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

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.

Deceitful Empress

"Deceitful Empress"
Mobile Suit Z Gundam / Commission/for Mobile Suit Breakdown

This was my final piece for 2019, but being a commission, I had to wait for them to publicly unveil it first. This is one they wanted me to keep my own personal stylings but using the villainous Haman Karn and her signature mobile suit, the AMX-004 Qubeley.
It took some work to get their poses to work with one another, especially with the Qubeley's unique geometry, but I think its perspective does its menacing presence justice.

You can find their official post on their patreon here!

December 9, 2019
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 9x12" smooth bristol stock.

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

Tifa -LIMIT-

"Tifa -LIMIT-"

Been a while since I've done fan art stuff, eh?
I figure with Final Fantasy VII Remake just around the corner (somehow wasn't lost to the dancing crabs) it'd be a good time to do some art for the roster's redesigns, of which Tifa's was definitely the most anticipated — and most divisive — by the fans. (Personally, I think it's perfect.)
This was a bit of a test to see if I could carry over my own style to other properties, and I think this is a note of success on that front. Also, pushing myself on more dynamic posing and even motion, as is seen on the kicking left foot.
The colors follow the same way I've been doing my own characters, with no-frills coloring with deep shades being subdued with light lavender over a hatched pencil base layer.

September 1, 2019
Sakura Pigma pens, pencil, Prismacolor Markers, charcoal pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 9x12" smooth bristol stock.

Lonely Prayer

"Lonely Prayer"
Key illustration

"Should we ever part, look up at the moon. I shall always watch you from it...” 
The words echo ceaselessly through Rhapsody's memories, as they're the last words she heard from her mother before she disappeared 4 years ago...
This illustration was a massive overhaul of a redo that I had been inspired to do, and only the second TRUE full illustration I've done for the story. Rhapsody has a fascination with Lyuna, the moon of Ogelna, and thus join into a major focal point.
Her color palette compliments the nighttime setting beautifully, but provided quite the challenge to make look natural in the darkened tints and tones of the moonlight. Her staff was also, as usual, a pain to do, but the glow on the tree from the orb was the major payoff of having it in shot.

August 6, 2019
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

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

Libra

"Libra"
Key illustration

For this illustration, I wanted to achieve a good balance without 1:1 symmetry. It's sort of a precursor to Terra's duality, which is something major within the story, both thematically and within the events, themselves.
I tried my best to set this up so that if you blocked half of the picture on either side, you'd get a completely different feeling picture, without it feeling too jarring in the middle. Balancing the different tones of the same colors was a challenge, to say the least.

February 3, 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

Maestro and Muse

"Maestro and Muse"
Key illustration

For whatever reason, these two are my favorite characters to draw, so I decided to do a key piece featuring them.
I wanted to have a very dynamic sense of flow with Rhapsody's hair and cape, but herself looking stoic and solemn. I decided to do her staff fully aligned rather than alternating the wings as I felt it would mess with the composition.
To make sure Nocturne didn't stand out too much, I wanted him to appear faded, even distant, so I had to go with lighter colors for his usually black outfit.

February 1, 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