Final Turnaround Sheet. Inspired by the song “Down Under” by Men At Work.
The idea behind this character came from the first line of the song: “Traveling in a fried-out Kombi, On a hippie trail, head full of zombie.” I started to look at images of the fashion around the time period of the hippie trail, and specifically the hippy subculture. The face design was loosely based on Jenna Coleman’s Marie Andree Le Clerc, in the series The Serpent which was based in the 70’s. Drawing the character on photoshop was a challenge as I am not used to digital drawing. However I managed to get the hang of it and enjoyed the range of colour you can pick out of thin air. It took me a while to find the right colour pallet to use as with such a big range of shades, I wanted to make sure I showed the right mood. I am confident that the pallet I landed on accurately reflects the time period.
See Colour Studies Below:
For the middle and last colour studies, I set myself the challenge of leaving the cursor in the same position on the shade selector and only using the colour bar to pick colours, trying to unify the pallet. However I gave up on this approach, realising the pallet wasn’t very 60’s/70’s inspired.
You haven’t looked up from your phone in a while as the train carriage wasn’t busy, providing no fresh meat for people watching, but after kings cross, a new crowd storms on. Strangely, these passengers seem lifeless. As if a strong breeze would have them crumble away. You glance over the shoulder of a woman, whose glazed eyes rest in space, something is there. A.. thing… It’s no zombied passenger. This apparition fidgets and tweaks, his cheeks burning up. We are at Bank now and the crowd floats out as one. Nervously you check your phone realising the… thing is merely metres away from you with only nauseating emptiness between you both and not a soul in sight. Out of your peripheral vision, you see him staring you down. “This is not your first rodeo with a weirdo on public transport, your best bet is to pretend they’re not there” You tell yourself. The carriage rocks. Staring forward, you are unblinking as the overhead lights flicker and die.
Analysis writing experience:
I would’ve liked a higher word count as i had to cut the story short, leaving on an inconclusive ending. However, this works well with a horror story as it introduces more edge and mystery. It is tempting to embellish the text with rich descriptive words but what is important is fleshing out the setting and character. I found it hard to convey everything i was imagining into such a short word count. I like my choice of second person, present time because it makes the situation feel scarier because its current and personal. One thing i wouldve liked to do more is describe and give personality to “you”.
Plan
First person
N train with loads of people they all seem dead eyed and motionless as if a strong breeze would make them crumble
Strange man/ alien in carriage seems more alive
A busy stop approaches (bank highbury and islington) all the passengers get off
