Illustration Series | Xibalba and the houses of torment.
This illustration project explores the epic story of the brothers Hun Hunahpu and Ucub Hunahpu on their journey to Xibalba, based on the narrative of the Popol Vuh. Each illustration shows the different houses of torment that the lords of Xibalba made the twins go through on their way to the final victory.
The creation process started with sketching the ideas and conceptualizing the key characters and scenes. Then, the details were developed and textures and colors were added to bring the final illustration to life.
Sketching & Design Process.
The creation process began with extensive research into the Popol Vuh and its characters, which was then used on the sketching and design phase. Initial sketches were made to capture the overall composition and basic elements of each scene, with multiple iterations to refine the details and composition.
Character and prop design.
Character design played a crucial role in this illustration project, as the story focuses on the adventures of the twin brothers, Hun Hunahpu and Ucub Hunahpu, and the different houses of torment they face in Xibalba. To bring these characters to life, I began by studying the descriptions of the brothers in the Popol Vuh and creating a list of key features and personality traits to guide the design process.
The initial sketches of the characters were made, focusing on the overall silhouette, body proportions, and facial features. I then added details such as clothing, weapons, and accessories, which helped to further define the characters and bring their personalities to life.
Throughout the design process, I paid close attention to the details and made adjustments to ensure that the characters accurately represented the descriptions in the Popol Vuh while also adding my own creative spin. I also made sure to keep the characters visually distinct, so that they were easily recognizable to the viewer
Background Design.
The background design was an important aspect in bringing this story of the Popol Vuh to life and providing context for the characters' journey through the underworld of Xibalba. The background design showcases the different houses of torment that the twin brothers face in Xibalba and the challenges they must overcome.
The process of creating the background design began with extensive research into the different houses of torment described in the Popol Vuh. I then created initial sketches to capture the overall composition and basic elements of each scene, with an emphasis on creating a dark and ominous atmosphere that reflected the danger and difficulty of the brothers' journey.
The design phase involved developing the details of the background, including the use of light and shadow to create depth, and the inclusion of various elements such as fire, water, and other hazards that the twins must face. I also carefully considered the color palette, choosing rich and bold hues that would stand out against the dark background and help to create a sense of contrast and drama.
