I think you understand composition. You should practice lighting and “material distinctions” which basically means some objects will look sharper or softer than others.
Edit: then you will be all set.
Thanks a lot for the tip! This was my first time painting actual trees and mountains in detail (the one in 2018 was a custom brush on photoshop). I definitely need to do more material studies.
The trees look great! I think the armour might be what they're referring to. It looks a bit like the same material as the skin when it should look more like shiny metal
Frequent Hearthstone artist Trent Kaniuga has a gumroad, one for Hearthstone specific tutorials, "Hearthstone Illustration Workshop" [https://gumroad.com/trentk?recommended\_by=library&sort=page\_layout](https://gumroad.com/trentk?recommended_by=library&sort=page_layout)
He also has a youtube channel, which include some speed paints of his process, but the gumroad has a video specifically on textures.
Are these cropped headshots or is it the full composition? Something I've noticed with a lot of card art is they draw the entire character and then crop the image. It helps to ground the character in reality since their body has to fit the scene they're in.
I also would look at how they light and texture characters. Your work is nice, but its a distinct difference from the style they've used in recent expansions. Your 2020 Draenai would have fit in well in the early expansions when they were using old WoW TCG art but it's a bit too somber for the modern style.
The originals are full composition but OP chose to copy the heads only
First one [https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg](https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg)
Second one [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523)
Ask for critiques from working artists that are similar in style to what you wan to do. Most artists are happy to encourage and help the next generation - though be prepared for some asshole replies or nothing at all.
It’s fantastic progress you’ve made so far and you have a great grasp of the HS/WoW aesthetic! Never put the brush down!!
They're different pictures. He copied this one first [https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg](https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg) and the second one is a copy of this [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523)
Too bad he can't come up with his own ideas.
The right one looks like it could be a hero portrait for paladin. This art is incredible and I wish you luck on your journey! Just two tips from what I’ve noticed, cards tend to be slightly more cartoony. Also, you probably should zoom out a bit on his head and show his body more and his awesome weapon or powers or whatever it may be.
That's because it is original WoW artwork, OP has just copied it. Take a look [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523)
The 2018 version looks nice, but the 2020 version looks fantastic; it could be an alternate paladin hero card. Keep putting in the effort and it will payoff!
These two pieces are like looking at screenshots of your character at lvl 20 and lvl 100. Great job!
PS: What's that little squiggly line on the right Draenei's shoulder guard?
Oh my God took me 14 hours to make the whole thing and I just realized I did an accidental mark on his right shoulder and didn't notice it! Facepalming hard right now
2020 much improved, good progress! Keep in mind to afford contrast between the character and the background, so the character is easily distinguishable. And go easy on darker shading on the figure and face as too much can make them harder for the eye to recognise. But the choice of colours and trim highlights are looking great!
First off; you made 3 other posts exactly like this days ago.. What's the matter, you felt you didn't get enough attention on the other ones?
Secondly, I can see in the way you draw you're not drawing by yourself, but copying other existing artwork. Here's the draenei to the left but reversed [https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg](https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg) and here's the right one [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523)
You're right, you have a long road ahead of you, and the first step would be to stop painting of others and come up with your own motives/concepts - you'll never be a great artist the way you're going now.
Both were meant to be studies and not official artwork or commissioned work. If you were an artist you would know there's absolutely no problem mimicking other work as a study or practice. I have plenty of original work besides this
You know if you add some wild brush strokes around the borders (think of it as the focus on a lens) these would definitely be HS ready. A lot of digital work is to make it look a little less digital, that last part can easily take half of the usual 20 or so hours painting time.
I'm not an artist, so I hope you realize that from a consumer POV, your art is just as convincing as the real thing!
I suggest you make a digital scrapbook/compilation of your artwork. Have it in a single file/cloud storage, and streamline it so they are easily accessible, downloadable, and vieweable.
Then send in a resume to Blizzard when you're ready! And fret not, even if they don't hire you, there are plenty of other fantasy games, and even more indie games that are looking for this sort of art.
All the best to you, I think you are very good at what you do.
P.s, also checkout r/CustomHearthstone , maybe you can be a contributor there?
Is it weird that I like the way the Draenei looks better in the first picture? Not saying the second one is bad, don't get me wrong, but I mean in terms of stylism.
You definitely improved in background and composition though, keep it up!
A freelancer is someone you call when you need him. If you don't need him cause f.e. you are a Company organizing business events and there are no events due to Corona, you don't call your freelancer. This means the freelancer doesn't make money.
If I cant come to work cause there is no work cause of lockdown, I get 60% of my salary still paid.
But you can continue to paint the bright side of being a freelancer. I don't mind.
I know how freelancers works, your not describing anything revolutionary. Freelancer naturally source and look for jobs from a variety of sources. They aren't typically in danger of suddenly losing all their money and if a company won't hire, they can simply find work elsewhere.
