#but if u wanna have a dolphinling or somethin do it my word isnt law

[squid-seraph]

How do you go about creating your xeno designs? (Especially octos they're so cute)

How do you decide things like markings/marking placements and such

Also, how would you go about creating a new xeno style species design? (Like cuttlelings or a fanmade species like harelings?)

I can't really answer this without making an unorganized mess of a post but just to try my best: I have my own little guideline I follow when drawing xenos. I still follow canon when it comes to tentacles, masks, and ears. Then I put my own little spin on it.

Inklings have thicker limbs and more flesh tones/less chromatophores the rest of their body, they're rounder and a bit stockier (though even this isn't set in stone because there are diff body types.) i usually color them all the same.

Octolings are stretchier with crowns and non retractable claws. They often have more complicated marking and patterns, a well as more fullbody control over their color. i just do whatever when designing their patterns. Some of my octolings have rings or stripes, and i tend to draw marina with starry patterns.

But really I just go with what I think looks good on that character. or i completely forget traits like having the eye whites show mostly.

I have an idea of what I want for cuttlelings already though. Lots of fins and frills, smaller size, and crazy patterns/colors depending on personality.

I'm not a fan of harelings, salmonlings or sharklings or anything like that. We know what evolved sea slugs look like, based on flow, and I don't think any creature with bones makes sense to be a "-ling". especially. mammals. I'm all for anthro sharks though, similar to what we see in non inkfish band members. But yeah, not interested in the slightest of messing with any non cephalopod shape shifting species. If I were to design any they'd just be. How they appear in game but in my style

#ask #hc stuff #xeno inkfish #i might make a visual later breaking down my design process #or not #sorry i didnt have much to say on harelings #i think flow is awesome and more ppl should draw her #the swim form kid form is something unique to inkfish anyway imo #but if u wanna have a dolphinling or somethin do it my word isnt law