Very early initial concepts for my senior film character Honu the sea turtle. I had initially conceived Honu as an adult turtle who lived a nomadic lifestyle in the open ocean, before an accident reunited him with his long-lost brethren. Digital

More early sketches meant to work out Honu's character performance. Digital

One of my first few drawings of Honu after I decided that his character would be a baby sea turtle rather than an adult. Digital

The first in a series of brief sketches where I tried to get into Honu's character and figure out how he would act. Digital

A quick digital sketch of Honu discovering his feet for the first time. Digital

In this early sketch, I tried to figure out how Honu would move around with his long flippers and stubby legs. Digital

This sketch shows that he did not get very far. Digital

Since he would be attacked by various predators in the film, I felt it would be appropriate to practice drawing Honu in distress. Digital

A digital collage of various quick sketches of Honu, trying to work out the character. I also tried to work out his interactions with the predators. Digital

Another very early sketch of Honu, while I was still trying to work out his color palette. Digital

A digital drawing of Honu in his final design as he swims away. Digital

A quick cool down drawing I did of Honu frolicking around near some sargasso weed. Digital

A very brief sketch of Honu in his endless curiousity. Digital

My first attempt at trying to capture Honu in his beach environment. Digital

My first attempt at showing Honu's interaction with his predators. Digital

Turnaround model sheet for Honu in Late Hatcher. I would go on to use the colors from all model sheets as the final colors for the film. Digital

Turnaround of Crab character from Late Hatcher. Digital

Turnaround of Seagull character from Late Hatcher. Digital

Model sheet detailing Honu's range of expression. I aimed to give him a malleable feel that was easy to squash and stretch. Digital.

Much like Honu, I aimed to make the crab round and flexible in order to exaggerate his movements. Digital.

I tried to convey a sort of flow to the seagull's design, as if the entire weight of his body shifted with his shoulders. Digital.

A special model sheet meant for tying down Honu's features, as well as to serve as a guide for how to draw him underneath his seashell shelter. Digital.

A model sheet meant to show how to tie down the crab's rounded claws. Digital.

Finalized rendering of Honu for a graduation character banner. Digital.