CHARACTER DESIGNS
In this gallery you will find a curated selection of character illustrations that I have created over the past few years, showcasing a range of styles, concepts, and experimentation. For each piece I used prompts from a Character Design Challenge; from each prompt I developed a title—like the title of a story—and built the character from there.
Each entry explores visual storytelling: silhouette, costume, gesture, and expression are combined with a narrative hook suggested by the title. All designs are experiments in mood, backstory, and world-building. Check out every single Illustration description for more specific infos.
THE REBEL PRINCE (PLATYPUS ADVENTURER)
The prompt for this illustration was “Platypus Adventurer.” I am a huge animal lover and, of course, I cherished the opportunity to portray a platypus embarking on an adventure. My first thought was to create a non‑conventional portrait of this animal, which is usually (and rightfully) associated with goofy cuteness. I decided to present it as a resolute character, someone on a quest - a Journey to the West? - forced to leave the small reality of his river to find something or someone. To make things right, and become a better version of himself in the process. I wanted to give him tribal features, hence the didgeridoo staff and the headpiece as his main — and almost only — pieces of equipment. The echidna pet in the worn backpack serves as a playful counterpoint to the seriousness of our hero.
Character Illustration - Illustrated Book - Digital Illustration
BEHOLD ME, SEYMOUR! (CARNIVOROUS PLANT)
The prompt for this illustration was “Carnivorous Plant.” Of course, my first thought went immediately to Little Shop of Horrors, but I wanted to give a twist and a new story to that Character Design. I decided to combine two things I love: the Beholder—a famous one-eyed flying monster from Dungeons & Dragons—and my fascination with Air Plants (Tillandsia).
The main feature of a carnivore is its mouth: while trying to figure out how to design it, I decided to bring in the esthetic of pitcher plants—and then the idea clicked: this character would be a Frankenstein-type monster, the result of a fateful series of grafts made by an unlucky botanist. The mouth of a pitcher plant, the exaggerated flying skills derived from a Tillandsia, and the magic Beholder eyes—it was complete! Still, I could not resist giving it a “sly” look; I imagine it as a funny/scary character in an illustrated book or animation.
Creature Illustration - Illustrated Book - Digital Illustration
DON´T MESS WITH THE JANITOR (EX-WARRIOR FROG)
The prompt for this illustration was “Warrior Frog.” Tired of drawing heroes with shields and swords (I do that a lot), I wanted something different: an old, retired warrior taking a new, ordinary job to reenter society. I had no doubts about using a Desert Frog as reference (ever heard her mighty scream?) and gave it a martial, triangular stance to contrast with its naturally round features.
This brought to mind a Sumo fighter, so I incorporated face tattoos inspired by a famous video game character. The not-so-well-hidden battle scar references Japanese culture too. I decided that this old frog would be a janitor, initially scaring but eventually helping the students at the school where it works. The little tadpole hints at the character’s inner goodness.
Character Illustration - Children Book - Digital Illustration