McFarlane Toys: Dragons 3 (concept art)

**jin977** · October 22nd, 2005, 01:24 PM

Hi, my name is Jin. I occassionally post some work on these boards and I wanted to spread the word on a recent project.

I designed the lineup for McFarlane Toys: Dragons series 3 and they just released the photography for the line, due out February 2006.

I now have all the concept artwork for the line up on my website, so when you have the time, please check it out. Just click "Galleries" on top, and it's in "Professional Work".

www.DrawJinDraw.com

Here are a few images to get the ball rolling. The first is a sketch of the Berserker Dragon, which was changed during sculpting.

This is a digital composite of a concept for the base of the Fire Dragon.

Here is an unused Sorceror Dragon

And another digital composite of a concept for the base of the Water Dragon.

Thanks in advance for looking!

Great work from so many artists on this board. I may not respond much, but I'm here looking, in awe of the images I see.

jin

**redFIVE** · October 22nd, 2005, 01:49 PM

Oh wow, McFarlane eh? That's pretty damn cool. The Sorceror Dragon is definitely my favorite.
Your site seems familiar, I think mr poopinmymouth showed it to me or somethin.

**Simon Gustafsson** · October 22nd, 2005, 01:52 PM

Nice work!

Your concepts are very clean and easy to understand. Very good!
Ill definitly check out the models in the store

**Miles** · October 22nd, 2005, 05:53 PM

I was gawking at these over on Mcfarlanes website wishing that I could see the concept art behind them......lol

Fantastic concepts. The designs are full of life and the postures seem very natural, not forced at all; which I feel is something some of the earlier series suffered from. Your lively line work has translated well into the sculpts and made this latest series seem far more…kinetic. I found it intriguing to see how you were able to subtly rework existing components into the upcoming series. I imagine that must be as big challenge, if not more so than designing a character from scratch.

Thank you for sharing these pieces of concept art, I’ve always wanted to see a little more of what went into making the dragon series. Looks like I’m going to have to buy another shelf…

Nicely done.

**Gryphon** · October 22nd, 2005, 08:27 PM

I like the Sorceror a lot - I think I actually prefer that design to the one that they picked.

Your linework and sketches are nice and clean; I love the line weight and the implied textures.

How'd you get into working at McFarland? Just curious...

**DV8** · October 22nd, 2005, 09:52 PM

cool work! and very nice website. so much cool stuff to mention. I got the last dragon series...will have to get the next one now that I have seen these. thanks for sharing

Mike

**jin977** · October 23rd, 2005, 03:49 AM

-redFIVE: The Sorceror Clan Dragon seems to be the overall favorite. I'm glad you like it the work. I appreciate it.

And cheers to "mr poopinmymouth" for the introduction to my site. Please continue clicking away. In another few months, I'll have some pretty big news, so stay tuned.

-Simon Gustafsson: Thank you for the kind words. Please do check out the Spawn website for up-to-date information regarding Dragons 3. They are slated to be released February 2006.

-Miles: It's funny how things work out sometimes. You just think it and *POOF*, here are the concepts. Thanks for the compliments. I'm glad my thought process worked out the way it did. It is a good observation on your part for catching the existing elements in the designs. That was one of the aspects I was told to keep in mind when designing them, so there wasn't as much wiggle room for poses. The sculptors did a phenomenal job in making these Dragons look fresh.

-Gryphon: Another Sorceror fan! It really is going to look great once it hits the shelves. Thank you for your comments on my work.

As for getting a job with McFarlane Toys, I just repsponded to their online call for sculptors and I was picked up. In fact, if you visit www.Spawn.com and look towards the bottom of the home page, they are still looking for sculptors, model makers, graphic designers, etc. I didn't have much experience sculpting and was brought on because they liked my drawing skills. I was, initially, a sculptor, but eventually transitioned into becoming a concept artist/sculptor.

-DV8: Thank you for visiting my site, Mike! The Dragon lines have definitely been a success, so get your wallet ready for Series 2 and 3.

And on a similar note, my friend, who is currently working with McFarlane Toys as an in-house sculptor, first started as a concept artist for the design group. Here is his website:

David Silva: concept artist/sculptor

This guy can do some crazy control drawings, so check his work out. Once you're there, go through the "McFarlane" folders, then look in the toolbar on the left and go to "Transformers". He's insane, but loves to do those control drawings.

And I just wanted to add that I will continue to work with Orson Scott Card and his online magazine The Intergalactic Medicine Show. The first issue launched last week and I have my illustrations featured in two of the stories, "Eviction Notice" and "Night Walks". I am also working on a 22-25 page comic book, written by Aaron Johnston, that will be featured in the second issue. So click on the link to check it out.

Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to look all this over.

jin

**Fl3wk** · October 23rd, 2005, 07:09 AM

shouldn't these be in the sketches forum as they aren't what you would call finished, and they are sketches. This also reminds me of a 'sketch'book, i think i saw a sketchbook board somewhere around here....

