male (left) and female (right)
Female with mouth openGnarleg
Behavior: calm, curious; highly social
Diet: piscivorous
Habitat: forest
Intelligence: strong memory; puzzle solver
No natural predators.
At least a dozen Gnarlegs can be commonly found fishing and socializing in their favorite lake. Their long legs and flexible feet give them an elevated and sturdy view of their prey.
Gnarlegs may walk slowly, but their powerful neck muscles let them snap at prey within milliseconds. A serrated pincer-like jaw holds them in place until they’re eaten whole.
Males and females are easily identified by their vibrant colors. Courtship rituals involve several males approaching females in a circle and bowing so that their iridescent spots catch the sunlight. Females judge the strength of the pose as well as luster.
Size comparison
Concept Evolution
2014
My earliest concept sketches for Gnarleg (tentative name "Gnarly Feet").
I spent a lot of time playing with clay to figure out the facial structure.
Even today, I feel I could push the design for the legs, but I managed to find a compromise that doesn't look too bad in my eyes.
Gnarleg was the third and final character showcased for my mock field guide project.
2016
I decided to 3D model Gnarlegs to add to my portfolio. This was achieved with box modeling in Blender. The more I learn about voxel sculpting in 3D Coat, the more I feel this model will be scrapped.
My first time texturing in Substance Painter. My save files don't include the eyes (I think they were built in Maya, which I no longer use).
