So, these designs may feel like a bit of a stretch… but I think the concept works!
In my attempt to recreate all 151 Kanto Pokémon (in a "realistic" art style), I had to think of a unique take on our classically spherical friends. In doing some online research, many of the "realistic" takes on these two drew inspiration on armadillos, dung beetles, and centipedes. But to my surprise, no one seems to have taken the thought experiment of designing these two based on another classic video game animal that rolls up into a ball… a hedgehog!
My idea for these designs was that they appear to be average rodents with quills (albeit, with strange fur colors), that when threatened, roll up and reveal the face-like patterns in their fur as part of their defense mechanism.
These were my first attempts at sculpting fur, and while not perfect, I think the technique reads well. Fortunately, I made some more furry critters shortly after these guys to really hone in on that skill.
Thanks for checking them out, and for everyone's interest in the project so far! The next few I'll be sharing are some of the best I've made to date, being Eevee, Ditto, and Snorlax. So keep an eye out for later this month as I share them!
by Mpickardart