Vampire, also spelled vampyre, in popular legend, a creature, often fanged, that preys upon humans, generally by consuming their blood. Vampires have been featured in folklore and fiction of various cultures for hundreds of years.
Vampire, also spelled vampyre, in popular legend, a creature, often fanged, that preys upon humans, generally by consuming their blood. Vampires have been featured in folklore and fiction of various cultures for hundreds of years.
It’s that time of year when the Pumpkin Patch Drakes awaken from their summer hibernation by the sweet scent of pumpkin spice and crunching leaves. Unlike most Drake species, all Pumpkin Patch Drakes are warm blooded with anti freezing properties. This advantage allows them to populate cooler environments and not be hindered by drastic weather changes.
The Sail Back Pumpkin Patch Drake is one of the smaller of the genus. But despite its diminutive nature, they pack quite the bite. Like all Pumpkin Patch Drakes, they are have their iconic Jack-o-lantern face but the Sail Back also has rigid plates that frame it’s face that they will rattle when in distress or to warn predators.
Remember me Tumblr?! I know, long time no post. For Mermay this year I was inspired by Tom Bancroft’s Mermay 2021 prompt #12 Dragon Mermaid. So I went with these. I was thinking of the Jiaoren of Chinese mythology, aka dragon merfolk. I’ve also been continuing my Dragon Bestiary posts. If you are interested in seeing more be sure to follow me on Instagram: @ vincentcoviello, I am most active there.
The Heluo Zhi Yu or Heluo Yu live with in the rivers of China’s Tower River. These mythical beasts have one head with ten bodies or tails. They are commonly mistaken for squid or octopus. A prized catch, the Heluo Yu’s flesh can cure tumors and other bodily ailments. However it will not be easy, as these fish have the magical ability to gain flight and can transform into a bird.
The Dijiang (帝江) is one of the strangest creatures catalogued in the Shan Hai Jing. This crimson, six legged, four winged creature is entirely faceless. Despite it’s lack of facial features it can be spotted preforming some incredible aerial gymnastics. *The Shan Hai Jing or The Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经) is a Chinese classic text that compiles and catalogues a vast list of mythic geography, flora and fauna.
Decarabia commands 30 legions of spirits and is a great Marquis of hell. He appears in the Form of a Star but can transform and take the appearance of a man. He has power over all birds and knows the mysteries and magic of precious Stones and herbs.
Today marks the release of Mulan and with that the reveal of her new guardian, a Fenghuang! You’ll most likely see it being described or translated as a phoenix all though the similarities are purely superficial. While I love Mushu, and I get the upset from some folks, a Fenghuang makes more sense from a cultural perspective. I’m interested to see how this is adapted and incorporated. Anyway, heres a new “Chinese phoenix” and one I made a while back.
Hi All. I’m not as active on here so if your interested please be sure to follow me on my insta. @VincentCoviello. Anyways, I just started re-watching Avatar the Last Airbender and goodness does it holdup. It has to be one of my all time favorite animated series. The world creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko conjured up is one of the best examples of world building I’ve seen. This series is a beautiful mix of real world philosophy, beliefs and customs mixed with fantasy. If you are following me, I am going to assume you’ve seen it. If not, I highly recommend it and Avatar The Legend of Korra.
I was particularly fond of the Spirit World and Hei Bai is right up my alley in terms of design. So here is a quick rendition in my style.
Hi Tumblr…remember me? I’ve all but neglected my Tumblr account. If you are interested in following my work head on over to my Insta or DA. Here are my contributions for Mermay 2020. I give you a “High Fantasy” Medieval Siren, The Japanese Amabie (prophet of disease or abundance) and a Manta Maid.
Despite being formidable predators themselves even posing a serious danger towards humans children, a Kappa’s early life is quite fragile. Precocial at birth, most species of Kappas are completely independent and able to survive on their own immediately after hatching.
Returning to their ancestral nests, females will lay their eggs in large mounds made of leaf litter and other organic debris. These mounds are constructed within forests adjacent to ponds, lakes and streams. The forest provides much needed coverage and hiding spots for the newly hatched chicks as Kappa chicks are a favorite of the Tengu and Kitsune.
All Kappa chicks are born with a “cranial embryonic sac” which houses the nourishing and vital water it needs for it’s sometimes week long journey. The cranial sac will provide the energy needed to fuel their little bodies across the obstacle laden forest floor. These cranial sacs can last up to a year and can also be used as a floating device during needed swimming breaks. Though the life expectancy of the cranial sac is dependent on many factors, many can be ruptured with in the first couple days of life so it is imperative that the chick finds it’s pond quickly.
Valac is a President of Hell, with thirty legions of demons under his command. Very little is known about him but he is said to give true answers about hidden treasures; and typically takes the guise of a cherub ridding a 2 headed beast.
In doing a little more research, it looks as though Mulan will be getting a Fenghuang as her loyal companion. I’m totally fine with this change if that’s what happens. It would make complete sense from a cultural/mythological perspective since the Fenghuang represents the feminine aspect, while the Long(dragon) represented the male. Although when it comes to Mulan she pretty much encompassed both male and female aspects perfectly.
