Magic Is Something You Make

More practice! I drew some of my favourite fictional characters in my sketchbook while watching RuPaul's Drag Race on Netflix. Yes, that's the perfect lazy day! :) So here's some My Neighbour Totoro, Rise of the Guardians, Spirited Away, and Final Fantasy VII for you! Great practice, great fun. I am currently finishing the White Mage cosplay together with my mother and grandmother. I'm so happy it is almost done, but I'm already thinking of my next project! :D I guess I can never sit still when it comes to creativity! If only it would burn more calories, that would be awesome...

See you soon!

Leen

My Neighbour Totoro, December 2016

Ink on paper

The Easter Bunny (Rise of the Guardians), December 2016

Pencil and ink on paper

Spirited Away, December 2016

Pencil on paper

Aeris (Final Fantasy VII), January 2017

Pencil on paper

Once Upon A Dream

Hi, guys! I'm not much of a reader (Believe it or not, language students who only care about linguistics DO exist!) - in fact, I'm an absolute barbarian when it comes to literature - but I really love collecting all sorts of concept art books. My library expanded significantly when my parents and grandmother gave me five (I repeat: FIVE!) more books for Christmas. The albums in the The Art Of series have generally been highly praised and considered "essential coffee table merchandise". Looking at all these beautiful pieces of concept art always inspires me to practice some of my favourite animated characters' body language and facial expressions. Can you recognise all the characters? :D

See you!

Leen

Disney Sketches, January 2017

Pencil on paper

The Minion Collector

Hey, guys! Just a quick update to show you one of my latest illustrations: The Minion Collector! I made this drawing for the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest Art Competition (Man, that's quite a mouthful!). The winners will be announced at the Fan Fest, which will take place in Frankfurt next month. Last time, at the Fan Fest in London in 2014, I made it into the top 10. Square Enix displayed my illustration in the art gallery for the visitors to see - it was a huge accomplishment for me! I really want to be one of the finalists again this year, so fingers cossed! :)

This scene depicts my character, a tiny Lalafell, with some of her favourite in-game minions: a Moogle, a Fat Cat, a Nutkin, and many others. I spent quite a lot of time picking the right colours in order to make sure that the result is visually appealing. ^_^ I hope you like it!

See you soon,

Leen

The Minion Collector, December 2016

Paint Tool Sai

Here's My Raise Spell, So Come Back Maybe?

Guys! GUYS! I finally did it! I finished my very first Worbla-based cosplay weapon! Say hello to my Thyrus relic. This used to be my character's main weapon in Final Fantasy XIV until the Heavensward expansion came out. With the Thyrus appearing on most official FFXIV artwork, it is probably the most iconic White Mage weapon in the game.

I made this Thyrus for my White Mage cosplay, which is still an overall work in progress. I am getting a lot of help from my mother and grandmother because, honestly, I really suck at sewing and stitching. But the robe is almost done, my Miqo'te ears have arrived, and I already bought the perfect pair of boots. :D Things are starting to look really good!

I highly enjoyed experimenting with the acrylic paint. I haven't used real paint since high school! Following Kamui Cosplay's wonderful advice, I applied highlights and shading to some areas to create an illusion of depth. My parents also bought me three amazing tutorial books from Kamui Cosplay for Christmas and I really can't wait to start working on my next Worbla project! Yay!

See you soon,

Leen

Thyrus (FFXIV White Mage Weapon), January 2017

Worbla, foam, and acrylics