I decided to make some brand-new ref sheets to help show off how I now draw Hsien-Ko and for artist to look towards to see my vision of her. I actually had some using these assets on other places, but I recently came up with a new style toward how to make reference sheets. The only reference sheets I have on Tumblr are these ones:
💬 0 🔁 6 ❤️ 14 · These are official ref sheets I have made for Hsien-Ko Shao and Mei-Ling Shao of Cryas Darkstalkers. Very proud to detail
Some things and details changed or omitted. Showing off Hsien-Ko, her layers of clothing, and her when she was a human at the age of 18! :3
I also did make one for her Burst:
The as it is called 'Corrupt Embrace' had an old ref sheet, which I will share here:
💬 0 🔁 5 ❤️ 9 · Dark Embrace Powers and Abilities · In this entry, I'd like to go over the powers, abilities, and aspects of the Dark Embra
Some aspects are still the same and some details I just didn't feel like drawing out as to not make things too cramped. Concise and too the point. Plus some changed lore details of this form.
In time I will make one for Mei-Ling, I just have to get to work on the assets. Till then, see how Hsien-Ko is in Cryas Darkstalkers. 😉🩵
Happy Halloween as I present to you this incredible art that I made for a Darkstalkers Tribute Fanzine that I was honored to be a part of. 😈
As Cryas Darkstalkers is my thing, I had to find a way to represent my designs of the characters. So, what better way than to draw these dangerous, eerie forms of the Shao sisters? But now, with some touch ups! I have gone through the effort of fully redesigning the markings that adorn their bodies. I actually have a reference for the markings:
The scripts you see are ancient forms of 仙 or xiān. Considering their training was around the practician of Xiānshù and their village was named Xiān Mén Cūn, it stands to reason that the Xiān play an important part with Hsien-Ko and Mei-Ling. And considering their long-life spans after becoming jiangshi, one could say they are 'immortal'. And with these forms coming from influence of Corriyami, a substance that can 'corrupt' life forms, one could say they are like corrupted Xiān in the flesh. So it works together to give the sisters unique markings that are more specific to them both and their heritage.
This piece also serves as further practice into my take of basically the MvC2 art style and I am extremely proud how this came to look! New layer tricks and simplifying the sketch lines in the shaded areas. Some lighting stuff here and there. And another update to their designs to add natural lip colors to them. Hard to see a bit, especially on Hsien-Ko, but they are there! 😄
I just adore the way both sisters look. Hsien-Ko looking like an absolutely feral, battle hungry warrior ready to absolutely tear those who oppose her and her big sister. Mei-Ling calmly, yet menacingly commanding the shadow that flows from what was her arms. And with the way I composed the flow of this piece, it even looks like she is commanding Hsien-Ko with just a simple gesture... maybe even controlling her? Ooooo!
Speaking of Mei-Ling's shadow, I fully updated it with a brand-new look. While the blue/purple colors are still there to represent the Corriyami that flows in her veins, there is now this shimmering yellow energy that coats the flowing form. This energy is meant to be her own qì, as the original intent I always had was for her shadow to be a mixture of both her qì and Corriyami. With the color choices, it better reflects that and even has some fun color theory going on with complimentary colors. 😄
At this point, I am basically waffling on. Honestly, I hope you adore this art and can feel the passion I put into this. I truly thought I wasn't gonna be able to make the deadline for the zine. But then the motivation kicked in. The motivation to make incredible art of the two characters I hold dear! 🥹🩵💛
I'll leave you with two last things. First, a grayscale version of the piece for maximum spooky factor!
And most importantly, a link to the full version of the Darkstalkers Tribute Fanzine of 2024!
Collection of Darkstalkers fan art by a variety of 80+ exceptional artists from across the world.
I implore you to give it a good look and see all the incredible art and passion of every artist that contributed to this. 🤩
And have a safe and most fun filled night on this eve of Hallow. 🎃🦇🌑
Been in a general mental rut when it has come to art. But I have slowly been digging my way out. With that said, have this art I drew. I concepted an idea of what Frye Onaga looks like in Splatoon: Octo Cuentos. Even went the extra mile to make use of these Splatoon brushes I had. Super fun style to mess with. :)
My general thought process was to invoke some sharper shapes to her along with expressing more her Indian coded aspects. Her 'fangs' were altered to also help invoke the imagery of demons in Hindu myth. I love how she looks and in time want to figure a cool new outfit for her. But for now, bask in her awesome glory!
Was a wonderful test run of my new tablet that I got some time ago. Great device and while I did have to tinker around, I managed to pull off some incredible results with this piece. Incredible colors.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful art of Mei-Ling Shao! 🥰💛
My submission I made for the @darkstalkersfanzine that just released officially via digital means, 27/11/2023!
The first ever zine I ever participated in and while I was nervous about having to meet a deadline considering my still shaky ability to focus on art, I managed to get this piece done in time! Not only that, but I also made an absolute banger of a masterpiece of my favorite characters in both Darkstalkers and all of media!
Since it's my most recent art of the two, it means I get to update Hsien-Ko and Mei-Ling with a few new details I have both gotten from commissions and my own thoughts. Very elated with how incredible they look. Not only that, further working on my style of rendering and trying new things out as well!
As the title suggests, these two are masters of weapons! In Cryas Darkstalkers, Mei-Ling is actually the most seasoned between the two as she has a genuine love and appreciation for different forms of weaponry. She taught Hsien-Ko all she knows and even crafted all her weapons for her little sister! For the weapons both are currently wielding, Hsien-Ko is wielding a zǐwǔ (子午) while Mei-Ling is with the liúxīngchuí (流星錘). Stances where they are both graceful and strong.
Very proud of this and happy to finally share some new art after a drought for a while! I hope you enjoy! 🥹🥰
If you wish to view the zine, please check out @darkstalkersfanzine for information regarding where you can view the zine for your viewing pleasure!
'Three jiang-shi cross your path as the spirits of the night rise up on the night of fright.'
An old piece of Halloween art I made in 2022. Still super proud of this piece. Maybe one day will remix it as my way of coloring and small aspects of their designs have changed overtime. We will see. 😎
Also have this grayscale version of the piece. Honestly looks sick and works for this time of the year!
These were a fun collaboration me and my good friend @masterartlocked did a few years ago. They did the line art while I did the coloring on this piece. Not only colored, but also did a shiny variation of Lunala for fun!