Nice work though. If the above is true, then this might be moved.

**possessed** · October 23rd, 2005, 07:19 AM

very cool, I'm eagerly awaiting dragons 2 and 3 myself. Series 1 has a nice place on my shelf. I visited your site and the other one and all of the dragon concepts are just topnotch, soem great unused ones as well. I highly prefer the bull(looks like a gargoyle to me) version of the berserker over the current sculpt but oh well...

Got some cool ideas for dragons 4 yet?

**2sassy4monique** · October 23rd, 2005, 01:59 PM

The anatomy is rather awkward, these dragons don't look very possible because of it. The wings on the first one are especially bothersome since they don't seem to have any purpose (they certainly couldn't help him attain flight). Also, the legs shouldn't be folded up so much. You never see that on real animals unless they're sitting.

**mindfields** · October 23rd, 2005, 04:52 PM

Hey Jin how you doing? It's SAndman979 from designstudiopress.
I love these concepts dude, specially the first one. Glad to see you are still doing such a fine stuff. Hope to see more soon. Gonna send you soon a couple of things I've been working on. Your review is always apreciated.

C - Ya!

**renaissancekid** · October 23rd, 2005, 05:01 PM

Love the concept art for McFarlane... really awesome man

**jin977** · October 23rd, 2005, 09:00 PM

-Fl3wk: I wasn't soo sure where to put this topic, because, as you had stated, the Dragons are sketches. However, the final production phototography has been released, so it was a toss-up for me. I guess it was a, "Yay, my designs are finally out!" way of thinking that made me put it here.

But if it's in the wrong place, I ask that the moderators put the move on and please place it in the proper forum.

-possessed: Thanks for visiting my site and taking the time to comment on the work! My opinion is biased on this one, but I also like the original design of the Berserker Clan over what was made. My thought process was that the Berserker was this slow, cumbersome beast, but looked like it would tear you to shreds if provoked. So, for me, a bull and a bulldog kept popping into mind. It will be interesting to see that one up close.

-2sassy4monique: I agree. There are flaws in my design and it's one of those times where you look back and wish it would have been resolved in a more effective way. I really should have researched a bit more in creating the anatomy of all the Dragons. But I can actually defend one aspect of the design. The Berserker in this series was never meant to be able to fly, which is why the wings are so small. But that's it. I'll have to research further next time.

-mindfields: SAndman979! (am i supposed to keep your real name a secret?) How are you, "H"?

Yeah, show me your new work! I was very impressed with how quickly you were improving. You've got me beat with you recent environments! Great stuff.

-renaissancekid: I sound like I'm on repeat, but thanks a lot, renaissancekid. I glad you took the time to check it out.

And thanks to everyone for the C&C. I appreciate the time you've taken to view my work and offer your thoughts and crits. It's the only way I'll get better.

jin

**Pavel Sokov** · October 23rd, 2005, 10:08 PM

loving the base of the water dragon with the double face going on..
very groovy.. u sure u can post these, i havent seen the dragons photography yet

**Pavel Sokov** · October 23rd, 2005, 10:15 PM

they resolved the leg issue, but the wings are still looking too weak.
i actualy like ur dragons face better then this sculpt

y didnt they use ur cool bas efor the water clan dragon? it was badass

**StealthNachos** · October 23rd, 2005, 10:41 PM

I actualy like your dragon's face better then this sculpt.

Definetly agree. Your dragon's face has more emotion and "berserker" in it. And, I'm just gonna tell you now, there is know way he is getting off the ground with those wings, but I think that was the intended effect.
Love your stuff, though.

**Althael** · October 23rd, 2005, 11:59 PM

With 'dragons' as unispired and random as these, it's insulting to hear that you actually got paid by doing these.
Well, it's McFarlane after all...

The water and komodo are a pain to watch. They are random creatures.. not some freaking dragons.

I tend to like the final sorcerer sculpt, but the sketch are awful.

Great, you can now draw like a pro. Now work your imagination.

**one2hit** · October 24th, 2005, 12:04 AM

and who are you? be polite or GTFO

While that may sound hypocritical of me after that response, I'm starting to understand why some members here have a problem with having too many rude members in the community.

**Althael** · October 24th, 2005, 12:15 AM

And I should be someone special ? Right.

Can't think that it may be insulting to see peoples scrap something as beautiful as dragons ?
Sure you didn't.

**Ismail** · October 24th, 2005, 12:56 AM

Sweet!!!!

Thanks for sharing these!!!!

**sevencrows** · October 24th, 2005, 01:01 AM

first one looks like a fairy diablo.... two and four dont even look like dragons.
three looks the best..

to be honest ,who ever sculpted your dragon didn't do a very good job..

