Sketchbook: BeccatheRose/Becca Hallstedt
ngon master
Hi guys! New artist here 
Here's my digital sketchbook thread, so I guess most sketches and WIPs will be here!
I'm a game artist in Chicago that mostly does concept art for props, creatures, and characters, along with hand-painted texture stuff and occasional modeling. Feel free to say hi to me, and I'm always open to C&C.
You can find me at my Artstation: http://artstation.com/artist/beccahallstedt
and at my website: http://beccahallstedtdesign.com/
and in my 2D Art Thread: http://polycount.com/discussion/160533/beccatherose-2d-art-thread#latest
Thanks!
Here's my digital sketchbook thread, so I guess most sketches and WIPs will be here!I'm a game artist in Chicago that mostly does concept art for props, creatures, and characters, along with hand-painted texture stuff and occasional modeling. Feel free to say hi to me, and I'm always open to C&C.
You can find me at my Artstation: http://artstation.com/artist/beccahallstedt
and at my website: http://beccahallstedtdesign.com/
and in my 2D Art Thread: http://polycount.com/discussion/160533/beccatherose-2d-art-thread#latest
Thanks!
Replies
I originally studied industrial design in a very strong program with a heavy emphasis on fundamentals. This I believe is key. When you're able to work very observationally and flexibly, you can expand your practices beyond just one or two things. It primarily comes down to value, creating appealing shapes and shape language, and rendering skills. Being able to paint with form is key.
I haven't drawn or practiced everything, very very far from it. To be honest I don't do a lot of hand studies or face studies when creating characters- I just work observationally. Being able to break things down into simple curves and planes, regardless of content, allows you to really create believable forms no matter the complexity.
I draw a LOT. When in school, maybe 10+ hours/day for the most part. I did that out of fun, not obligation. Ever. This is not necessarily normal or healthy. Out of the ~135 projects on my Artstation since I created the profile 2.5 years ago, about 120 were from my last 1.5 years in school. Output and a lot of practice are very important, but so is taking care of yourself. Now that I've stepped away from studio work and I'm trying freelance, I've found that drawing less (4-6 hours/day on personal work when off-contract) and spending more time on other parts of life has been essential for good mental health. It feeds my creativity, actually. Makes me a better artist.
I have more mental energy so I can work out of my comfort zone more, and I evolve quickly because of that. Maybe you put in 20 or 30 or more hours a week...but you won't see growth if you keep making the same mistakes over and over. Polycount is great for getting feedback so that you focus on using the critique you're getting. Gives you a new set of eyes, gets you out of your own head. That's very hard to do by yourself.
I don't draw when it's a chore. That causes burnout in personal work and can be very discouraging, frustrating. I really recommend focusing #1 on what is fun to make, what you're curious about. That's why my portfolio content bounces around a lot, I don't draw the same 5 faces over and over again because that's not fun for me. Some exercises are boring but important...don't skip out on those, but mix it with the fun stuff. When creating is playful and interesting, that is when your passion will be the most lit and you will find what you love to make. If the process is fun, then you'll keep making art That is the secret to unlock persistent, curious, and delightful creativity. Keep it fresh, keep challenging yourself, keep constantly creating.
Good luck!
Are you thinking about adding some subtle veinage in the wing flaps?
Might be nice to echo some of the wing sss color in the horns, or elsewhere.
Light hitting the upper chest and cheek seems odd. Where is it coming from, and why is it not hitting the forearm or elsewhere? Break in the clouds maybe, but it's nighttime... moon maybe? Nice to add a spot of color/interest, incongruous is all.
Anyhow, nice work!