Hippo Trophy
When a company asks you to make a hippo trophy you say yes, and then figure out how to make a hippo trophy.
Sketches
I started by sending 6 options, the sketches include some color schemes, moodboards, accessories and I was asked to show a couple options exploring how the hippo could hold a wad of bills if possible. The 6 sketches showed a range of wing type, character and stance, from a more cartoony personified approach to a more dramatic approach of dragon wings or rock n roll flames and bones.
The Chosen Sketch
We moved forward with more natural winged hippo leaning against a boulder. It has more natural eagle like wings and normal hippo anatomy otherwise. They also chose the natural painted color schemes. This is also one of the options that can carry a wad of bills in it’s mouth for the cash prize they wanted to include to those receiving the trophy.
Building process
Then I proceeded to experiment with creating the right armature, I drilled a large bolt into the base for stability and built the foil armature over that. After that it was just about continuing to use photo references, layering on sculpey and adding details.
Finishing Touches
Used dry brush technique to create a rock texture. I also added gloss to inside the mouth for realism and painted the wings metallic gold as requested.
