![nhvnmkulff.png](https://img.esteem.ws/nhvnmkulff.png)

This is a short story on how I've created my New Year octopus character recently.

### Idea

Everything is started from idea. I wanted to make an octopus standing on yoga mat in something like tree pose balancing on one tentacle holding the phone, drink and firework in other tentacles.

![rebsrpznno.jpg](https://img.esteem.ws/rebsrpznno.jpg)

### Sketch

I found this sketch was not good enough and started to check my previous works analyzing what was good about that. After few seconds I've realized I have to add more contrast in its silhouette. So I've enarged its head exaggerated it to a great extent making the feeling of something big together with small parts in one place. This contrast always works.

![f3v5pk1f1o.jpg](https://img.esteem.ws/f3v5pk1f1o.jpg)

### Coloring process

Now it was ready to be colored. I've drawn more accurate silhouette, eyes and legs on separate layers. Locked its transparency and started to add depth.

![vwm4cvldv1.jpg](https://img.esteem.ws/vwm4cvldv1.jpg)

My character was ready but I need some light background to make it finalized.

![xm5hb4l8k0.jpg](https://img.esteem.ws/xm5hb4l8k0.jpg)

### Final Touch

Added slight color on the back and snowflakes and faded its head edge to match the background more. Here it is.

![zmmki21chc.jpg](https://img.esteem.ws/zmmki21chc.jpg)

<center>Posted via [**`eSteem Surfer 2`**](https://esteem.app)
eSteem product lead & illustrator **Fil Dunsky**
portfolio at <a href='https://www.behance.net/dunsky'>`dunsky.ru`</a></center>