D&D-inspired Portraits
When decorating my bedroom, I decided I wanted some striking artwork to display in picture frames, something that had the feel of a high-fashion photoshoot with a subtle fantasy twist. Inspired by the races from Dungeons & Dragons and the high-contrast black-and-white aesthetic of fashion magazine covers, I created a series of portraits to explore this vision.
Each portrait in this series draws from both fantasy and fashion. The dnd-inspired features give them a supernatural, otherworldly quality, while the monochrome palette and lighting are reminiscent of editorial photography. I aimed to balance these influences by keeping the fantasy element understated yet impactful.
I started with rough sketches, focusing on composition, silhouetting, and negative space. I wanted each portrait to have a unique presence while remaining cohesive as part of the series. After refining the sketches, I paid particular attention to positioning and framing to ensure each character would stand out.
Once the compositions were set, I did a value pass to balance each element and create a strong sense of contrast. This step helped define each character’s personality: one portrait leans into deep shadows for mystery, another has soft gradients for a more serene feel, and the third uses sharp contrasts to convey intensity.
For each portrait, I began with rough shading to establish depth and then added details to highlight specific features, like horns, accessories, or hair textures. I kept the shading minimal yet impactful, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark areas to enhance the dramatic effect.
This series allowed me to blend fantasy elements with fashion-inspired visuals, achieving a high-impact look that’s both subtle and striking. The process has been a valuable addition to my portfolio, highlighting my approach to character and mood through grayscale art.