Bootcamp Assignment Options
Hey all,
If you are already signed up for the bootcamp (or just want to play
along at home) choose at least one of the sample assignments listed
below, and try to come in to the first day of the bootcamp with as much
of the following ready for critique as you possibly can. The more
prepared you are the better chance you will have to complete the project
in the six days we have together. This being said, we understand that
people are coming from a variety of experience level, so work to your
comfort level and we will be there to guide you in taking your work to
the next level. Please try to have thumbnail (rough) sketches,
reference photos, and a tighter sketch ready to go. Along with your
preferred painting surface and materials.
Project Descriptions
option 1
Dragon Fighting
Depict a scene where a group of off duty, Scandinavian warriors, are
betting and cheering around a ring where a cock fight is taking place. Instead
of roosters though, there are young dragons fighting. The focus should be on
the two dragons fighting. The mood should reflect that of a traditional cock
fight, cheering, yelling, coins passing hands, etc. Make sure the dragon
designs are different from each other. The background should be that of a war
camp or village.
Bookcover format roughly 2:3 vertical (14 x 22 or 16 x 24 is a good
size)
Hint: The focus will be on the fight but your background can help support
your story. Maybe the dragons that lose the fights are strung up to sell for
meat or maybe there are cages of other dragons that are going to be fought.
Play with different camera angles. Try low, in the middle of the fight. Try
over the shoulder, as if the viewer is a spectator. Try birds eye view. See
which angle works best for the story.
option 2
Angel of Sacrifice (Fake Magic card assignment)
Show an Angel in light armor who has just taken, or is about to take a
fatal wound (arrow, sword thrust etc) in order to save the life of a knight.
The angel should radiate a sense of duty and serenity.
This is not about blood and guts, or an over the top comic book action
pose. This assignment is all about subtle storytelling and conveying the
emotion of the scene.
Format is 3:4 (like 12 x 16), horizontal
Hint:Use google images to find visual references for MTG style angels and
knights.
option 3
Genre mash-up cover
Create a cover appropriate illustration (one that captures a viewer's
attention and imagination through an iconic image that suggests a larger
story/world) which largely reads as a traditional genre (fantasy, SF, detective,
western, Gothic horror, historical, romance, etc.) but a closer look indicates a
contrasting fantastical element (fantasy, science fiction, horror).
Examples: Westworld (Western/SF), Shadowrun (SF/fantasy), Bladerunner
(Detective/SF)
Bookcover format roughly 2:3 vertical (14 x 22 or 16 x 24 is a good
size)
Focus: Appeal to both genres, as well as find/depict an interesting
juxtaposition. There should be an element of the unexpected. Also consider:
The characters may not know that they're living in multiple genres."
Option 4
Step-Down Imagery or Everyday Horror
Create an image that is set in an everyday location (ie. a grocery store,
play ground, school, etc.) then contrast the mundane with “horrific” imagery.
As an example: a parent with a child in a shopping cart, perusing the frozen
foods section of the local grocery store. As the parent leans closer to examine
the freezer’s selection a decaying hand reaches for from inside. (you can feel
free to use this specific scene. but I would encourage you to come up with your
own based on this idea)
Bookcover format roughly 2:3 vertical (14 x 22 or 16 x 24 is a good
size)
Hint: focus on ways to visually contrast the horrific elements with those
of the “normal” world.
Feel free to post any questions in the comments below.
