Nihil

 

Nihil
______________________________

"There is nothing you can do to stop the flow of time. All that exists will eventually end. Neither you, nor myself. But absolution... That is eternity's purest form. Annihilation is the greatest expression of existence." 
A being feared since genesis, his childlike visage masks his burning misanthropy.
Though gone centuries ago, his hateful legacy carries on, darkening the lives of all entangled within the rising flames of history.

Nihil
Age: ??? / Height: 4'2" / Weight: 56 lbs.
Blood Type: A
VI: Julie Ann Taylor

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Nihil

A character whose importance will remain a mystery until later, he is one who's design had always felt off to me until this design, which clicked only a few weeks ago after being in development for 14 years now. The entire ensemble is taken from old European pallbearers, which I think matched with the stature and demeanor really sell the uncomfortable presence I wanted from him all these years.
 
June 8, 2020
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Mezzo-Piano

 

"Mezzo-Piano"
Key illustration

“You believe we’re incapable of love?”
“Not at all. I’m just lamenting that we weren’t given any purpose for love... as they had been.”

I inked this one probably a good month ago, but lost the motivation to finish it due to ongoing events in the world, at the moment. But, enough time with nothing to do will even reawaken motivation out of sheer boredom, apparently?
I'd been wanting to do an illustration for Grey and Heart for some time now, but finally got the layout in mind probably late January, iirc. I had something more fierce for Grey, originally, but decided to make him more calm while still showing a hint of his bestial physiology. Heart's pose was one that underwent a few different trials before landing on this one to balance and frame the piece.
Colors were pretty much decided to keep them in line with Oni's red under-lighting. Though, I admittedly almost messed up Heart's arm hosiery as I first colored it the same as the red bits. Thankfully, making it a darker color was doable and fixed it in a clutch.

April 7, 2020
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

HELL SIDE

"HELL SIDE"
Key illustration

This will provide a 2-page chapter cover spread for the second section of Volume Two.
This piece, like HEAVEN SIDE, was a challenge for many reasons. One, of course, is the more up-front subject, but also the semi-realistic style, the pencil lineart, softer shades, and most importantly, the wings. The blood cry was also interesting to do, and I think I kinda mucked it up a bit in regards to the stream running along her cheek...
I completed the traditional portion of this art quite some time ago, however due to the subject matter, taking it to scan at a public facility was a bit nerve racking.
The background base admittedly uses a couple stock photos that I heavily manipulated and retooled because I had an earlier attempt at doing a fire effect in an illustration prior and the final look wasn't up to par for something this size, as well as to feel similar to HEAVEN SIDE's approach.

February 2, 2019
Colored pencils, Prismacolor Markers, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
Background digitally created and added via Photoshop Elements 7

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Lingering

"Lingering"
Key illustration

"I looked into your eyes, and all I saw was my own weakness.  And your sapphire eyes saw everything— Crystal clear.
I just wanted to be stronger. To be worthy of your love. To protect you.  Like you protected me.
Can you… Can you grant me your strength… One last time? …"

The first new key illustration in a while, I can't talk about too many specifics for this one from a story perspective. Just know there's a lot of reasons for the composition that translate to metaphors of their place in the story.
Since my other pieces from this line used either blue or pink undertones, I figured these two are removed enough from their connections to merit their own unique look.

January 30, 2020
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Mist

Mist
______________________________

"Quit playing around, Surge..." 
The aloof woman can vary the density of her body, and to serve the Black Phoenix, she'll use her powerful fists against all who oppose them.

Mist
Age: ??? / Height: 5'6" / Weight: 158 lbs.
Birth Date: February 15 / Zodiac: Aquarius / Blood Type: AB
VI: Kira Buckland

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Mist

A companion character to Surge, a sibling in fact, Mist will first appear near the climax of book two. Like Surge, she is another brawler-type fighter, but she can control the density of her body's consistency, meaning she can either be condensed like a diamond or thinned out to almost a vapor. She uses the former to deliver strong, heavy-hitting attacks, and can use the latter as evasive maneuvers.
I based her appearance as an homage to WWE's Asuka, though mostly with the hair coloring, and I designed the outfit to kinda flow with Surge's style. Her colors are considerably more muted compared to her brother's, though it still contains a few brights to keep it from looking completely drab.
I was a bit worried with the hair at first, but after getting the colors on the skirting, it balances out pretty well, I believe.
 
