Mujina (Japanese Badger Shape-changer) Illustration

[Gamer Printshop]

I needed a specific illustration for a Hengeyokai in my upcoming second adventure for Kaidan, but I didn't want to pay for it, so I created it myself. I found a photo of a badger and an Ainu chieften in ceremonial garb online, morphed them together in Xara Xtreme, printed it out, then used it as a reference to create this illustration. Enjoy!

GP

[Llum]

Actually pretty neat looking :D

[Gamer Printshop]

Since the Mujina turned out so well, I decided to create his wife and spiritual leader of Kitsumura, a Kitsune Miko (Fox woman who serves as a Shrine Maiden).

Enjoy!

GP

[Xeviat]

Awesome. I tend to prefer my anthropomorphic animals to have a more hybridized face, but I absolutely love the line art under the colors. That with the color style and pallet definitely make these look like traditional drawings.

You're always impressing me.

[Gamer Printshop]

Thanks for the praise, I always welcome that!

Xeviant - I can agree with you regarding anthropomorphic features as a mix rather than pure one with the other, but in many ways I am trying to appeal to traditional Japanese thought regarding these creatures.

My fear was creating a fox headed woman would look like a cartoon or art for a children's book, which is not my intention. I want a serious, believeable race to be curious about or feared, not thought of as "cute".

I think I accomplished my goal here.

GP

[SDragon]

First off, I love the art. The hatching brings a nice texture to it, reminiscent of woodblock carvings. I like that touch.

Xeviant - I can agree with you regarding anthropomorphic features as a mix rather than pure one with the other, but in many ways I am trying to appeal to traditional Japanese thought regarding these creatures.

My fear wasit creating a fox headed woman would look like a cartoon or art for a children's book, which is not my intention. I want a serious, believeable race to be curious about or feared, not thought of as "cute".

I think I like this approach; it makes it feel like a grandfather trying to explain a creature from folk tales, while insisting "No, not like Disney!"

That said, I think it's possible to reach a decent balance between "cartoon" hybrids and "serious" animals. If you haven't already, check out Stan Sakai's classic comic, Usagi Yojimbo. The premise of it is Miyamoto Musashi as a cartoony anthropomorphic rabbit. Believable, serious, and cartoony. I don't think it's best for this style, but it's still something to check out.

[Ghostman]

Interesting that the badger-man has strikingly hybridized hands while the fox-woman has totally humanlike hands.

[Gamer Printshop]

I think in my coloring of her, I forgot to change her hands - still you're the only one who noticed! I will probably change her hands before I publish this. Good eyes!

Remember, these are shape-changers they can appear completely human, perhaps shes in mid change...

GP