Started by figuring out the design of the character. I went with a wiry frame, with limbs suited for fast movement and data retrieval. This guy is essentially designed to capture intel with a quick getaway. The metal plate on his back protects him in these escapes. His head serves as a module to scan, record, and analyze information. His hands serve as multi-tools for infiltration.

He's basically a robotic spy, or perhaps a robber.

Satisfied with the design of the character, I started to block in the general color of specific parts, starting with the main plating.

Next came the coloration of the joints and limbs. I wanted to go with a sort of stock industrial palette; very factory-made.

Next came the coloration of the underlying metal of the plating and joints, the back plate, and any other accentations.

Next I decided to lay down some rough shadows and highlights. It's a little dirty but I just wanted to get them where they needed to be.

I started to add some value to the plating by using a lower opacity brush and by sampling colors to get a nice blend.

I touched up the shadows and highlights here, just to make them cleaner than they were before.

In this step I added a more metallic texture with a custom brush, and added any details to bring everything together. I also obviously added a pretty simple metallic backdrop.

Just a little more detailing, mainly shadows that I missed.

And finally the character's shadow, to accentuate the light source.

Thanks for checking this out!