With its rich lore, vibrant champion designs, and ever-evolving universe, League of Legends has inspired a generation of artists to bring Runeterra to life on canvas, tablets, and sketchpads. But for those just starting out, the question often arises: How do you draw League of Legends? The answer lies at the intersection of fan dedication, technical skill, and a deep appreciation for Riot Games’ unmistakable art style.
More Than Just Fan Art
Drawing League of Legends isn’t simply about copying existing artwork. It’s about interpreting dynamic characters like Ahri, Jhin, or Yasuo through your own lens — whether that means reimagining them in a new style, illustrating them in action, or developing entirely new skins in the fan community.
Start with Structure
Beginners often start with reference images from Riot’s splash art, cinematics, or even in-game models. Learning basic anatomy is essential, especially because champions vary in size, proportion, and posture. Drawing Sett’s muscular physique requires a different skill set than capturing the delicate lines of Seraphine. Experts recommend:
- Breaking the champion down into shapes — Start with circles, ovals, and cylinders to map out the figure.
- Studying poses — Use gesture drawing to capture movement, which is essential for fast-paced champions like Zed or Akali.
- Understanding visual hierarchy — Identify the focal point of the character, such as Katarina’s daggers or Miss Fortune’s pistols, and build the composition around it.
Tools of the Trade
While traditional pencil and paper remain popular, most League-inspired artists rely on digital tools. Software like Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, or Photoshop allows for flexibility and layering, with built-in brushes that mimic Riot’s painterly style. Drawing tablets like the Wacom Intuos or XP-Pen Artist series are favorites among fans, offering pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition crucial for line variation.
Learning from Riot Artists
Many League players don’t realize that Riot’s art team frequently releases concept art, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and even livestreamed tutorials. Aspiring artists can analyze:
- Champion splash art on the official League of Legends Universe site
- ArtStation profiles of Riot concept artists
- YouTube tutorials and fan breakdowns of champion design
These resources offer insight into lighting, color theory, costume design, and how personality is visually encoded into each champion.
A Last Word: From Summoner to Illustrator
For many fans, drawing League of Legends is more than a hobby — it’s a way of connecting more deeply with a game that’s defined over a decade of online play.
Whether you are sketching a new splash art, redesigning a champion, or storyboarding a cinematic, drawing League is about bringing your own creativity into a shared world. In a universe with over 165 champions, endless lore, and vibrant settings, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Written by:
Christian