Here is a heavily illustrated, highly detailed instruction manual for art students seeking professional entry in the fantasy art field. The author guides students from conception of an art idea to publication of the finished work, emphasizing methods for creating magical, mythical, and monstrous characters who inhabit worlds of fantasy and wonder. He starts with practical considerations—setting up a workspace and mastering drawing media, painting media, and digital techniques. Next comes advice on visualizing the details in a story concept, with special attention to...

Chapter 1

Introduction

 Setting up a workspace

 Tools and materials

  Paper

  Drawing media

  Painting media

  Watercolors

  Gouache and acrylic

 Working digitally

Chapter 2

Visualizing

 The importance of the sketch

 Abstract sketches

 The ingredients of traditional fantasy

 The use of narrative elements

 Ideas and influences

 Character studies

 Capturing facial features

 Body stature

 Attitude of characters

 Nature in fantasy art

 Character interaction

Chapter 3

Drawing

 Using geometric shapes

 Creating heads and bodies

 Anatomy primer

 Movement

 Imaginary beasts

 Developing sophisticated drawings

 Costumes

 Depth and perspective

Chapter 4

Techniques

 Design and layout

 Pencil drawing

 Drawing ink lines

 Starting to paint

 Highlights and shadows

 Tone and color

 Texture and paint effects

 Color mixes

 Colors for skin tones

Chapter 5

Gallery

Professional development

Resources

Index and credits