Mock Bike layers

I gathered parts of pictures from different bikes to mock up my concept of my motorbike. It's a very rough concept that I will trace over and make neater lines and proper colours. I know the woman on top of the bike doesn't look very proportionate but its to give a general idea of how to sit on the bike.

I used parts from the "Tron" bike, including the woman. I liked the shape and have heard the style of the bike was created by an artist named Syd Mead from the mid 60s which was heavily used for concept bike for future films.

For the wheels I used the newest robot droid named "BB8" from Star wars. I liked the mechanics of having magnets inside the ball that can be attached to the bike so its basically hovering the bike. It makes turning more easier like a Dyson Hoover (see previous blog). I recoloured it to match with the bike as the original droid was bright orange.

For the window and blue panels I took parts from the BMW K 1600 GT bike as the window has a more slanted style, which i slanted more for an imapct on bike. I enjoy the colour of the blue panels which goes well with the black. I added hidden panels for the hand and feet, so that the feet and hands are tucked away safely. Inside the hand pocket there will be a normal steering handle like any other bike and I decided to add a button underneath the handle for the brake, rather than the large brake that's seen on bikes. I still need to design this handle. I also took the seat from the BMW and slanted it slightly.

Lastly I added a coil that I found on "Shocks and more" site. Its a monroe coil that I coloured blue and duplicated. It will be hidden in a see through case to protect the coil and the riders feet. I believe that this will make turning more easier and swifter. This can stop the large corners that bikes normally make and more safer. Its somewhat similar to the buses seen in London with their 2 decker buses. If the coil doesn't work then I will use the same technique as the London buses.

Long London bus
http://londonspotter.com/2015/07/17/its-tall-its-red-its-the-london-bus/

What I will need to do next is trace over the shape of the bike, add neat lines and then colour of the bike.

Rough Mock Bike

Overall I am impressed with this bike and will refine and render it more so.

Bike without woman

BB8 Droid

I recently watched a youtube video of whats inside the new droid from starswars "BB8" toy. They opened inside the toy, puit the mechanics into a plastic sphere and it still works. Apparently the head is connected by magnets, with the movement controlled by a controller. 

I want to do something similar to that for my wheels of the bike. This means that the rider can move in any direction and still have the weeble wobble effect of not able to fall off. The front and back wheels will be connected to the front panels of the bike by magnets and the same to the rear.

There will be a space in the middle, joined by a coil that will be protected from a strong plastic casing so that the rider doesn't accidentally kick it. Sort of like the Dyson hoover effect so that the rider can swerve.

Inside BB8

Dyson Hoover

Transport: Future Bike

For my next product I want to design a motorbike with wheels that has the same function as "Weeble Wobble" toys so that riders can't fall off and can lean as much as they can to the side.

I already have a rough idea of what the bike will look like, somewhat similar to the movie "Tron" but without the lights and better wheels.

For my research I'm currently looking at Honda Bikes as well as bikes in movies such as "Batman: The Dark Knight" "Blade 2" and "Tron". Their bikes are closely set in the future or have personal designs to them to improve speed.

BMW K 1600 GT
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bike/model_overview.html

Tron Bike in real life
http://cdni.wired.co.uk/620x413/s_v/Tron_bike.jpg

Tron Bike in film
https://qnbikes.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/tron-light-cycle1.jpg

Blade bike with covers. Looked futuristic in 2002
https://zombiesruineverything.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/blade3.jpg

Dark knight Bike. No cover at the sides, Easier movement by swinging hips
http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2012/07/dark_knight_book_p8_cycle_660.jpg

I want to combine all these bikes together to create one futuristic bike.I want to use the wheels from "The Dark Knight", Have the futuristic light and sleekness from "Tron", have the guards on the front and side from the BMW bike and make it small-ish like in "Blade.

Finished Shoe concept

My design is made of photo manipulation and graphics, all edited in Photoshop.

I think I may lose the straps of the boots on the outside of the leg because it doesn't work as well as i thought it would. it sticks out far too much and looks out of place.

Shoe Mock Design

The shoe, however, looks good. I decided to leave out the shadows of the holes on the platform as it looked too 2D. To make it more interesting I can either add the top half of the boot or try different colours of the shoe to see if it all goes.

The blue straps on top of the shoe will stay as it will have an LED effect with either types or patterns.

I will do another design in different positions by tomorrow.

Shoe with leg

Step by Step Shoe base

Step by step Photo Manipulation

1st step: base shoe

2nd Step: Hole Platforms

3rd Step: Cyber lights on sole

4th Step: Shadows on holes and space bar on front of shoe

The more I edit the more it becomes easy to edit. The base of the shoe is finished and I now have to work on the top part of the boot.

