WIP | Dragon’s Dogma Fanart

I wanted to share with you my step-by-step process for a Dragon’s Dogma painting.

Dragon’s Dogma is an action RPG developed by Capcom, and one of my favorite games. It has a unique party system based on programming followers with specific behaviors, and also asynchronous multiplayer features.

The characters’ titles are the Arisen (the main character, you!) and their pawn (a follower or companion of sorts)

Update: Finished painting

Reference sheet and first steps

First, I took several screenshots from the game (to figure out the Arisen and Pawn’s armors, etc) and researched references for the poses and mood.

I start with a traditional base sketch, laying out perspective grids and positioning the characters.

The Arisen’s left leg is proving to be a problem and seems to be off perspective.

I also took photos in similar poses as the characters.

Ideally, you’d also try to plan the lighting and make its setup similar to what you want in the final painting as well.

Grayscale stage — values

Values look mostly fine! I also experimented with the background a bit.

The pawn, arisen, background, and main elements (the sword, the chain mail) are in separate layers.

Gradient maps

From now on I carefully select each element in the painting and start using gradient maps to set an overall color mood.

This is close to the point in which I’ve decided to take a break from the painting and review the whole illustration.

I’ve used references for both character’s poses, but they were in different photos and I wasn’t able to really make it seem like they’re in the same plane. Robert Chang/Lunatique, from the CGTalk forums calls this “frankensteining”.

I’ve also received some wonderful critique by the folks at Conceptart.org.

Those two links may help anyone who is struggling with similar issues in their paintings.

Taking everything to the next level

So, to summarize, these are some of the things I’d like to bring to the finished painting:

• Study and reference drapery, specially for his robe;
• I’ll probably redraw her legs;
• Fix the Arisen’s neck, face and shading;
• Git gud

If you have questions about how I work on my illustrations or would like to share some insights, leave a message or drop a comment!

Update

Part 2: The finished painting

Enjoy, and thank you!

More painting tips and insights

My free basic brushes

Patreon (hi-res sketches, art insights and more ♥)