Quetzalcoatl - Vector fan art

This is was a fun little project done in illustrator where I dabbed with effects, light and details. Through this I was able to do an work where I had to study the how the light source being so close would affect the character.

When I first started I outlined the drawing using krita. My intention was to make sure the character's non nonchalant attitude and demeanor was displayed in the face even thought she was getting ready to do an an attack. Another concern was how I could create some movement with such a still pose. To do do that I made the hair and leaves of the head piece float so it seems like there's a wind around her.

The vector project started by creating the outlines in black and then color it.

Considering the light source back from her hand I wanted the light to be glowing. To achieve this result I used the blur tool on the places where the light would affect the character.

Another thing that o proved difficult was all the details in the headpiece. Various shadows had to be taken into account so it would maintain the 3 dimension as well as how the light from the fire would reach it.

Although in retrospect I would take into account other details and improve the drawing (such as the ears and the jewels) I'm still proud of what I achieved at the time.

Here's the final result: