/18/2009) is Geek Night 4.0 at Florida State University. If you are in the area, stop by and say 'hi' and get your FREE sketch! More info... HERE.

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Geek Night Version 4.0 (reminder)

GEEK NIGHT 4.0 is only a week away! Mark your calendars! Gas up the car!

I will be a guest at Florida State University's Geek Night 4.0 a week from today. I will be talking about my work, showing off samples, and doing FREE SKETCHES (on a first come first serve basis)! There are loads of other great events planned too! If you are in the area you should stop by. The event is FREE for everyone!

Geek Night Version 4.0
Friday, September 18, 2009
Event at 8:30 pm
Union Ballrooms (FSU Campus)

There is a Facebook event set up that you can check out HERE!

WOW! Would you look at that, this marks my 100th post to my blog. How did that happen? Never imagined I would get this far. Thank you everyone for your continued support!

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Trojan Horse - Dreamblade

Another crazy week. A small post today due to workload and other things calling for my attention. But don't feel to bad, I bring you today another piece I did for the unreleased 7th set of Dreamblade, the Trojan Horse...

Unreleased Trojan Horse - © 2006 Wizards of the Coast LLC

This was going to be a Valor Uncommon. As you can see it was rather detailed and required a complete 4 view set of turnarounds. There was some concern that it was in fact too detailed and a lot was going to be lost in the sculpture. Looking back now, I have to agree, but that never ended up being an issue. I just hope it was going to have a cool ability fitting with the theme of Trojan Horse. Until next time...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Tiefling Armor Designs #2

With holidays and Internet problems aside I bring you the rest of the female Tiefling armor I designed. If my memory serves me the female wizard attire was the only design I did for the Tiefling that was approved on the first sketch. The rest all went through one or more revision stages. For whatever reason the female armor was much easier to design then the male counterparts. Out of all the Tielfing sets I think the female scale is my favorites.

I wish I had more to say about these like I do the Dreamblade miniatures, either these were all really straight forward or I am choosing not to remember because of some trauma. Enjoy...

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

© 2007 Wizards of the Coast LLC

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Zungar Invasion! - Dreamblade

I hold a special place in my heart for the Zungars of Dreamblade. They were a new race of recurring creatures designed for Dreamblade as a type of alien that lives or manifests in the dreamscape and I got to be the lucky guy to design them. They were described as being put together with the wrong size pieces but yet functioned as a normal living creature, they had the big hair tendrils, eyes on the side of the head and a unique skin texture. With all that in mind I got to work and came up with this:

Ardent Zungar - © 2005 Wizards of the Coast LLC

The Ardent Zungar was the first pass at the Zungars and was approved straight out. I did have to go back and make the pose a little more dynamic but I always liked this first drawing the most and that is why I am not including the turnaround for the Ardent Z. A side not about the weapon, it was described as having this big crude mace. I was still getting my head around the culture and style of the Zungar since I was creating it on the fly with each new miniature I realize after finishing the Zungar Blademaster for Baxar's War that the Ardent's mace was all wrong for what the Zungars were becoming. I submitted a drawing of a replacement mace but production had moved along to far to do anything about it.

Zungar Bodyguard - © 2005 Wizards of the Coast LLC

The Zungar Bodyguard is still one of my favorite miniatures from Dreamblade. The detail is all there, it is big and the paint job is great. I really began fleshing out the culture of the Zungar with this guy. You will notice the "face" on the shield, it will become a recurring theme. I thought of it as a holy symbol or graven image. I imagined the face being a stylized representation of a huge creature that the Zungars worshiped as a god. I even did some drawings of what that creature looked like in hopes of maybe submitting it as a miniature idea, but time was against me and it never happened.

Zungar Blademaster - © 2005 Wizards of the Coast LLC

The smallest of the Zungar miniatures and a useful piece in play in my opinion. You can see some of the shapes and images I established with the bodyguard reappearing.

Zungar Standardbearer - © 2005 Wizards of the Coast LLC

These guys had quite the wingspan. Again, repeating the imagery and forms on the armor and items. Wonder if I should have put something on the back of the banner...

Zungar Shieldsworn - © 2006 Wizards of the Coast LLC

I really like the drawings of the two Zungars I did for Anvilborn. I tried to branch out a little more with the style and feel of the Zungar with this set, didn't want to just keep repeating. Though you will see similar equipment, like the helmet of the Bodyguard, just less fancy since it is a lower ranking Zungar. Also trying to make them a little more Dynamic.

Zungar Envoy - © 2006 Wizards of the Coast LLC

Like the Shieldsworn I was really happy with how this drawing turned out. I felt like I did some fun stuff with it's robes and items.

I did not work on any of the Zungars for sets 5 and 6, Night Fusion and Serrated Dawn. Other artists got to add their voices to the look and feel of the Zungar to make them more diverse and varied. But I did get to work on one last Zungar for the unreleased set 7.

Unreleased Zungar Priest - © 2006 Wizards of the Coast LLC

I was really itching to work on another Zungar and when I was assigned this one I went all out. Since it was a priest I really played up the "god face" as well as tie in some elements from the Envoy. I think this is my favorite of my Zungar drawings. I wonder how the mini would have turned out...

That's it for now, I have been itching to share my Zungars for awhile but I was waiting for the right time. You can look forward to more of my set 7 designs to start showing up as well.

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Geek Night Version 4.0

This was to go up yesterday but I have been battling the plague. Better late then never, right?

I am pleased to announce that I will be a guest at Florida State University's Geek Night Version 4.0! Come on out and bask in an evening of geek related activities and events, and meet me! Better yet, I will drawing sketches and handing them out, for FREE (on a first come first serve basis)! So if you ever wanted one of my drawings, now is a great chance.

If I am not enough of a draw for you to attend, there will also be video games, trivia, a costume contest, and table top gaming demos! If you are in the Tallahassee area you should definitely come check it out. It is free to students and the general public. Here are more details:

Geek Night Version 4.0
Friday, September 18, 2009
Event at 8:30 pm
Union Ballrooms (FSU Campus)

There is a Facebook event set up that you can check out HERE! I will have more info and reminders as we get closer.

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com