Asterians concepts and sketches

Concept of a small friendly alien race for a yet unanounced RTS 3D game. They had to be cute and mysterious.
Some thoughts on the design choices :
They have this odd forehead shape with some glowing features to make them mysterious (not animal as we know it), big eyes and ears will allow to make them expressive while animating. The slight muzzle shape makes them a bit friendlier and cuter, mouse like, and it helps framing the eyes - we can make them "smile" thanks to it. Small feet and legs will make their ears dangle when they move and give personality to their walk (with little happy hops). Big hands/forearms will make what they do (mining, gathering, building) more obvious at the average camera distance. It also will allow for bigger and more stylized tools (pickaxe, weapons...) and help readability for the same reason.