So we all know of using in game portriats or of using custom portraits, but how many people actually tried writing or drawing out a visual depictions of their DnD or just BG character?
This includes modeling, sculpting, or using prop photography as well.
I quite often do it the other way around: I see a good character portrait, and that inspires me to build a character which seems to me to suit that portrait.
But as for developing character portraits for myself, no, I haven't enough artistic talent to do a good job. Maybe, with a lot of effort, I could just about match some of the weakest examples of publicly-available portrait work, but no way could I match some of the brilliant portrait work shown by the better artists out there. I'd much rather use a great portrait by someone talented, than poor work by me.
Well, I go more in depth than custom portraits to describe my D&D characters, their physical appearance, backstory, origins, etc. But I've never done any modeling, sculpting or using prop photography to describe them.
Maybe artists on this forum could draw characters for other forumites according to a description this or that forumite provides
Subtle :P
But yeah, on topic:
Wanting to visualize the characters I thought up was the reason I got into drawing in the first place. I have literally a dozen of folders and sketchbooks filled mostly with character designs of mine, starting from when I was about 10 years old (and I lost a lot of my drawings over time as well )
Today when I come up with a new character, especially pen and paper characters, I write in-depths descriptions of their history, their personality and everything in addition to drawing them.
When it comes to characters for Baldur's Gate and Co., I do it similarly to @Gallowglass. I have a very vague idea of what my character should look like, then I browse for suitable portraits. Over time I will change their appearance in my head and when I actually draw them. Here are some before/ after examples of some of my Bhaalspawn:
Ermm ... just so that attributions of artwork are kept straight ... are you sure you don't have your "left" and "right" mixed up in those examples, @Buttercheese? One which you currently appear to be claiming as your own bears Niahawk's sig!
I used to draw alot when I was younger, but I stopped because I was my own worst critic. I used to get alot of praise for my drawings, but I just couldn't cope with the fact that always made errors in every picture and so when other saw the whole, I only saw the small issues. So the answer is no, though I often draw a picture of them in my head then try to find a pic from a talented artist that fits. I like to browse @LadyRhian's thread for inspiration, deviant art or just google pictures.
@BillyYank That's one hell of a retro website, how fitting! Also, a lot of great material for character portraits :O
And his email address is still @aol.com. I swear, between AD&D and Baen books, I've probably got more Caldwell art on my shelves than any other artist.
Comments
But as for developing character portraits for myself, no, I haven't enough artistic talent to do a good job. Maybe, with a lot of effort, I could just about match some of the weakest examples of publicly-available portrait work, but no way could I match some of the brilliant portrait work shown by the better artists out there. I'd much rather use a great portrait by someone talented, than poor work by me.
Have fun with that one lmao.
But yeah, on topic:
Wanting to visualize the characters I thought up was the reason I got into drawing in the first place. I have literally a dozen of folders and sketchbooks filled mostly with character designs of mine, starting from when I was about 10 years old (and I lost a lot of my drawings over time as well )
Today when I come up with a new character, especially pen and paper characters, I write in-depths descriptions of their history, their personality and everything in addition to drawing them.
When it comes to characters for Baldur's Gate and Co., I do it similarly to @Gallowglass.
I have a very vague idea of what my character should look like, then I browse for suitable portraits. Over time I will change their appearance in my head and when I actually draw them. Here are some before/ after examples of some of my Bhaalspawn:
Left by Jean Paul Avisse; Right by me
Left from Neverwinter Nights; Right by me
Left by Clyde Cardwell; Right by me
Left by LoranDeSore; Right by me
http://www.dndclassics.com/product/17098/I11-Needle-1e?it=1&filters=0_0_44700
Edit: okay, you've fixed it now, thanks.
I'm on a cell phone there is no left and right, just up and down.
Fixed it now and added the missing source.
https://www.clydecaldwell.com/
I swear, between AD&D and Baen books, I've probably got more Caldwell art on my shelves than any other artist.