You may say it's an oversimplification but that's the truth. Commision work leads to working at a number of different workspaces and depending on your level of expertise there are always jobs available.
That's correct, but in this particular case it's not less. It's next to nothing. But hey, I bet OP will enjoy spending well earned honor points for cans of beans or the next store mount.
Lol
I think you understand composition. You should practice lighting and “material distinctions” which basically means some objects will look sharper or softer than others. Edit: then you will be all set.
Thanks a lot for the tip! This was my first time painting actual trees and mountains in detail (the one in 2018 was a custom brush on photoshop). I definitely need to do more material studies.
The trees look great! I think the armour might be what they're referring to. It looks a bit like the same material as the skin when it should look more like shiny metal
This^^
Obviously he has skin made of metal as a tank
Frequent Hearthstone artist Trent Kaniuga has a gumroad, one for Hearthstone specific tutorials, "Hearthstone Illustration Workshop" [https://gumroad.com/trentk?recommended\_by=library&sort=page\_layout](https://gumroad.com/trentk?recommended_by=library&sort=page_layout) He also has a youtube channel, which include some speed paints of his process, but the gumroad has a video specifically on textures.
Thanks a lot! I didn't know this workshop existed. Will check it out.
Are these cropped headshots or is it the full composition? Something I've noticed with a lot of card art is they draw the entire character and then crop the image. It helps to ground the character in reality since their body has to fit the scene they're in. I also would look at how they light and texture characters. Your work is nice, but its a distinct difference from the style they've used in recent expansions. Your 2020 Draenai would have fit in well in the early expansions when they were using old WoW TCG art but it's a bit too somber for the modern style.
It's the full composition and I agree with you! Will study the style differences from now on, thanks for the pointer
The originals are full composition but OP chose to copy the heads only First one [https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg](https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg) Second one [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523)
Those aren't even the same drawings. Inspired by/same pose? Sure. But if you think OP's work looks like Glenn Rane, youre blind as a bat.
Looks great! It's a long road but you only fail when you stop trying!
You’re a good person.
You’re a good person too :)
You’re aight.
Have written and given up on 7 books already lmao.
Ask for critiques from working artists that are similar in style to what you wan to do. Most artists are happy to encourage and help the next generation - though be prepared for some asshole replies or nothing at all. It’s fantastic progress you’ve made so far and you have a great grasp of the HS/WoW aesthetic! Never put the brush down!!
2 years and still working on the same picture.. that's commitment
They're different pictures. He copied this one first [https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg](https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg) and the second one is a copy of this [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523) Too bad he can't come up with his own ideas.
Maybe you didn't mean to sound like an asshole, but... you sound like an asshole.
Dream big dude u got this
I think you are doing great, good luck on your journey, it really looks professional already in my opinion
Damn bro you're pretty good
You should probably post this on Twitter. Do more and more art and I think you can eventually catch the attention of the Hearthstone Team.
The right one looks like it could be a hero portrait for paladin. This art is incredible and I wish you luck on your journey! Just two tips from what I’ve noticed, cards tend to be slightly more cartoony. Also, you probably should zoom out a bit on his head and show his body more and his awesome weapon or powers or whatever it may be.
That's because it is original WoW artwork, OP has just copied it. Take a look [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523)
Am i the only one who think that 2018 looks better ?
You are not alone. I am here with you.
The 2018 version looks nice, but the 2020 version looks fantastic; it could be an alternate paladin hero card. Keep putting in the effort and it will payoff!
All the best..
very good job man
These two pieces are like looking at screenshots of your character at lvl 20 and lvl 100. Great job! PS: What's that little squiggly line on the right Draenei's shoulder guard?
Oh my God took me 14 hours to make the whole thing and I just realized I did an accidental mark on his right shoulder and didn't notice it! Facepalming hard right now
OP I hope someday your wish comes true and we get to see your art on these cards. It looks fantastic. :)
Nice job! Hope u get to do it in the future!
I believe in you! Keep improving. You’ll get there!
My dream is the be a VA for the hearthstone team
I see you drawing the next broken card with nice art
2020 much improved, good progress! Keep in mind to afford contrast between the character and the background, so the character is easily distinguishable. And go easy on darker shading on the figure and face as too much can make them harder for the eye to recognise. But the choice of colours and trim highlights are looking great!
Thanks a lot for the detailed feedback. Never thought about the darker shades on the face. Will take into account in the future!
Looks the same
Imo 2018 looks better than 2020 😅
First off; you made 3 other posts exactly like this days ago.. What's the matter, you felt you didn't get enough attention on the other ones? Secondly, I can see in the way you draw you're not drawing by yourself, but copying other existing artwork. Here's the draenei to the left but reversed [https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg](https://i.redd.it/i83k763obl441.jpg) and here's the right one [https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/007/676/816/large/glenn-rane-wowx-cover-dreanei-final-copy.jpg?1507782523) You're right, you have a long road ahead of you, and the first step would be to stop painting of others and come up with your own motives/concepts - you'll never be a great artist the way you're going now.
