Ruby's Skin - concept art

It's been a long time since I've had a chance to post anything, so here's the start of an overdue update. Last year I was asked to provide some concept art for the steampunk tinged short film Ruby's Skin. and now with the film having done the rounds of the festivals, I'm able to show some of the spoilerish artwork.

The story, set in 1865, follows 17 years old Ruby as she accompanies her inventor father to the grand opening of the first hydraulic lift in Europe at a London Hotel.  Whilst there she uncovers the secret of who, or what, she is.

The above colour visual was interesting to work on. This was to be the big finale with Ruby stepping from the shadows into the light of a victorian gas lamp allowing us to see what really lay beneath her skin.

The script later changed to have Ruby fleeing the hotel wearing a coat to disguise her secret and so a coat was added on separate layer on the original artwork.

The story was to change yet again however, with the revelation now happening within the confines of the hotel itself. I really enjoyed being pushed to rethink and then rework this image, you can easily get too precious about even rough visuals once you label them 'finished'.

The film was written and directed by the brilliant Claire Tailyour, and stars Olivia Cooke (Bates Motel, The Quiet Ones) as Ruby. Below are some images from the finished film, including the final version of Ruby's revelation.