I was approached to create a series of character designs for an adventuring party similar to a previous project I completed in the past. The final designs as well as some of my process work is included below.

The full party sized by relative height. From left to right: Georgie “Log” Oaksider, Spyafni Umbermane, Saru, Professor Emmett Darkstarr, Formikah, Mila the horse, and Ludo the skeleton.

Georgie “Log” Oaksider

Log fits in the chest and head of his suit in order to pilot it, so the head and body of the suit needed to fit snugly together to create a believable place for him to sit.

Spyafni Umbermane

Spyafni was described as having an aesthetic at the intersection of a classical satyr and a goth with a penchant for getting into trouble.

Saru

Saru’s inspiration is the Monkey King from Journey to the West. His design is rather straightforward, but he was also one of my favorites to draw.

Emmett Darkstar

Professor Darkstarr was meant to channel the energy of an eccentric professor with a freshly-rejected academic paper and someone who crashed harshly into the chaos of remote teaching during the 2020 pandemic.

Formikah

Half of Formikah’s face is covered in burns due to a professional accident. The Phantom of the Opera was a prime source of inspiration for her design, which changed several times throughout the drafting process. On the left is the initial sketch I created and on the right is the final design.

Mila and Sir Ludo

Mila the horse and her master Sir Ludo are under a curse, so they remain as magically-animated skeletons. I love drawing armor and skeletons, so these were my favorites to design. These two feature in a larger full-color commission I completed featuring the two of them in a forest scene.