My client requested a full-body commission depicting two characters in custom streetwear they had designed.
Understanding the Characters
I started with research and context gathering to deeply understand my characters.
My client helpfully provided me with many details, including images of the clothes they had in mind, details about the jewelry they imagined the characters wearing, and a rich description of their personalities. I immediately dove in and tried to understand what would bring their personalities out.
The Pose
He was described as romantic and loyal, offering supportive words of encouragement, and flirty and carefree. I decided on this pose with his arm casually draped across her shoulder because I learned that she is actually stronger than him, but still welcomes his protection.
Getting Feedback
I came back to them with this sketch to see how closely this matched what they had in mind.
My client replied that they liked how I rendered the character’s hair and outfits— especially the way the folds of their clothing made the cloth look soft.
However, they wanted to exaggerate the height difference of the two characters. For the revision, I opted for a composition that had them standing tall while still showing their relationship through their holding hands.
They loved this pose so I went ahead to finish and refine the illustration.
Final illustration with color and shading.