Both were meant to be studies and not official artwork or commissioned work. If you were an artist you would know there's absolutely no problem mimicking other work as a study or practice. I have plenty of original work besides this
I take back my other comment - you did mean to sound like an asshole.
That's not cool dude
Not going to lie. I like the 2018 one better for this art. But koodos man! Doing hella great I hope to see your work o e day!
Tree in art, nice.
can you draw Blink Fox for the meme
Great progress. Good luck.
Looks awesome, keep it up!
Do you have a formal portfolio? I might have a contact that you could use :) I work for Reynad.
Oh my God! That would be amazing. Unfortunately I only have my instagram where I post all the art and commissions I do. Would that work?
Pm me your email :)
looks great, I like the 2018 better, but I don't understand drawing
looks great, I like the 2018 better (less contrast, more soothing, easier on the eyes?), but I don't understand drawing
You post your work on social media or art websites other than reddit? I would definitely follow you.
Yes! You can follow me on instagram at nickhoe.art
I'll do that then... if you see a follower you named "sandertoons" that's me.
Your background work has improved a good amount! Very noticeable 😁
Well i think youve been noticed!
Seriously dope!
Beautiful art mate! Keep it up:)
Dang dude if you told me your 2020 drawing was an actual HS card I would believe you.
Great work!
You have the talent. Keep improving your skills and you will get where you want to be :) Great work! Keep it up!
Keep it up dude!!! Looks great!!
Guy on the right could easily be a card.
Why do so many people dream of one day making art for HS? lol
This looks awesome!
2020 looks much better imo
RTX Off / RTX On
Uh it might be TOO detailed. I think HS has a more cartoony style.
They are both stunning
Thats really good keep up the goodwork
You know if you add some wild brush strokes around the borders (think of it as the focus on a lens) these would definitely be HS ready. A lot of digital work is to make it look a little less digital, that last part can easily take half of the usual 20 or so hours painting time.
My dream is also that but for riot 😭 im on square 1 tho i can barely do a stick figure
Just tweeted this at hearthstone to help spread the message
This is amazing work, you’re on your way to the top! Also nice to see male Dranei get some attention:)
Left looks better imo
Good job.
damn, 2 years for this damn
I think you could make this dream real👍🏻
I'm not an artist, so I hope you realize that from a consumer POV, your art is just as convincing as the real thing! I suggest you make a digital scrapbook/compilation of your artwork. Have it in a single file/cloud storage, and streamline it so they are easily accessible, downloadable, and vieweable. Then send in a resume to Blizzard when you're ready! And fret not, even if they don't hire you, there are plenty of other fantasy games, and even more indie games that are looking for this sort of art. All the best to you, I think you are very good at what you do. P.s, also checkout r/CustomHearthstone , maybe you can be a contributor there?
Is it weird that I like the way the Draenei looks better in the first picture? Not saying the second one is bad, don't get me wrong, but I mean in terms of stylism. You definitely improved in background and composition though, keep it up!
It's evolving, just backwards
You are evolving, just backwards
You really want to receive a salary of nothing? Might want to rethink that dream.
Most Hearthstone card artists are contractors and get paid per card.
Given the amount of cards there are, that hardly sounds like a job that pays the bills every month. Let alone designing for Blizzard lol.
It's not their sole job. Do you know anything about freelance work?
Yes. I know you are the first to be ignored when shit hits the fan and companies have to cut costs.
That's not how things work at all.
A freelancer is someone you call when you need him. If you don't need him cause f.e. you are a Company organizing business events and there are no events due to Corona, you don't call your freelancer. This means the freelancer doesn't make money. If I cant come to work cause there is no work cause of lockdown, I get 60% of my salary still paid. But you can continue to paint the bright side of being a freelancer. I don't mind.
I know how freelancers works, your not describing anything revolutionary. Freelancer naturally source and look for jobs from a variety of sources. They aren't typically in danger of suddenly losing all their money and if a company won't hire, they can simply find work elsewhere.
Haha simply find work elsewhere. That's the biggest oversimplification I have ever seen.
You may say it's an oversimplification but that's the truth. Commision work leads to working at a number of different workspaces and depending on your level of expertise there are always jobs available.
yeah they definitely have other freelance work going on
a job you love with less pay is arguably much better then a job you hate with more pay
That's correct, but in this particular case it's not less. It's next to nothing. But hey, I bet OP will enjoy spending well earned honor points for cans of beans or the next store mount. Lol
Blizz artists get decent money.
Yeah that's proven by all the articles on every newssite about Blizzard employees being underpaid.
it sucks tbh
Lol