This illustration is the first in my creature skateboard deck series. I did a lot of research on the wendigo, on its supposed appearance, its body functions, and supernatural abilities then I illustrated the design for a skate deck. 

Mock up of a final deck. I prefer to use images that I take myself to bring more personality and realness than traditional mock up templates. 

Final illustration

Initial thumbnails and studies for two projects within my creature deck series. At this stage, composition and scene was more important than the creature design. I decided I wanted the wendigo to have a flaming heart. According to the stories surrounding this creature, the only way it can be killed is by cutting out its heart and burning it. This image stuck in my brain and lead me to include the smoking heart as part of the narrative within my illustration. 

Color comps for the series. I wanted to use a primary color palette because it fit well with the design of each character based on their legends. It also helped keep color harmony across all the decks. 

In progress sketch. Here I was refining the composition to fit with the shape of the deck and trucks.