Thanks for you time, niektb! My strong point is Characters/Creatures using Maya + zBrush. But I am also able to do some simple enviroment stuff with a reference :)
Chiming in before i can get to my comp- first creature is one of my favorites on the site and I think the pose is fine. Will post more helpful stuff later.
the last vid here is all kinds of crazy/weird/cool http://www.pixologic.com/zclassroom/homeroom/lesson/insert-mesh/#insert-mesh-replacement-creature-part-4-of-4
I actually really like the markings, this guy is clearly some kind of demon or other hellish creature - I think they fit well. Reminds me of Illidan from Warcraft.
Here's a video of Chavant NSP medium being used(beast/creature nakedness! :P): [ame=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I12XklH1sYQ"]The Making of Leon caseylovedesigns.com - YouTube[/ame]
When you import creatures, you can upload it with the custom bones, and then there will most likely be animation tabs where you can choose the animations that you upload as .smd files :)
Conrad, you definitely missed sketch part. You just can't imagine the face of your creature in details, that's why it looks like a mess. Try to use some references.
I think its looks a little to hard edged in places for it to be an underwater creature. It also looks very dry. But other than that, you have an awesome piece right their :D
Here's a base mesh of the creature my character will ride. I'm not sure where the idea for this came from but I see it as a support character. Click here to see wip thread