This is a commissioned work of my avatar/fursona as envisioned by fantasy artist Andrea Koupal ( http://www.furaffinity.net/user/seso ). The character is ©me, but the artwork is ©her. :)

By now, most everyone has seen the first, and highly iconic image of my avatar as depicted by Andrea Koupal (if for some weird reason you haven't, look here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1952630/ ) As one might expect, however, an image as spectacular as that doesn't just materialize out of thin air. An initial pencil sketch is drawn, and then additional layers are added onto it. The final image is the sum of many different levels of hard work by the artist.

This picture represents the first stage of my fursona's visual creation. The framework on which all the other details rest upon. I was very fortunate that Andrea decided to develop an entire series of progression pics like this one and share it with me and others. All of them really provide a fascinating insight into everything that goes into the development of a digital work of art. Artists truly are amazing people with incredible talents. All you commissioners out there betta recognize!

This particular progress image is probably my favorite, as it is the initial sketch. This is where Arc's body shape and musculature first materialized in physical form. It's also one of only a few images I have that reveals what he looks like beneath his armor. It's an important image because even though Arc's armor is highly technological in nature, it's still something that he wears. Not a cyborg body that's a part of him. Andrea clearly went to extra lengths to distinguish that when she created my picture, and I think it made the final product look exceptionally fluid and natural. I've used it as a reference picture for other artists ever since, and as a result, all of them have turned out fantastic, too! :)

On that same note, however, I realized that if I'm ever going to commission more art of Arc in casual dress, I should have a more appropriate reference in my gallery. It is my hope that other artists can use this as a guide for future depictions of my avatar. :)

Thank you again, Andrea! ^^