As I came near to completing the 30 Day Monster Girl Challenge, I was in need of a new challenge, one that would encourage my creativity in regards to ZBrush and the other digital art programs I have, and fortunately I found the perfect one! A company by the name of Reallusion, which are the creators of a real time rendering animation program called iClone 6, are hosting a contest that asks an artist to create and animate a 3D character, with various prizes ranging from cash to full use of the other digital programs provided by the various sponsors of the contest.
For my character, I decided to go back to one of my favorite creations for the 30 Day Monster Girl Challenge, the Siren. I plan on trying to create at least one siren, and then animate her in a short film... which is a big leap, considering I never animated anything in my life! It'll require quite a bit of learning to get ready, though fortunately I've got a lot of time to do that, as the contest ends on October 16th. This is a reference I made for modeling the final model, and also a list of various animals that I used to inspire her design, abilities, and personality.
1. Stonefish: The structure of the fins on her head and back, as well as the venomous spines concealed within them.
2. Siamese Fighting Fish: The flowing fins that make up her "hair".
3. Stoat: The large round eyes that gives a distinctly adorable appearance.
4. Leopard Seal: The nostrils, which can be closed when underwater. Also her general swimming technique.
5. Piranha: Her teeth, plus the general aggression.
6. Great White Shark: The ability to partially project her jaws outside of her skull. Also influenced the contrasting light front and darker back.
7. Gray Wolf: Mostly for the pack mentality of the siren species in general.
8. Bengal Tiger: A combination of the retractable claws on her hands and the general stripe pattern [somewhat exaggerated].
9. Poison Dart Frog: The bright colors of that warn of toxic danger.
10. Crested Newt: The general build of the head and back fins, though its more based on a fish's fin. These fins can be retracted.
11. Chameleon: The colors on the fins themselves, which change color based on her mood and intent.
12. Rainbow Boa: The general scale patterns, as well as the amazing iridescence of the scales.
13. Black Mamba: The colored inside of the mouth, and its speed.
14. Exotic Birds: The sounds they make, beautiful and diverse.
15. Domestic Cat: Partly for the eyes that can shift from rounded to a slit, but mostly for the general mannerisms of a predator that likes to play with its prey.
16. Dromeosaurus [Raptor]: For the foot structure and the general movement patterns while hunting or chasing their prey.
