Your Artist Can't Read Minds: A Guide to Describing Unique Character Features

There’s nothing quite like that moment you first see your character—the one you’ve adventured with, battled as, and poured your heart into—staring back at you from a piece of custom art. It’s pure magic. But what happens when that magic feels… a little off? Maybe the horns aren't quite right, or the tail doesn't have the right feel. Often, it comes down to a simple communication gap.

You have an incredible, vivid image in your head, but translating that into words an artist can work with is a skill all its own. As an artist who has brought hundreds of characters to life, I'm here to help you bridge that gap. This guide is for you if you've ever struggled to describe those special, unique features—the horns, tails, tattoos, and scars that make your character truly yours.

What We'll Cover:

• Why Vague Descriptions Can Derail Your Commission
• Advanced Tips for Describing Horns, Tails, Tattoos & More
• The Power of Visual References (and How to Use Them)
• A Free Tool to Make This Whole Process Easier

Why "Cool-Looking Horns" Isn't Enough

Let me tell you a quick story. I once had a wonderful client ask for a Tiefling with "cool-looking, demonic horns." Now, "cool" and "demonic" can mean a thousand different things! Are we talking the sharp, forward-curving horns of a demon from Diablo? The elegant, gazelle-like horns of a faun? Or the thick, ridged horns of a ram?

We figured it out together, but it took extra time and back-and-forth. The lesson is simple: clarity is kindness. The more specific you are, the more you empower your artist to get it right the first time, saving you both time and potential disappointment. An artist's job is to translate your vision, not to guess what it is.

Beyond the Basics: An Artist's Guide to Nailing Unique Details

Ready to go from a blurry concept to a crystal-clear description? Let's break down some of the most common unique features I get asked about in D&D character portraits.

Horns, Antlers, and Crests: It's All About Texture and Shape

Horns are more than just pointy things on a head. They convey strength, grace, or a connection to nature. When describing them for your custom fantasy artwork, think about these four elements:

• Shape & Curvature: Don't just say "curved." Describe the curve! Are they long and elegant like a gazelle's? Tightly curled like a ram's? Or do they jut forward aggressively?
• Texture: This is huge! Are they smooth and polished like obsidian? Covered in deep, gnarled ridges like an old tree? Or are they made of bone, with a slightly porous look?
• Placement & Size: Where exactly do they grow from? The forehead, the temples, or the back of the head? How large are they in proportion to the head?
• Color & Patterning: Are they a solid color, or do they have a gradient (e.g., dark at the base, fading to a lighter tip)? Are there any bands, stripes, or patterns on them?

Tails That Tell a Tale

A tail adds so much personality and dynamism to a character pose. To help your artist capture its essence, go beyond just naming the animal it resembles.

• Type & Texture: Is it a fluffy, expressive fox tail? A sleek, scaled reptilian tail? A thin, tufted lion-like tail? Or maybe a prehensile one that can grip things?
• Length & Thickness: How long is it in relation to their body? Is it thick and powerful or long and whip-thin?
• The Little Details: Does it have spikes along the spine? A spade or tuft at the end? Are there any patterns on the fur or scales?

Pro-Tip: Think about how your character's tail moves. Mentioning that it's "often curled inquisitively" or "lashes when they're angry" gives me, as the artist, fantastic insight into their personality.

Tattoos & Scars: A Character's History on Their Skin

Markings are a visual story. To make sure that story is told correctly in your character art, get specific about how to describe character tattoos and scars.

• Style & Design: For tattoos, what style are they? Geometric, illustrative, tribal, or watercolor? For scars, how were they made? A clean, thin line from a blade is very different from a jagged, puckered burn scar.
• Placement & Scale: Where is it on the body, exactly? Does it wrap around a limb? How much of the area does it cover? Saying "a sleeve tattoo" is good; saying "a sleeve of black-and-grey intertwined roses that starts at the shoulder and ends at the wrist" is even better.
• Color & Age: Is the tattoo ink vibrant and new, or faded and blurry with age? Is a scar a silvery-white line that's fully healed, or still pink and angry-looking?

Your Secret Weapon for a Perfect Commission

I know, that's a lot to remember! Juggling all these details—from the texture of a horn to the placement of a scar—can feel overwhelming. You're trying to build a character, not write a technical manual.

That’s precisely why I created a resource for my clients and fellow fantasy fans. It’s called "The Ultimate Character Blueprint," and it’s a free, fillable template designed to walk you through this entire process, step-by-step. It has prompts for everything we’ve discussed and more, ensuring no detail gets left behind.

Bringing It All Together

Commissioning a D&D character portrait should be an exciting, joyful process. By investing a little time upfront to clearly define your character's most unique features, you're not just buying a piece of art; you're co-creating a definitive version of your hero.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident in communicating your vision. When you're ready to bring your character to life, feel free to browse my work or get in touch. I'd love to hear their story.

— Jan