thinkin' about some MG Graphic Novel ideas I have,, and about these two girlies that become unlikely friends in one of the story ideas I have :) (not a historical graphic novel, but more fantasy/historical inspired as it takes place in a fantasy/magical world that is loosely based on ours but y'know, has literal magic)
Probably upper MG/Young YA? If I had to choose an age group that this story was aimed for :)
Basically the premise is: The blonde girl (name pending) travels to a magical Eastern/Chinese-inspired country with her rich (Evil) father, and befriends the daughter (also name pending lol) of said country's emperor. Shenanigans ensue :) Also... young love??
Early sketches and final design of Lavitania, a Chinese-inspired snake deity character. I gathered research on the different time periods and styles for the traditional hanfu and their patterns.
|| I have been on a xianxia trip again, and I wanted to draw aph china as a beautiful ancient immortal. (he already is one)
This is my own design, not historical at all. Wanted to try my hand at fantasy as a break from the usual. ||
So there's this frankly incredible lil webcomic I love called Winged Warriors by @kabukiaku. It's about badass owl warriors in Ancient China and the personal dramas between them in times of war. Of course I'm going to love it. When I found out the artist takes comms, I couldn't resist the chance to ask for Lìhuá to be fully realised in amazing Winged Warriors style! It's a more cartoony approach to her design, and one I absolutely adore.
A huge thank you to @kabukiaku for this one; it's still one of my favourite pieces I've gotten of my girl, I couldn't be happier with the results! And if you guys haven't already, PLEASE go give Winged Warriors a look. It absolutely deserves your attention 🦉
I PROMISE I DIDN'T FORGET THIS I WAS JUST REALLY BUSY
Anyway, this time it's a kitsune. Again, three hairstyles
Style 1 is a straightforward Heian Japan inspired style. Fairly easy to design and draw but THE MOST BORING. Style 2 incorporates a kerchief, a popular accessory among Song Dynasty women, as well as the trendy "sorrowful brows"/愁眉. Style 3 takes some influence from the Khitan Liao Dynasty with its plaited braids wound over the head. The tall spiral hairstyle was an attempt to emulate the aesthetics of Buddha and Bodhisattva images.