A little on the Fenghuang if you care to know. The Fenghuang is commonly conflated with the western Phoenix. Despite their superficial similarities, the Phoenix’s eastern cousin would more likely be the Vermillion Bird, not the Fenghuang (Although some sources use them interchangeably). The Fenghuang is more a heavenly beast, ruler of all birds, and represents the feminine aspect of Yin. Each part and color of their body symbolizes a different celestial body and virtue while the Vermillion Bird is one of the Four guardians of Chinese Cosmology according to Wu Xing it represents the fire-element, the direction south, and the season summer.
You can find statues of these beauties on Taoist and Buddhist temples throughout Asia.
Short adventures of the creatures and figures of Mythology. Inez journeys out as she researches and records these rumored tales. Companied by her own mythical creature, named “poppy” or so that’s what Inez calls him
Short adventures of the creatures and figures of Mythology. Inez journeys out as she researches and records these rumored tales. Companied by her own mythical creature, named “poppy” or so that’s what Inez calls him.
hehehe this day i needed a break, I’ve been designing new characters for the pervious days. Went with something simple.
Assassinvine looks like a grape vine that is semi mobile. It’s vines will attempt to grab and choke it’s prey and consumes it’s food with its roots. The Fruit is poisonous if one manages to snatch some.
Fill your ears with beeswax and tie yourselves to your masts boys, else your ship is ours to wreck.
Traditionally, sirens had wings, the Greeks didn’t necessarily specify so I took some creative license. (Inspiration was from a vase painting ca 525 - 475 B.C.) Prints and other goodies available in link on bio through Society6
Medusa (2020) After that night with Poseidon, Medusa was never the same, Athena saw to it. Was this a curse or a gift? Only Medusa and Athena truly know. (No snakes were harmed in the making of these collage, in fact it was as if they chose to be here.)
Hi! I’ve been working on some new stuff lately and thought I’d come back here and share, inspiration for this was taken from the Greek myth about Medusa and a 1-2 Century AD Roman chariot pole ornament. I now have an instagram: @icontrive.digital where I have been posting new work and animating older pieces, come check me out! Prints and other goodies are available on Society6
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world by Ed Kwong. Paperback, 80 pages, 6″x 9″, 32 colour illustrations with text.
The MADEMYTHOS holiday book sale is only on for a few more days until the end of Saturday, Dec15th! Get 15% off all book orders. Ships worldwide! At check out, use promo code: MADEMYTHOS
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world by Ed Kwong. Paperback, 80 pages, 6″x 9″, 32 colour illustrations with text.
The qilin aka kirin (in Japanese) is an East Asian chimera with roots in China. Known for its grace and peaceful nature, the qilin is thought to be the magical interpretation of the giraffe which was traded between East Africa and China during the Ming dynasty.
Get 15% off all copies of MADEMYTHOS until December 15th. At check out, use promo code: MADEMYTHOS
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world by Ed Kwong. Paperback, 80 pages, 6″x 9″, 32 colour illustrations with text.
Oni’s are iconic yokai who are known for their incredible strength. Giving iron clubs to these Japanese demons was thought to make these already formidable creatures close to invincible.
Get 15% off all copies of MADEMYTHOS from December 1st-15th. Use promo code: MADEMYTHOS at check out to obtain the discount.
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world by Ed Kwong. Paperback, 80 pages, 6″x 9″, 32 colour illustrations with text.
The Nue is a Japanese chimerical yokai that can shapeshift into a flying black cloud. It has the head of a monkey, the front paws of a tiger, back end of raccoon dog and the head end of a snake for its tail. It cries “hyoo hyoo” in the night.
Get 15% off all copies of MADEMYTHOS from December 1st-15th. Use promo code: MADEMYTHOS at check out to obtain the discount.
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world by Ed Kwong. Paperback, 80 pages, 6″x 9″, 32 colour illustrations with text.
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world by Ed Kwong. Paperback, 80 pages, 6″x 9″, 32 colour illustrations with text.
I’m so pleased to announce that my self-published MADEMYTHOS art book is finally available for purchase!
MADEMYTHOS is an illustrated compendium of mythical creatures from around the world. 32 color illustrations + text.
Paperback: 80 pages, 6 x 9 inches
MADEMYTHOS will be debuting at the 2018 ArtBreakers Illustration Market in Vancouver this Fall! I will be there tabling and signing. Come say hi if you’re in the area.
September 22nd - 23rd Saturday, 10am - 6pm // Sunday, 10am - 5pm Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, Canada
To see the full roster of exhibitors and for more info visit the ArtBreakers’ website here.
Hello dear followers. I am bored. Anyone have any supernatural, ghost or cryptid stories to tell? Anything strange works really. You can even say what you would like to see more on the blog! Please share.
Creatures like the Mystic Sentry, steel suits of armor animated by powerful magic that can rally to a bone-crushing defense in the service of their pitiless masters.
I hope you’ll enjoy these free daily previews while the book’s Kickstarterremains up, and sincerely hope that you’ll consider supporting these amazing creators.
