mechanical naga - design concept // february MOTM // sfw (Patreon)

thanks again to akira for suggesting this MOTM design theme!

i’ll be honest — i’m not entirely sure of the technical difference between “mechanical” and “robotic." regardless, for the purpose of this design, my mechanical naga is essentially a robot. i don't draw a lot of robots so i find them more challenging to design than "organic" monster characters, but in this case i had a really fun starting point: combining metallic, robotic plates with serpentine scaling.

the "scaly plates" of his torso largely follow the shapes of human musculature. in some areas (for example over his "ribs") the gaps between plates are partially filled with artificial muscle tissue. i think this makes the design look more robotic, instead of resembling a suit of armour. his fingers are segmented and have little retractable metal claws. the neck details mirror collar bones and sinews, while his hips are marked by circular plates. the latter helps transition the humanoid torso into a serpentine tail, which is covered with large curved scales.

the first concept sketch of his head looked more like a "helmet" that could be worn by a human. i liked the visor and indication of fangs, but wasn't entirely happy with this design. i considered adding a "collar" that mimicked a cobra's hood, but it looked too much like futuristic space fashion.

finally, i had the idea of designing a cobra-like hood that flared out in segments with a membrane between, somewhat resembling a metallic fan. from there i added the "fins" at the end of his tail, repeating some of the shapes of the hood. the little notches in the curved plates of his throat and tail also serve as a repeating detail that helps bring the design together.

i wanted the colour scheme to be metallic and ultimately decided on the reddish-golden hues of bronze, copper, and brass. in mimicry of many snakes, his chest, stomach, and the underside of his tail are of a lighter colour, and the "membrane" of his hood and tailtip is bright yellow simply because it looks cool.

if i had wanted the design to look more futuristic in a sci-fi way i would have chosen blue-grey metals like silver and steel, along with black and white. the "surface finish" would also have been more shiny, pristine, bright, and flawless.

instead, the copper colour scheme makes him look more gritty, post-apocalyptic, or even steampunky. i also added lots of little notches, specks, and scrapes, to make him look a bit worn. he's been around for a long time and has the wear and tear to prove it. the green light in the painting also makes his copper scales look a bit rusted, which wasn't intentional but i like the idea.

i also added details like text, stickers/decals, and “graffitti.” some may have always been there from whenever he was first created/manufactured/built, like the model designation and serial number. but i love the notion of robots adding “body modifications” like stickers and paint and writing of their own choosing. it reflects him having gained self awareness, and wanting to express himself just as anyone else.

note that i refined some of the stickers and text on the final painting (just as how i tweaked the plating of his abs). for example i added “rust” to his shoulder, which i think is his chosen name. my favourite sticker is the "i love pizza," because it's just funny and cute and indicates a silly side of his personality.

a final note on his lover! my first idea for her was to simply look human, but while adding the green lighting on the painting i randomly had the idea of giving her small emerald scales. it hints at a world that's more expansive than "simply" post-apocalyptic humans living among robots, if that makes sense?

// art + character © me.