This was a project which was made collaborating with a friend to design a

specific coat of arms for use in woodworking creations. It began with examining

an example of the desired imagery, a lion rampant on an escutcheon with two

spear heads to either side, and redesigning it to have a more modern graphic

look.

I took inspiration for the new shield shape from traditional Celtic shield designs

which were taller and rounder than the kite shield in the original.

When I drew the new lion I wanted to make it look more realistic yet retain

some of the fantastic elements, such as the langued tongue and having all the

claws extended on each paw, as well as the rampant pose. I also wanted the

mane convey a sense of motion, and the overall lion to portray a solidness and

strength.

Though the original wooden application did get made, my friend hit upon a

more impactful presentation by using a laser cutter to make leather tabards,

and laser etch the design of the lion onto them creating a striking heraldic

piece.

When I drew the new lion I wanted to make it look more realistic yet retain

some of the fantastic elements, such as the langued tongue and having all the

claws extended on each paw, as well as the rampant pose. I also wanted the

mane convey a sense of motion, and the overall lion to portray a solidness and

strength.

Though the original wooden application did get made, my friend hit upon a

more impactful presentation by using a laser cutter to make leather tabards,

and laser etch the design of the lion onto them creating a striking heraldic

piece.

Several different iterations of the lion graphic after being applied onto the leather with the laser, the darker examples have then been treated as the final product.