7 Prep Secrets for Your Dream D&D Character Portrait!

Hey there! If you're anything like me, your character isn't just a collection of stats on a sheet; they're a meaning part of your imagination. You've journeyed with them for hundreds (maybe even thousands) of hours. So, when it comes to immortalizing them in a custom portrait, you want it to capture all of that, right? But how do you ensure the artist truly captures the hero you envision?

Many players dive into commissions excited but a little unsure how to best communicate their vision. This can sometimes lead to art not *quite* what you dreamed of. Well, fear not! As an artist who's brought over 500 fantasy characters to life, I'm here to share some secrets & tips. This guide will walk you through 7 crucial preparation steps to ensure your next character art commission is a resounding success, resulting in a portrait you'll treasure for campaigns to come.

1. Nail Down Your Core Concept: The Heart of Your Hero

Before you even think about searching for an artist, take a moment with your character. Who are they, *really*? Beyond their class and race, what's their core essence? Are they a grizzled, world-weary warrior with a hidden soft spot? A flamboyant bard whose smile hides a tragic past? Or perhaps a shy sorcerer still marveling at their newfound powers?

Jot down a few key bullet points about their overarching personality, their most defining backstory elements, and their general vibe. This isn't about writing a novel, but about crystallizing the feeling of your character. This foundational understanding is the first, and arguably most important, piece of information an artist needs. It's the North Star for the entire piece!

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What are their 2-3 most dominant personality traits? (e.g., brave, cynical, curious)
• What's a defining moment from their past that shapes them now?
• If they walked into a tavern, what's the first impression they'd make?

2. Gather Visual References: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Descriptions!

Example of a Pinterest Board from a client

Okay, now for the fun part – the treasure hunt for visuals! Even if you can't draw a stick figure (no judgment here!), visual references are incredibly helpful for artists. Think of it like creating a mood board for your character.

I always tell my clients, the more references, the better! Don't worry about them being perfectly cohesive; we artists are good at sifting and blending. Create a Pinterest board, a Google Drive folder, whatever works for you, and start collecting images that resonate with aspects of your character.

What to Look For:

• Similar Faces/Hairstyles: Even if it's a photo of an actor or another piece of art.
• Outfit/Armor Inspiration: Specific pieces of clothing, armor styles, textures.
• Weapon & Prop Ideas: That unique sword hilt, the design on their spellbook.
• Color Palettes: Colors you associate with them or their magic.
• Pose & Expression Ideas: How do they carry themselves? What's their typical demeanor?

Jan's Pro-Tip: Don't just send a pile of images without context! Briefly annotate why you chose each image. For example, "Love the ruggedness of this character's face," or "This is the exact kind of leather texture I imagine for their vest." This helps me understand your thought process!

3. Describe the Indescribable: Physical Details & Attire in Words

While visuals are king, a clear written description fills in the gaps and clarifies your specific choices. This is where you get into the nitty-gritty. Be as detailed as you can, but also be clear and concise.

Think about building your character from the ground up. What are their distinguishing physical features? What specific items of clothing or armor do they wear, and what condition are they in? Are there any unique markings, scars, tattoos, or jewelry?

Breaking Down the Details:

• Face & Hair: Eye color, hair color and style (length, texture, braided, loose), facial structure (sharp, soft, angular), any scars, tattoos, piercings.
• Build & Physique: Slender, muscular, stocky, tall, short? Any notable physical traits like a limp or missing limb?
• Clothing/Armor: Layer by layer if possible! Material (leather, silk, plate mail), colors, state of repair (pristine, worn, battle-damaged), specific symbols or insignias.
• Weapons & Gear: What do they carry? Be specific about the type of weapon, shield, spellcasting focus, tools, or sentimental trinkets. Are they glowing, ancient, or newly crafted?

Imagine you're describing them to someone who has never seen them before and needs to pick them out of a crowd. That level of detail can be incredibly helpful for an artist like me when I'm bringing your vision to life.

4. Beyond the Look: Capturing Personality, Pose & Expression

A great portrait isn't just about accurate details; it's about capturing the soul of your character. How do they stand? What's their default expression? What story do their eyes tell? This is where personality truly shines through.

Think about a signature pose that encapsulates who they are. Are they confident and commanding? Shy and observant? Energetic and mid-action? Or perhaps in a moment of quiet contemplation? Their expression should match this – a smirk, a determined gaze, a wistful smile, or an intense scowl.

Sometimes, describing an emotion or a typical scenario your character finds themselves in can help me nail the expression. For example, "She's just outsmarted a guard, so a slight, confident smirk would be perfect." This gives me so much more to work with!

5. Setting the Scene: Backgrounds & Ambiance (Optional but Impactful!)

While the character is the star, a simple background or even some atmospheric elements can really elevate a portrait. You don't necessarily need a full, complex scene (unless that's what you're commissioning!), but consider:

• Simple Color/Gradient: To make the character pop.
• Textured Background: Like stone, wood, or parchment.
• Atmospheric Effects: Mist, magical glows, swirling leaves, faint embers.
• Symbolic Elements: A faint image of their deity's symbol, a hint of their ancestral home, or the glow of their favorite spell.

Discuss this with your artist! Sometimes, even a few subtle touches can add a whole new layer of depth and storytelling to the piece. It helps place your character within their world.

6. Know Your "Don'ts" & Must-Haves: The Art of Artistic Freedom

This is a super important one for a smooth commission process! It's vital to communicate what elements are absolutely non-negotiable for your character's design, and where you're happy for the artist to take some creative liberties.

For example, "She *must* have a scar above her left eye and her family crest on her shield," is a clear 'must-have.' But you might say, "I'm open to your interpretation of the exact style of her leather armor, as long as it looks practical for a ranger."

Artists generally love having a bit of creative freedom – it allows us to bring our own expertise and flair to the piece. However, we also want to honor your core vision. Being clear about your boundaries and flexibilities upfront prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone's happy with the final artwork. Trust me, a happy client makes for a happy artist!

7. Budget & Artist Communication: The Pact of Creation

Let's talk gold pieces! Before you reach out to artists, have a general idea of your budget. Character art can range significantly in price based on style, complexity, whether it's a bust or full-body, background detail, and the artist's experience.

When you do contact an artist, be clear about what you're looking for and ask about their pricing structure. Don't be afraid to discuss budget openly and honestly. A good artist will be transparent about what they can offer within different price ranges.

Key Communication Tips:

• Be polite and respectful of the artist's time.
• Provide all your prepared information clearly.
• Ask questions if you're unsure about any part of their process.
• Respond to their updates or questions in a timely manner.
• Understand that good art takes time! Be patient with the process.

Good communication is the cornerstone of a successful commission. We artists are passionate about bringing your characters to life, and working together makes that journey so much more rewarding!

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Ready to bring your own character to life? I'd love to chat about your vision! Visit me at FondlyFramed to see more examples of my work and start your commission journey.