The League of Legends universe, with its vibrant champions and epic lore, has inspired countless artists to create stunning fan art. Whether you’re a seasoned digital painter or a beginner with a pencil, drawing your favorite champion is a great way to engage with the game. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your artistic journey in Runeterra.
1. Choose a Champion and Find References
The first step is to decide which champion you want to draw. Iconic characters like Ahri, Jinx, or Teemo are popular starting points. Once you’ve chosen your subject, gather reference images from official sources like Riot’s Universe website, which hosts high-resolution splash art and concept art.
You can also pause gameplay or watch cinematics to study a champion’s unique details, personality, and dynamic poses.
2. Establish Basic Shapes and Proportions
Before diving into the details, you need to establish the foundational structure of your drawing.
- Block Out the Figure: Break down the champion into basic geometric shapes—circles for the head, ovals for the torso, and rectangles for the limbs. This method helps you get the proportions and overall pose correct before you get lost in the details.
- Use Guidelines: Draw light guidelines to help you keep facial features and body parts symmetrical and correctly aligned. For dynamic, action-packed poses, consider using gesture drawing to capture the motion and energy of the character.
3. Sketch the Outlines and Key Features
Once your basic structure is in place, you can start to flesh out the details.
- Facial Features: Use your guidelines to place the eyes, nose, and mouth. Focus on the unique characteristics that define the champion, such as Jinx’s wild smile or Yasuo’s determined expression.
- Distinctive Accessories: Don’t forget the items that make a champion recognizable. Think of Tristana’s cannon, Teemo’s hat, or the intricate armor and clothing of characters like Vi.
4. Refine and Add Depth
With the rough sketch complete, it’s time to refine your work.
- Inking: Darken and clean up your lines, erasing the initial rough guidelines. This process defines the final outline of your drawing.
- Texture and Shading: Add shading to create depth and volume. Consider the light source and use techniques like cross-hatching or smooth shading to create shadows. Use different line weights or pencil pressures to indicate textures, such as the fluffiness of Ahri’s tails or the metallic sheen of Blitzcrank’s armor.
5. Color and Polish (Optional)
If you’re working digitally, software like Procreate, Photoshop, or Clip Studio Paint are excellent tools. Use different layers for base colors, shadows, and highlights. For traditional artists, colored pencils, markers, or watercolors can be used to bring your art to life.
For the final touches, consider adding a background or magical effects to give your art a sense of place and story, just like in the official splash art. The key to great art is not just accuracy but also capturing the energy and emotion of the champion.
Final Tips for Aspiring Artists
- Practice Consistently: Improvement comes with practice. Don’t be discouraged by early results; every artist starts somewhere.
- Study Anatomy: Understanding basic anatomy, even for fantasy creatures, helps you draw more believable and dynamic figures.
- Join a Community: Share your work online in League of Legends art communities to get feedback, learn from other artists, and find inspiration.
Written by:
Christian