Photo maniupulation

I think I may have finally figured out photo manipulation. As my shoe will have different fabrics I decided to test out photo manipulation again. I started to work on the bottom shoe of my design so I searched for a block heel shoe that can be turned into my design. I found this shoe online:

http://www.spylovebuy.com/images/tia-block-heel-peep-toe-buckle-platform-shoes-black-suede-style-p1441-5704_image.jpg

And turned it into this:

My shoe

I think that because the colour is black it's easier to manipulate and leave no trace of the original shoe. I cut out the shape of the original shoe and stretched it to make it high. I think made a selection on the tip of the shoe and added the fabric. I did the same again for the heal from cutting out the shape and stretching it. I then blended in the lines with the "Sport healing brush" on photoshop.

From my failed first attempt on the kettle I am quite pleased with the result of this photo. I will be working on more of the shoe and hopefully have a finished product to show.

Heel work

I have been working on the heel of my boots and made 3 designs including the original one. The first design has a oval heel so it looks somewhat like the "Heely" trainers.

Sphere heel

To me it still looks plain and needs more of a statement to the overall boot. I removed the heel and added a platform to the shoe. The heel is still a block but in an awkward shape. The light strobes will be through the heel so it pulses every time they walk.

Strobe heel

I was still not happy with the result. It still looks like a GOGO boot than cybergoth. I decided to add in the whole platform and changed the colour to black. In the heel I added holes to the shoe for a more contempary look. This is the finished design.

Holey Heels

I like the statement of the shoes. It looks futuristic with the holes added to the platform. Inside it will be blue as it goes well against the black. It may not look a lot was added to the shoe but once I add in the LED example on the straps it will make a statement.

Colour boots

Added a quick colour idea to the boots. I enjoy the blue against the black and I think once I added some more ridges around the shoes and shine for the main boots and then glow for the straps it will really stand out.

Will be designing this on photoshop as well as a paper version in my sketchbook.

colour scheme idea

I think I will re-work the heel as it looks too 60's than cybergoth. I still don't want a normal heel so I will be looking at some unique designs.

Boots product

I've recently started designing my boots and feel the need to change my idea. The thought of hover boots does seem like a good idea but the more i thought of it, the more i felt constraint to think of how the product will work.

To explain what i meant I first created this boot. It was not what I wanted and still looked like a plain bright boot. The colour is fine but I don't like bright designs and prefer some dark, broody and unique in its own way.

First attempt

After looking at some more Cyber punk and goth footwear, I noticed that the group enjoy UV, Rave and some industrial designs. I decided to take out the idea of hovering and instead have the bands around the shoes with LED light (not sure of a colour) or have a message that goes around the boots like an LED belt buckle.

LED belt buckle
http://www.geekalerts.com/programmable-scrolling-red-led-chrome-belt-buckle/

It won't be the same digital type and will have a longer screen so instead of type, it can have swirling patterns or strobes. I have started working on a design after looking back at the artist Joe McCarthy concepts again for inspiration. I have come up with this rough sketch.

Leg inside boot. 

The LED light straps will be attached to the top part of the boot. I will also have some small strobes pulsing at the bottom left corner of the sole. The top part of the boot and shoe will be connected by a strong strap as well as either buckles or some other way of securing the shoe on the front. I like the idea of showing some leg and foot to make it more contemporary. The heel will be more of a block heel with some unusual shape. I will be re working the heel to make up some concepts.

I am quite happy with this sketch and will be refining it to a final design.

Colour test shoes

I decided to test two colours together for the boots.  I styled a rough design that is similar to cyberpunk.

Green and blue do work but it's not what I was looking for.  To me it still looks plain and needs more detail added.  I think the straps are too big and if reduced I can add more stuff to it like pipes, maybe a led sign on the front promoting the brand, etc.  I also added a small motor on the heel of the shoe for the air on the sole.  Just an idea of how the hover might work.

I think I will try the black and white design as well as a unique shape of boots rather than sticking to the original shape.  Maybe a boot that curves around the legs,  shin guards, etc.

Shoe Decisions

For my hover shoes I decided to use boots as I can add so much design on them. I recently looked at goth/cyberpunk bootsand there is a lot of detail. I remeber a friend who had a pair of these. When I tried them on they were so heavy with the metal and weight that it was hard to walk unless you have the strength. The design was filled with straps and buckles with platforms on the bottom of the sole. I want to create something like this for my future shoes.

Boots similar to what my friend had.
https://rabenwelten.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/boot1.jpg

I have also found another artists/designers who creates futuristic footwear that is mainly in this sort of style. They are called Lassitude and Ennui.

