Project Statement
This thesis project is the presentation of the first 26 pages of a concept art book composed of a series of character studies and full scene illustrations. The working title of the book is The Grand Compendium of Valentra, and it is a collection of illustrations and short writings that takes readers on a fanciful and sometimes frightening journey through a vibrant land based in a fantasy past where mythology and magic converge. The book depicts some of the many creatures, characters, and places of an Earth-like world where magic is a field permeating the physical world. One in which powerful spirits dwell, and humans and creatures can influence, for better or worse.
Artist Statement
Sydney is a concept artist and illustrator based in Portland, Oregon, who studied illustration at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. She is an unabashed fantasy and sci-fi nerd. Her work explores characters and creatures of fictitious worlds, but she draws inspiration from a deep love for the creatures of earth and a nearly equal love of traditional painting techniques. When she’s not behind her drawing tablet battling monsters, magic, and robots she loves to travel or go on hikes with her pup Leo!