Nihil

 

Nihil
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"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

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[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

Fiction

"Fiction"
Key illustration

"To stop the unending bloodshed, four gods gave up their lives as offering to end the conflict. They gave mankind the ability of free will, as well as the entire world of Ogelna, to live on as they saw fit. 
And as symbols of their sincerity, gave to man the three Fated Swords."

Another new key art, this one for Requiem, Gaf's resident fortune teller and errand giver to Terra. This was an interesting piece that actually went through a few revisions before heading to the ink phase. A lot of weird angles and proportional fixes plagued this piece up til then, as well.
Her outfit is probably among the most gaudy in terms of details and colors used, and that definitely translated to this piece, but it seems to balance well.
The pages floating about were interesting to do, and some of the pages even have intentional text.

February 23, 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

HEAVEN SIDE

"HEAVEN SIDE"
Key illustration

This will provide a 2-page chapter cover spread for the first section of Volume Two.
This piece 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, which I used several real-life references to make look as believably real as possible while not standing out too much from the stylized nature of mine.
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 stock photo that I heavily manipulated and retooled because I had no confidence doing such dense cloud coloring on an already complicated piece.

February 1, 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

A New War

"A New War"
(Mobile Suit Gundam series / Commission/Gift art)

Possibly my most ambitious illustration, and doubly so for a commission, I really tried to go for styles that suited each unit's contemporary look from their native series, but joining them together in a similar shading technique; using chalk pastels and colored pencils to simulate an airbrushed look. Getting the colors on each suit to reflect their on-screen palettes was challenging, but pays off well and it makes sure each one is distinct from one another.
This was originally commissioned as a 9x12" piece, however I had fears I would not be able to do it near justice at that size and opted to do the larger size myself. The client was a good sport with me and ran with whatever I had in mind, and I am extremely thankful for his rolling with my indecisiveness during this process.

January 21, 2020
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, gel pens, POSCA paint pens, and chalk pastels
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.