Fantasy Character Workshop #003

William O'Connor

Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters.  When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group.  later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories.  As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.)  so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations.  I created my Random Character Generator. (attached below).  This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid.  I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.

This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you.  I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.

Enjoy

WOC

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Fantasy Character Workshop #003

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Class:Wizard

Armor:None

Weapon: Flail

Magic: Acid

Familiar: Owl

Missile:  Crossbow

Motiff: Lightning

Equipment: Rug, Spork, Bottle, Coffer

This character design was a fun challenge.  Initially focused on the flail and the owl, I finally realized that the off-hand addition of the rug, would make for an exciting addition for a wizard as an enchanted flying carpet.  Balancing on a flying carpet gave the figure a twisting, surfing effect, while the cape and the addition of a scarf added movement and speed to the design.  The lightning motif was incorporated into the carpet, the cape and the spell casting.

Enjoy

WOC

all text and images are ©William O'Connor Studios

Fantasy Character Workshop #001

William O'Connor

Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters.  When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group.  later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories.  As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.)  so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations.  I created my Random Character Generator. (attached below).  This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid.  I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.

This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you.  I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.

Enjoy

WOC

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Fantasy Character Workshop #001

Race: Human

Class: Fighter

Gender: M

Armor: Ringmail

Handedness: Dual Handed

Weapons: Rapier/ Sickle

Missile: Sling

Equipment: Reliquary, Spurs, Compass, Torch

Motiff: Wolf

As a two handed weapon wielding character, and wearing ringmail, the design of this character needs to be fairly fleet looking.  Flowing hair and cloak will help in this aesthetic.  While a slick design might be a good first thought the inclusion of the wolf motif, the sickle and the compass details made me think that this character would be more ranger-like.  The sling was tucked into his belt, the compass strapped to his wrist and the spurs, brought this Mongul-esque character into focus.

I loved you not.

"I Loved You Not"
©2011 William O'Connor



A study, inspired by the line of Hamlet to Ophelia that sends her over the edge, literally.
I wanted to sketch and play with the contrast of satin white and rough dark green grasses.

Enjoy

WOC

WOC Sketchbook-Centaur WIP

This image I created expressly to use as a demonstration of my technique. A fun little character design and painting. Attached below are the sketch and painting stages .

Enjoy

WOC



"Valkyrie of Pelion"
pencil and digital 12"x16
©2010 William O'Connor Studios


















Thumbnails from my sketchbook.





















Finished drawing and under painting.





©2010 William O'Connor Studios
www.wocstudios.com