Animalistic Nature is a series focusing on the classical four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. These elements are personified with animalistic attributes to take form as anthropomorphic characterization. In this series, I play on the literal meaning of the word “nature” to describe a visual attribute for each element; fire implies flames, water implies bubbles, earth implies plants, and air implies clouds. I also envision the animalistic “nature” which lies within each element; fire representing a dragon, water representing a fish, earth representing a deer, and air representing a griffin.
As a visual development artist, I want to use character development to bring the infamous four elements to life as human beings. The overarching theme is equilibrium: the dynamic duality and balance between the relationship with one’s true self as human form and with one’s inner animal instincts.
This series shows that everyone has two sides in constant battle against each other. These four images show the struggles between these two opposing parts, breaking free, and harmonizing into one being. Therefore, rather than showing the human and animal as separate entities, the characterized elements are merged with their animalistic nature to become one.
Animalistic Nature is a digital painting series created in Adobe Photoshop using detailed line work, carefully chosen color themes to match each element, and dynamic gesture to truly represent each element’s unique characteristics.
I hope these four illustrations will allow viewers to reflect upon their own lives, inner self, and inner struggles to find a harmonious equilibrium and relationship for the true self to genuinely shine.
Meet the Elements
Aqua
Meet the element of Water, Aqua.
She is an anthropomorphic character, combined with a fish.
She symbolizes water, the sea and all sea life.
The fish represents creativity, rebirth, and serenity. The water element represents the deeper awareness of the unconsciousness or higher self.
Ignis
Meet the element of Fire, Ignis.
She is an anthropomorphic character, combined with a dragon.
She symbolizes fire, heat, flame, warmth.
The dragon represents the most potent of all symbols of energy. Dragons are believed to be the harbinger of prosperity, abundance, consistent success and high achievement. It brings about physical as well as spiritual well-being and strength. Dragons are representative of auspiciousness and new beginnings.
Terra
Meet the element of Earth, Terra.
She is an anthropomorphic character, combined with a deer.
She symbolizes Earth, nature, territory, land.
The deer represents majesty and beauty, and they have deep roots in ancient history. Deer are the embodiment of peace and gentleness and their image is used by many cultures to symbolize love.
Aether
Meet the element of Air, Aether.
She is an anthropomorphic character, combined with a griffin.
She symbolizes air, Heaven, ether, pure, upper world.
The griffin represents courage and unwavering leadership. Griffins are portrayed with the body of a lion, an eagle's head creating a clawed feathered beast. These features indicate a combination of intelligence and strength.
How It All Started
Here is where this series all started, from the mind mapping of the beginning idea, to the original ideation sketch, to the reference images, the rough line art, and the color and media studies/explorations that resulted with the final artwork.