October 17, 2019 
Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Surge

Surge
______________________________

"Humans are all so humorously fragile — they're nothing but a spark to my luminescence." 
With manipulation of atmospheric pressure in his possession, the arrogant man aligns himself with the winged shadow looming over Ogelna.

Surge
Age: ??? / Height: 6'2" / Weight: 212 lbs.
Birth Date: April 30 / Zodiac: Taurus / Blood Type: AB
VI: Stefan Martello

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Surge 

A new character I developed on the fly who will make his appearance toward the end of book two, along with his sister, Mist. I realized I sorta had all my cards on the table after book one, and I needed to add new players to keep the story from getting too linear, plus for further world building. It doesn't stop with these, either, I've got a good deal of new faces in the works as the story unfolds further. I developed these two to be villains that truly work in tandem, and Surge in particular has powers over atmospheric pressure, allowing him to manipulate wind and even lightning. 
For his design, I decidedly took some inspiration from Shinsuke Nakamura of WWE fame, but definitely tilted it toward something that works withing the otherworldly confines of Ogelna. Getting the colors to work with both the regular master light source and the electricity was interesting, and a bit bold. Aside from just plotting out the shading with markers, I also used chalk pastels to create the overall luminescence which I took an eraser to "chisel" in the shape, and completed the effect with the white POSCA paint pen. 
I hope as the story progresses this becomes a character you love to hate (lol).
 
October 17, 2019 
Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, chalk pastels, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Zephyrus

Zephyrus
______________________________

The sullen widow. Wielding a sword he found in tragedy's wake, he recklessly vows to avenge his fallen lover, no matter the cost.

Zephyrus Tulrric
Age: 20 / Height: 5' 6" / Weight: 166 lbs.
Birth Date: December 27 / Zodiac: Capricorn / Blood Type: O
VI: Yuri Lowenthal

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Zephyrus (Ver.2019)

This was one of the characters I've not touched since 2006, and while the general feel of the character is the same, a lot has changed, especially in how he fits in the narrative. I had considered some pretty drastic changes for his look but actually ended up pretty close to how he began, only with his expression and attitude different (and name).
The colors were pretty set since my first iteration, and I'm glad I was able to keep with them here. His weapon (or weapons, depending on how you wish to interpret it) had rough drafts from forever ago but finally got true form here. It's an ambitious weapon that I'm going to wish I never designed like that. lol
 
July 23, 2019 
Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, chalk pastels, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Omnia

Omnia
______________________________

The Grand Pillar of Ogelna. After watching for time immemorial, she wishes to see the wrongs of her past, and of history, finally set right.

Omnia
Age: N/A / Height: 5' 11" / Weight: 139 lbs.
Birth Date: ??? / Zodiac: ??? / Blood Type: ???
VI: ???

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Omnia (Ver.2019)

This is one that received a full re-conceptualization back in 2010, but only saw a turnaround draft. Even then, this is a pretty drastic change from what I had then, even. I tried very hard to give her an otherworldly beauty, something that came off as sensual yet mysterious. Her color palette ended up being similar to her OLD design back from the early drafts when she went by the name "Eden." It's a bit more green than I anticipated, but I don't feel it off-putting, and actually think despite its gaudiness, the color flow is actually quite balanced.
 
July 21, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Wrath

"Wrath"
Key illustration

To counter the illustration for Elysium, I did this one with some minor opposing factors. Aside from just facing left (her right), the sword is held up, and her face is angled down; though her free hand is still open, though in a more powerful expressive position.
The colors again take from the theme set up by Terra's piece, and use pink as the base shade. This may have been even more difficult than Elysiums simply because of Oni's leather-like cloves and boots, plus her raven colored hair.

February 9, 2019
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, gel pens, POSCA paint pens, and chalk pastels
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Grace

"Grace"
Key illustration

Deciding on the visual theming for this series of pieces, I finally came up with ones for the other two main characters, starting with Elysium. Her face took a little work in the early stages to get right, but once there, everything else just kinda flowed together. Even her sword posed little problems.
I tried to go off the theme set by Terra's illustration and do her base shading in blue, though most of her outfit's colors are darker tones that Terra's or Rhapsody's, so it was tough to work with. I ended up using chalk pastels at the end to give back some of the blue highlights.

