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We're used to seeing mystical creatures depicted as tall, well-built warriors or old, bearded wizards. After all, slaying beasts or casting powerful spells takes strength and experience. But Hong Kong-based illustrator Rudy Siswanto decided to flip our preconceived notions around by depicting them as babies.

From Medusa to Minotaur and beyond, these guys still look badass, only they're so young, you can't help but imagine them taking a nap in the middle of a serious quest.

More info: ArtStationInstagram

#1

Medusa & Gargoyle

Medusa & Gargoyle

Rudy Siswanto Report

Malakai
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It almost looks like a montage of best friends growing up through the years

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Siswanto, who is originally from Indonesia, is currently working at Riot Games as a splash artist. This series, however, is from a bit earlier. "Baby Beastiary is a client project back from when I was working at Caravan Studio," Siswanto told Bored Panda. "It was for a crowdfunding project by Metal Weave Games. They came up with an idea for a baby creatures' RPG book and I helped them with the visuals."

Siswanto wasn't the only artist working on the project. "I contributed the most on volume 1 and volume 2, and I helped with art direction."

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    The client came with a brief, so they were the ones who picked what particular mystical creatures to include in the series.

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    "Through this project, I've learned a lot about not only how to create baby versions of different creatures that are already well known, but I also learned how to really observe [various little animal details], like their gestures, how they move and the proportions [of their bodies]," Siswanto said, adding that it has really helped him to take his craft to another level and create more believable fantasy creatures in general.

    #3

    Hydra Snakelet

    Hydra Snakelet

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #4

    Simurgh Pup

    Simurgh Pup

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    Perfumista Perfumista
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am afraid to think what a flying puppy could do to the house, but I want one anyway.

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    #5

    Nightmare

    Nightmare

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw! the nice human just wants to help the little hell horse.

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    #6

    Dragon Turtlette

    Dragon Turtlette

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #7

    Medusa Daughter

    Medusa Daughter

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    Steve Barnett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry to quibble, but Medusa wasn't born with serpent-hair; Athena turned her hair into serpents after she was raped by Poseidon in her temple.

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    #8

    Phoenix

    Phoenix

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please stop setting the nest on fire Gary...

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    #9

    Baby Minotaur

    Baby Minotaur

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #11

    Satyr Foal

    Satyr Foal

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #12

    Sea Lion Pup

    Sea Lion Pup

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #14

    Elder Godspawn

    Elder Godspawn

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #15

    Owlbear

    Owlbear

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #16

    Centaur

    Centaur

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    SirPatTheCat
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahaha I saw this thing that said "since horses can walk as soon as they are born, and babies can't even hold their heads and bodies up, wouldn't it be a horse body running with the baby torso just flopping around crazily?" Its a good visual xDD

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    #17

    Myconid Sporeling

    Myconid Sporeling

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #18

    Lizardfolk Whelp

    Lizardfolk Whelp

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    JuJu
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't they live inside the hollow earth when they are not pretending to be the facebook guy :D

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    #22

    Beithir Hatchling

    Beithir Hatchling

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #23

    Cocktrice

    Cocktrice

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #24

    Hound Archon Pup

    Hound Archon Pup

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #25

    Peryton Hinulus

    Peryton Hinulus

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #26

    Tarasque Hatchling

    Tarasque Hatchling

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    #28

    Pegasus Foal

    Pegasus Foal

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #29

    Androsphynx & Gynosphynx

    Androsphynx & Gynosphynx

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #31

    Displacer Beast

    Displacer Beast

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww, displacer kittens are so cute, but difficult to pet. And mind the tentacles!

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    #32

    Wolpertinger Kit

    Wolpertinger Kit

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #33

    Pseudodragon Wyrmling

    Pseudodragon Wyrmling

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #34

    Lightning Lizardlings

    Lightning Lizardlings

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    debrina blackmoon
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    these remind me of velociraptors with way less feathers

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    #35

    Hippocamp & Merfolk

    Hippocamp & Merfolk

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    Astrid Nineor
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pst, google sea dragon, that thing to the left is real

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    #36

    Balrog Emberling

    Balrog Emberling

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #37

    Shambling Tuffet

    Shambling Tuffet

    Rudy Siswanto Report

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    #38

    Beholder

    Beholder

    Rudy Siswanto Report

    Mike Crow
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The adults fight and the children play. We can learn from our kids.

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