**jin977** · October 24th, 2005, 02:25 AM

-manslauter: Thanks a lot! One of my friends sculpted the base for the Water Dragon and I never got around to asking him why it was changed. I'll have to find out one day.

-StealthNachos: Brownie points for catching it! This guy was never meant to be able to lift himself off the ground. This dragon was originally able to fly, but over time, it became more accustomed to hunting on the ground so its wings would gradually atrophy since they weren't being used. I'd imagine that centuries down the line, the wings would evolve into limbs, or disappear altogether. Thank you for checking out my work.

-Althael: You are entitled to your opinion. I can respect that. I'm sorry you didn't like my work, but it just goes to show you can't please all of the people, all the time.

-one2hit: Thank you for your support. I've always found the community here on CA to be very helpful. It's a great place to get the imagination brewing, but some members just choose to express themselves in different ways. Whaddya gonna do?

-Ismail: It was my pleasure.

right back at ya.

-sevencrows: I'm glad you like the third one. Two and four are digital composites for the bases of other Dragons that I have not posted. The drawings here are a small sample of what I have on my website. I loaded a little over a hundred drawings for this series, so you can see more over there. You have some very high standards if you didn't like any of the dragons sculpts. I admire the fact that you expect a lot out of a company like McFarlane.

But I've got to say, if I could sculpt anything like they can, I'd be a happy man.

Thanks everyone.

jin

**Mythori** · October 24th, 2005, 03:11 AM

this is really awsome!
I love McFarlane! =D they make awsome dragons.
So do you! I love dragons and your's are amazing!

**Yodaah** · October 24th, 2005, 03:28 AM

Hi

I just visited your Galleries on your homepage. That's really great work and very inspiring. Glad you share your work in this forum.

cheers!

**Trevor Harveaux** · October 24th, 2005, 07:32 PM

Great stuff. I like your version of the berserker MUCH better. I'll still buy the toy though.

I have all of the McFarlane dragons including the Ulitma Online and Dark Ages. My girlfriend even took me on a trip to the sculpting studio for my birthday to years ago.

**jin977** · October 25th, 2005, 12:20 AM

-Mythori: McFarlane Toys does great work. They have a lot of talent over there. I'm glad you like my contribution to their lineup. I appreciate it.

-Yodaah: Thank you for viisiting my site! I will try to post more often on the CA forum. It's a great place.

-Trevor Harveaux: It must have been awesome to tour the facility. Having been there, you'd never think it was where these toys were made! I was living about two blocks away for a little while and it was quite an experience. Thanks for the support, Trevor!

**kidcrucial** · October 25th, 2005, 08:23 AM

Whoa. Very nice stuff. I just spent about an hour at your site and am very impressed. Very rarely am I inspired to try my hand at characters and you have given me that this morning. Great work!

**jin977** · October 25th, 2005, 09:04 PM

-kidcrucial: Wow, thanks for investing so much time to go through my website! It's a great compliment to hear you were able to get some of the creative juices flowing because of it.

And on another note, I started a sketch thread here:

SKETCHES

So I'll try to add some new work in there at least once a week.

jin

**Althael** · October 25th, 2005, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by jin977

-Althael: You are entitled to your opinion. I can respect that. I'm sorry you didn't like my work, but it just goes to show you can't please all of the people, all the time.

Ah, best way to ignore a comment you don't like.

Your dragons simply looks too 'common', if you see what I mean. By accepting these, Todd only showed that he don't know a crap about dragons.
The more I look aobut your sketches about the Komodo one.. the more it look like an armored bipedal komodo dragon, nothing more. If only they would had choosed one of the wings concept you've made, it would had been acceptable at worst.

The water dragon... what seriously makes this thing a dragon, eh ?
Ah right, let's take some random scalled creatures and we'll call them dragons and a bunch of ignorants, who'll buy these toys, will take as real images of dragons, which aren't.

When you think about a dragon, think about a winged iguana, not a freaking scaled chicken (wyvern) or a big ugly lizard (drake).

And the fact that it is insulting that you got not only paid for these, but that they've been produced by a very large company like McFarlane, is that with some studies and practice, I could do better stuff than that when drawing for the sake of doing sketches.
And I consider myself far from being good at drawing.

**Trevor Harveaux** · October 25th, 2005, 11:17 PM

Jin - After looking at all the sketches I really like the drawings much better than the sculpts. Mostly due to changing of the "lines" and profiles. The sculpted wings aren't nearly as dynamic. The studio was amazing, and yes, you would NEVER guess thats were the toys were being made.

Althael - You might want to learn basic anatomy before you start talking smack to man you could learn a great deal from. In fact I find it downright rude from someone who is still learning the ropes. I'm not quite sure how far you think that flippant attitude will get you in the real world, selling your art, but it's not professional at all. We already know Jin was constrained by the creating dragons that fit into each of the themes (fire, water, berserker, etc), and I think he did a fantastic job.