February 8, 2019
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, gel pens, POSCA paint pens, and chalk pastels
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Yo & Yn

Yo & Yn
______________________________

Muses of the Waking Day and Prophet of the Sleeping Night, also known as the Libra Choir.
Through the strength of their bond with one another, their souls forged a single blade, called the Libra Pentium - Otherwise known as the Dual Balance.

Yo
Age: ??? / Height: 6' 2" / Weight: 208 lbs.
Birth Date: October 2 / Zodiac: Libra / Blood Type: AB  
VI: Michael Sinterniklaas

Yn
Age: ??? / Height: 5' 4" / Weight: 118 lbs.
Birth Date: October 2 / Zodiac: Libra / Blood Type: AB 
VI: Brina Palencia

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Yo & Yn (Ver.2019)

Pronounced like EE'OH and EE'N, these are the final two main characters for the first part of the story. Though, they probably play more support than main, their importance cannot by taken lightly.
Yn had seen sever refreshes over the last few years, however Yo weren't relatively untouched before this illustration, having an old design back in 2004. I'm actually happy I waited rather than settled on the old design, because the balance set by the two designs is perfect, I think, and definitely what I'd been waiting on to hit me for so long.
This is also the last one I'll be doing with the under-lighting, both for thematic's sake and my sanity. 
 
January 22, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Gehenna

Gehenna
______________________________

Muse of the Wrathful Earth, and the soul of the fated sword Helgram.
He carries the ability to suppress one's logic, essentially driving the person on pure instinct.

Gehenna
Age: ??? / Height: 6' 6" / Weight: 234 lbs.
Birth Date: April 28 / Zodiac: Taurus / Blood Type: A
VI: Richard Epcar

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Gehenna (Ver.2019)

Another character I only conceptualized back in 2004 and roughly cleaned up in 2006, His only retaining motifs are the large tied-back hair and the chest tattoo/branding. Otherwise, many ideas I had in mind felt too bland or Akuma-like, and I wanted something more original and interesting.
I did a similar effect the his hair like Zion's, but only gradually down the ponytail rather than all of his hair, which makes it look more in the background, adding some dynamics to the perspective. I really loved the draped dougi look, with the sleeves billowing around. And the same thing with Zion continues here with the underneath master light source.
 
January 20, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Zion

Zion
______________________________

Muse of Heavenly Protection, and the soul of the fated sword Aegis.
Her gentle aura soothes anyone who enters her presence.

Zion
Age: ??? / Height: 5' 5" / Weight: 120 lbs.
Birth Date: August 30 / Zodiac: Virgo / Blood Type: A
VI: Trina Nishimura

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Zion (Ver.2019)

A character that I only conceptualized back in 2004 and roughly cleaned up in 2006, I've given her a massive overhaul from those drafts. Her appearance is minor in the story, but her effects are among some of the more important ones.
I loved doing something different with her hair, making it luminescent, as well as adding a lower master light source. These things along with the flowing cloth really make this piece a different experience from the ones I've done prior.
 
January 15, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Requiem

Requiem
______________________________

The local fortune teller of Terra's hometown of Gaf, she is responsible for the mission to retrieve the Fated Swords for which Terra sets out on.
She exudes a mysterious air that hints at wisdom far beyond her years.

Requiem (???)
Age: ??? (Presumed 40's) / Height: 5' 9" / Weight: 137 lbs.
Birth Date: August 24 / Zodiac: Virgo / Blood Type: B
VI: Mary Elizabeth McGlynn

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Requiem (Ver.2019)

Similar to Switch, I decided to reuse the pose from her last illustration as a base, just changing proportions and small bits to at dynamics to the image. Of course, the coloring style had changed to match all the new ones, as well.
I actually had to do this one twice, as my first attempt met a terrible fate with some stray coffee...
After a rather embarrassing fit of rage, I redrew it and colored it the same evening. It's not something I'd ever like to do again, to say the least. (lol)
 
January 12, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Ash

Ash
______________________________

A mysterious man with malevolent intentions, and wielder of the Black Phoenix. 
His appearance decimates the battlefield, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake. What is his ultimate goal, and who follows his carnage?

Ash 
Age: ??? / Height: 5' 11" / Weight: 163 lbs.
Birth Date: ??? / Zodiac: ??? / Blood Type: ???
VI: Keith Silverstein

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Ash (Ver.2019)

This is one that has eluded me for a long time, but I'm finally happy with his design. I was definitely inspired by the whole Sunrise masked antagonist trope, but it's entire necessary to his character for many reasons, for which I can't divulge this early.
This illustration was pretty ambitious, and with the wings and orate armor, it's probably the most detailed of the character designs I've done, thus far.
 