Not all cyberpunk or goth shoes have to be black.
http://lassitudeennui.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/lassitude-ennui-for-geeksnnerds-unisex.html

My boots will be futuristic and I may add a bit of steam punk detail. Steampunk is a fashion that looks into Victorian style with an added of engineer future such as the steam trains, clocks, a lot of metal etc.

Steampunk womens boots
http://ifashionwarehouse.com/products/view.aspx?itemid=hades-ventail#.VknJG_nhDIU

The only problem with Steampunk is that it must look old fashioned which defeats the purpose of the brief. However, I can use the idea of clock gears and buckles.

Future Shoes

As my shoes are going to be floating/hovering I need to find a suitable style. I don't think heels will work with this mechanism so I decided to stick with trainers, boots and converse (Owned by All Stars).

I have an interest in one of the artists that design futuristic footwear named Joe MacCarthy in one of my previous blogs. I would like to create something similar to his style thats more extravagant and extreme for the shoes.

I have found a few concepts that I like of his work.

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

http://www.coroflot.com/maccarthy/Footwear-Concepts

All these images belongs to Joe MacCarthy. The idea of the shoes having so much beats the purpose of "Less is more" quote. It shouts future and shows how these ideas will look like on feet. None of these shoes hover so I want to go the next level than Joe MacCarthy

Open and closed Back pack: The Safe Pack

I've just made a rendered version of my back pack on photoshop. The pack will have a hard cover casing with a soft cushion on the inside. I also wanted an Identification thumb lock for the user to keep their items safe.

Keeping it futuristic I used a gradient tool for that shiny metal effect. Inside will be a soft cushion. The straps will be the normal back pack fabric which can keep the comfort. The bag won't be heavy and easy to carry. I will design a front view and an isometric view of the bag. I'll also have someone model a photoshopped bag to show the size. 

I will attempt to make the bag with the glass effect technique on Photoshop. It may look better rather than the metal effect. I will also create different views of the bag as well.

Art Test

I had to create a character using the concept provided in the brief. This concept was made by Sergey Kolesov who uses brush techniques in Photoshop. When i saw the picture I already had an idea of what i wanted and who the character is.

 After several attempts of drawing real life bodies, I gave up and decided to use my own process of making character. I always enjoyed using minimalism and thought to design a character using this approach. I ended up with this as my first character design:

The style can be made for an Indie game and still has that genre of action and adventure. The character covers his face with a cow skull to keep it mysterious and has a feathered cuff around the neck to give it more character. It can be related with the Native Americans cross with the civil war look due to the clothes. I wanted the character to have a gun, so i thought to give him a damaged but working pistol which can add a story to the character.

I wanted a Native American look but with a cross in the start when I first saw the picture to make it more interesting. From Sergeys picture you can roughly see the outlines of the pistol, the head, feet, etc. I used his picture to draw lines on top for where the shapes will be and then worked from there.

The front and back view were a bit difficult because I had to think about the proportion of his body to the mask and inside the mask for his head. Once I done the front view, the back was more simpler.

As well as the damaged pistol I also added a dream catcher to his belt that he can use to look into enemy minds. Dream catchers are used to catch dreams, a myth that's been passed down for generations. I decided to twist that myth for the character and show that the catcher can peer into the minds of future events such as if the enemies are planning an attack, he can use that catcher to look into one of the enemies minds to see what they're doing for a limited time and stunning the enemy as well.

I decided to give him one arm to make the character more interesting and have a bit of a back story. For the costumes I wanted it to be old or authentic in a way to relate to his history. I decided to work with cloaks and robes with a little design to keep it in the past. A purple gown for hot days, a hooded cloak with feathers round the neck for the winter and another cloak with a hood attached. I didn't want to change the characters look dramatically other wise it would not go with his theme of being mysterious in a way.

If I compared geometric shapes to line drawings then I would stick with the shapes as I can create my own style for characters using this technique. Line art is ok, but when it comes to the human body I can't get the proportions right and the hands are more difficult. I like the geometric design of the character because I can play with the moods with the shapes of shade and highlights. I can also exaggerate the character as well with the use of geometrics as it is easier to use than using brush line art.

Model design idea

After I done some designs on a backpack I decided to create a small prototype model put of card board and glue.  It's basically to show the size of the backpack and how much stuff it can fit in the bag.  I'll start designing it tonight and hopefully by next week I'll have something to show and a design sheet.  I'll also start working on the shoes design.

Hopefully by the end of the term I'll have 4 design sheets of my products PLUS 4 small models to show.