The Two Crows
Inspired by the monsters and mythology of the Japanese folklore, "The Two Crows" was project realized in collaboration with Sierra Nash following their writing.
As a creature designer I made sure to bring nuance to the creatures they had selected for the project following traditional folklorist depictions and mixing in my client's vision and modern sensibilities.
Radish Spirits
Between the whimsical and the terrifying, radish (or more generally veggie themed) spirits were manly inspired by Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away," Oshira-sama.
They are the main inhabitants of the monster world and often wear peasant clothes to mimic human shapes.
The Baku : Animal
A creature described to have the body of a tapir and the mane of a lion, the Baku was said to feed on the dreams for survival.
Mischievous and often terrifying, the depictions vary, but all have a common theme: an elephant-like trunk and long tusks.
So I had fun imagining what other animals could be a base for it other than a tapir, going from a bulky Walrus to a nimble lemur.
The Baku : Monster
Combining several of the animals I had already sketched, I came up with something unreal that my client had finally selected as a design to explore: fangs and four predatory eyes, a monster resembling a fierce tiger!
Quite far from what a traditional Baku may look like, but still foreign and unnerving like a Baku should be.
The Baku : Feline
A big mane, four eyes, thick lips, and a rough belly. This are the main elements we decided to explore for different varieties of Bakus, be it inspired by a tiger, a mountain lion, or a panther.
A predator, hunting its pray with trickery and brutality.
The Baku : Unreal
When it came to coloring a mystical creature I think the best bet is to look at the most bizarre creatures on earth for inspiration, in this case tropical frogs.
They use their bright colors to discourage predators from eating them, but also to warn them of their deadly poison.
The Baku may be a stalker, a hunter, and its colors make you know you are indeed in danger in its proximity.