+Chell Design+

And here is the coloured version! Done with Prisma markers.

A while ago I set out to design a Portal inspired line. Well, I did, but I've been going through a horrible spell of artists' block and couldn't accomplish more than rough sketches of my ideas. But today I finally just put myself in front of my sketch book for hours and this is what I got! I'm pretty happy with it. I mean, I'm more so proud of the drawing itself, being that I've been horribly unable to draw anything worth while lately.

Furthermore, I'm very happy with the design. It's not my standard (obviously there is a lack of Victorian goth elements to Portal, but I can forgive it because it's perfect in every other way) but I'm certainly pleased with it. I wanted to update Chell's wardrobe to fit more of the crisp, futuristic Portal experience, not to knock her orange jumpsuit and tank top, because she works that like no one else could. BUT I think I managed to make her ensemble more sleek with still keeping the soul of Portal with it. And adding a little bit of sexiness with some little peeks of skin here and there, because I'm me, and a little bit of reveal is hot.

I thought it was important to leave her shoulders and arms exposed. I thought the original tank top accentuated her obvious strength and toughness yet was still feminine, and I really appreciated that. She's a tone girl! So I wanted her to still show off her arms. BUT I didn't want to keep it as a standard tank top. So, actually, the first design element I had in my head for this design is I wanted her to have a razor back shirt! As well as the skin of her hip area to show. I was thinking Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell. I loved her strapless leotard with the belt going across her hips. I just loved those little triangles of skin. I think they're active and sexy, so I thought that element would be perfect for Chell.