In this series Terryl illustrates a new creature in each new volume, focusing on the specific anatomical characteristics that define the real life version of the creature – in the case of Volumes One and Two, a domestic cow and an exotic bird – and illustrates how to translate these features successfully into a fantastical creature. Each volume will cover new territory as Terryl demonstrates in traditional pencils and markers. Also, in each lecture, Terryl discusses how to turn both the actual and concept creatures into animated characters and illustrates corresponding predators or prey, exploring story concepts and discussing their environments, habits and lifestyles.

More DVDs in this series will be available in Fall 2008. Like our other titles you can choose to order a DVD or purchase a downloadable version of the video.

Accolades:
“Terryl’s ability to carry over realistic characteristics and personality in her creation of fantastic creatures has led top directors like George Lucas to seek her out. Her process leads to original and convincing creatures and her DVDs will be an invaluable resource.”

- Jay Hawkins
Lead Concept Artist
Epic Games

Artist Bio:
Terryl Whitlatch is considered to be one of the top creature designers and animal anatomists working in the field today. In a career spanning over 25 years, Terryl has many projects to her credit, including Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars:The Special Edition, Jumanji 1 and 2, Men in Black, Brother Bear, Dragonheart, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Curious George, The Polar Express, The Princess of Mars, Zafari, and Beowulf, to name a few. Clients include Industrial Light and Magic, Lucasfilm, Ltd., Pixar, Talking Pictures, Walt Disney Feature Animation, PDI, EA, LucasArts, Chronicle Books, Simon and Schuster, and various zoos and natural history museums. Terryl is also the author of two books, “The Wildlife of Star Wars” and “The Katurran Odyssey”, volume one of a forthcoming series “The Katurran Trilogy”. In addition Terryl is involved with several other book and film concepts, as well as teaching Creature Design and Construction/Anatomy at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA.

DVD Description:
Creature Design with Terryl Whitlatch
Volume 1: Bovine Creature, “Moo Monster”
In this first DVD of a series, Terryl demonstrates how to create a fantastic yet utterly believable creature based on one of the most commonly known animals, the domestic cow. After drawing a study of an actual bull, she shows the process of designing a realistic “Moo Monster”. Starting with rough thumbnails and ending with a fully rendered action-packed color illustration, she shares her techniques and tools – pencils, markers and tracing paper – as well as a thorough exploration of animal anatomy. During the course of the demo, Terryl shows how she indicates forms and planes, how she chooses and applies color, and how the underlying skeleton and muscular systems affect the surface anatomy. Above all, she emphasizes the “Why” of the creature – how its lifestyle and environment affect its design and appearance. She also instructs how to create a humorous character derived from the more realistic versions for a truly versatile, professional portfolio.

Creature Design with Terryl Whitlatch
Volume 2: Avian Creature, “White Fright”
In this second DVD of a series, Terryl Whitlatch demonstrates how to create a vicious avian alien based on an actual exotic bird – the Greater Indian Hornbill. Starting with rough thumbnails and ending with a fully rendered illustration, she shares her techniques and tools – pencils, markers and tracing paper – as well as a thorough exploration of animal anatomy. Relax as she steers you through the intricacies of wing structure and feather arrangements – all essentials for designing a believable feathered flying creature. She also covers how to create an illusion of white in the color version of the “White Fright”, complete with prey, and discusses how the environment, habits and lifestyle of this creature affect the way it looks. Throughout the DVD, she explores materials, texture and story concepts, giving you insight into her development and thought processes.

Since 2000, The Gnomon Workshop has provided artists and students with the educational resources they need to succeed as artists in the entertainment industries. Whether they’re interested in design, modeling, effects, animation, storytelling or matte painting, these DVDs provide a valuable educational resource for students around the world. The Gnomon Workshop is the sister company of The Gnomon School of Visual Effects, which provides professional caliber visual effects instruction to students and professionals in Los Angeles, California.

Visit http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com for more information on The Gnomon Workshop and our library of over 190 training DVDs.

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