Freestyle

      Character design is another category I enjoyed very much because it enables me to go beyond the patterns of reality and depict characters of different shapes, color and roles.

 Below are 3 designs of totemic-like figures often used in the Romanian folk dances and traditions at Christmas but they have nothing to do with the Birth of Christ as these traditions are much older and of pagan origins. 

I tried to depict them in a more humanized version, as embodiments of spiritual forces of the forest: the Goat, the Deer and the Bear. These animals are of a great symbolic importance in my country (or they were in the past). They are also part of a larger project of mine (along with Muma Padurii, Pacalici and other characters).
I call them "Calusari" 

           

"Muma Padurii" or "Forest Mother"/"Mother of the Forest" is kinda like the equivalent of Baba Yaga from Slavic stories. A supernatural being, often referred to as the forest's witch, that lives solely in her forest house, trees or holes. She can shapeshift and considers every tree as her own child and can be very vengeful when someone harms them. She is portrayed as both an antagonist in tales or a wise being that offers advice depending on how the protagonist interacts with her.

Older concept designs for Pacalici and his mouse friend.

Romanian girls.

Characters concept design for another future project.

Doodles

3 Girls from a possible future project.

I am not sure yet if I want to turn them into modern witches or just ordinary girls that happen to meet each other and embark on an eerie journey together.

Young Prince  - design.

Faces design