This is Cedar an original character I designed for this contest. He is a guide in the forest and comes out during winter and Christmas season. He helps lost travelers find their way in the forest or any snowy terrain. Cedar also takes care of the animals living in the forest. He provides them with food and shelter in his small hut. I can say that he is a guardian like a spirit of the pine forest. His generous and caring nature links him to the spirit of giving during Christmas.
Here are some process photos I took while drawing him
I want a character that looks like a Christmas tree so I put him in a garment that looks like one
To keep the tree vibe I colored him brown like the trunk
His feet looks like wood to make him blend in the forest well. I gave him a lantern made from a piece of log carved out . Some snowflake details on his clothes for winter and Christmas feels. His hair is red maple leaves to give him a little touch of festive colors
Hope you like it