January 12, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Mash

Mash
______________________________

Member of Il Inno di Morte, a quiet and large spriggan. 
Half of his body is composed of natural root and stone, and he carries the ability to shape it and extend it to his will, making him adept at both offense and defense.

Mash
Age: ??? / Height: 7' 9" / Weight: 348 lbs.
Birth Date: April 19 / Zodiac: Aries / Blood Type: AB
VI: Christopher Sabat

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Mash (Ver.2019)

Once again, I've made changes to this one's design, but I think the differences between this and the 2017 version are ultimately subtle. His color palette has come together better, and I think this will be where I leave it. He definitely looks like the absolute unit I intended him to be, so that's a plus.

His background of the wilting tree goes hand-in-hand with his spriggan nature, but also lends to his own character nature, as well.
 
January 7, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Switch

Switch
______________________________

Member of Il Inno di Morte, a wiry kobold. 
Quite insane, his fighting style is difficult to counter due to his swift agility. 
He often agitates his fellow comrades with his hair-trigger tongue and actions.

Switch
Age: ??? / Height: 6' 6" / Weight: 210 lbs.
Birth Date: April 12 / Zodiac: Aries / Blood Type: O
VI: Steven Blum

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Switch (Ver.2019)

Switch is one of two where I used the pose from the 2017 version verbatim, with just changing the lineart styling and cleaning up some of the angles. Though, unintentionally, I changed th color of his skin to an almost greenish grey instead of the ghost grey it was prior. However, I accepted it after the fact because this puts it closer to how I had it on my very first draft in 2004.

His background is, admittedly, less subtle than the other Il Inno di Morte members, simply because... I couldn't think of anything else for him. His character is complete, in therms of plotting and story arc, but that's just kinda how he stands in my mind.
 
January 6, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Heart

Heart
______________________________

Member of Il Inno di Morte, a seductive succubus. 
Her abilities have the capability of affecting the psyches of conscious men and women, keeping them from being able to fight, to completely removing their will to.

Heart
Age: ??? / Height: 5' 10" / Weight: 128 lbs.
Birth Date: September 7 / Zodiac: Virgo / Blood Type: O
VI: Laura Bailey

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Heart (Ver.2019)

Aside form the new style and slight proportional changes, Heart is exactly the same, design-wise. I did want to make the mesh parts more apparent, so I did those in pencil over the markers to give them a distinct texture.
Her pose and her hair posed a good challenge, but the mist emanating off of her was even more so. Mostly because my light lavender marker was dying, but I had to finish it, so I just went back to using it every 20 minutes as the tip regained pigment.
 
January 2, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Grey

Grey
______________________________

Leader of the devious group Il Inno di Morte, and a powerful lycanthrope. 
He is a calculated tactician, who wields strength enough to personally head his stratagems.

Grey
Age: ??? / Height: 5' 7" / Weight: 210 lbs.
Birth Date: July 25 / Zodiac: Leo / Blood Type: AB
VI: Michael Alston Bailey

______________________________

[Illustration Info]

Grey (Ver.2019)

So, it has been a few months since I started these, but as inspiration often does, it struck with a fury. But, rather than just doing a new illustration, it doubled as a chance to finally update his outfit... Something that I'd been meaning to do for ages. The color's a little jarring, but I'm getting to like it a bit more. Sorta similar to my last illustration of him, I added a background shot of his werewolf form, but matching his pose and obscured (As it, too, is being somewhat redesigned). 
 
January 1, 2019

Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and POSCA paint pens
 on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Dreams

"Dreams"
Key illustration

I knew I'd get around this one, but I'm definitely glad I waited.
Like all my recent illustrations, I did this on a large sheet of bristol board, with Terra being the only inked portion on here. The trees got a very loose outline in pencil, but were made mostly straight in marker. The large bird in the sky was also more defined in blue colored pencil and colored so that it looked high in the sky.
All the lighting tricks you see were done with colored chalk pastels and a lot of anxiety. This is also the first time I've done this illustration where I had the crop area in mind when coloring the piece (the colors exceed a good few inches past the crop area for good bleed).
The original piece was called "Fate," but I changed it to match the title of the first chapter for which it's the cover to.

June 25, 2018
Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, gel pens, POSCA paint pens, and chalk pastels
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai