Cover art for "LEGENDARY" by K-KUMA
Poses/composition inspired by key promo art for "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"
"LEGENDARY" is the first single for friend/client K-KUMA's upcoming EP titled "480-Requiem", and this is the cover I designed for it. Visually it's based on key promo art for "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" of Link and Ganondorf clashing, as Kuma and I wanted to wear our inspirations on our sleeve with this one. Kuma wanted me to include two of his new characters in this cover, so this was also an exercise in light character design.
Raphael (left) is based on Ashanti royal sword bearers, sporting the symbol of the royal swords on his back, and more Adinkra symbols repeating on his tunic. He's got just a few sci-fi futuristic touches here and there, like metal plated greaves/sabatons and his shoulder plate.
Auso (right) is supposed to be a militaristic commander/leader, so he's adorned with heavy armor, utilitarian pants, heavy pauldrons, and a cape to make him look commanding. And these final details aren't visible in the final piece because of the angle of Auso's chest, but he's also got military-esque medals on his chest, and his own Adinkra symbol as well.
Cover art version without the parental advisory logo
Initial sketch version of the cover
Rough design for the character "Raphael"
Rough design for the character "Auso Baru"
Key promo art referenced from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time"