If you are a long time Robo Reptile user or if you just opened the box, this free tutorial is for you. This video is a simple step-by-step guide that will provide and inspire you to renovate Robo Reptile's appearance.

My inclination to keep a large living lizard as a pet has always been tempered with the reality of pet possession.  Like so many others, I have been discouraged by the continuous care and feeding of a real reptile.  The inevitable weekends and/or evenings devoted to cage cleaning coupled with the uncooperative and sometimes-docile spirit of the average Iguana makes this even less appealing.  Like so many of you, I sought other options.  My first stop was the RoboReptile.

RoboReptile seemed to provide everything I wanted in a real reptile; it even had features that weren't offered in the real deal.  Traits like "responsiveness," a fierce growl, and an aggressive demeanor aren't always available in a living desert dweller.  RoboReptile was the perfect pet that I could keep on my desk at work.  He was aggressive when he needed to be, and always up for a stroll around the office.  He was named "Chompy" by admiring coworkers.

Chompy drew plenty of attention in his original form.  Yet, I couldn't help but look for ways to improve the existing model.  I imagined how much more attention he would garner with natural reptile colors and features.  There was still so much untapped visual potential.  What follows is the chronicle of Chompy's transformation.

Keeping Chompy "Real"

I wanted Chompy to be as life like as possible. I didn't want something cute and cuddly and "Pleo-like." I tried a number of different patterns on my computer to get an idea of the over all look.  I took pictures and overlaid prospective patterns using Macromedia "Fireworks". I noticed the importance of contrast after examining my prototypes.  I could compare Chompy with pictures of real lizards. This helped me visualize what I needed to do. Reptiles have a great deal of contrast and they are still able to blend in. I wanted to imitate the colors and the texture. I wanted something scaly and snake like.

Three Options For The Makeover

I needed flexible covering that would be versatile and realistic. I had a choice of plastic, paint or fabric. I envisioned the colors and textures I wanted based on the looks of a live lizard. I decided that I would have to use all three types of material.

Continue on to the next page...

Page 1 2 3 4 5 Next »