Looking Back: Steelfast Barag - Dreamblade

Today on the blog I am looking back at another Dreamblade miniature design that I have never shared before. This particular design never made it into production and was never a miniature, but the design was approved. Here is the design for the "Steelfast Barag" which was slated to be a part of the first expansion (Baxar's War) to Dreamblade released back in 2006...

Unproduced "Steelfast Barag"

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2005 Wizards of the Coast LLC

This was a weird one for sure. The art order called for a four legged dragon / dinosaur / lizard like creature that was made of swords, clubs, maces, and other similar weapons. Seriously. I had a million questions for my art director at the time and was really nervous about this one. This was one of the first of many "big thing made of lots of little things" assignments that I received for Dreamblade and I was still figuring out how best to tackle the design and visuals for them. If I remember correctly I asked my AD a lot of A or B questions and her response was yes or just silence. Reflecting on it now, it was a "get in there, figure it out, and draw me a monster design" response. Somehow, I managed to get an approved drawing on my one and only attempt. The above drawing was the first and last design that I did for the Steelfast Barag. Shocking, I know... just look at that refined and nuanced design. With an approved design it was time for the turnaround...

Unproduced "Steelfast Barag" Turnaround

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper (multiple sheets)

© 2005 Wizards of the Coast LLC

To be blunt, I do not like this one at all. The profile has its charms, but the front and back are super derpy at best and the whole thing leaves me wanting. Not surprised it was never produced. I would do about this SO differently now. Not in the least I would work up more than one concept and try to work some things out which would hopefully lead to a more interesting pose and design. There was a produced Barag design by another artist that turned out great. It was a big bird creature made of swords and was super cool. Live and learn. You can't love them all and they can never all be winners. Another design lost to the ages, at least it can live on here on the blog...

That's all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here on Monday! Until then...

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