Illustrating My First Fantasy Book

Character illustration is one of the most exciting parts of developing a book, especially in a fantasy work like "The Chronicles of Keierth - The Ascension." Visualizing the protagonists and translating them into art requires a careful process that goes far beyond physical description. To ensure that the illustrator captures not only the appearance, but also the essence of each character, a well-structured brief is essential.

The first step to a good briefing is to gather visual references. Photographs, paintings, concept art and film scenes help to create a picture of the desired atmosphere. For "The Ascension", I looked for images that captured not only physical features, but also the posture and expression that best represented the personality of each of the protagonists. The choice of color palette is also an important element, as it reinforces the identity and emotions conveyed by each character.

More than just a well-designed face and costume, the character needs to convey her story in her eyes. Therefore, when creating the briefing, it is essential to describe not only physical characteristics, but also psychological and emotional traits. How does she position herself in the face of challenges? What feelings dominate her journey? What should the reader feel when looking at this image? For "The Ascension", each protagonist has a unique essence: some carry strength and ambition in their eyes, while others display a more serene or melancholic expression, reflecting their internal struggle.

Another crucial aspect is coherence with the universe in which the story takes place. Androctonus is a matriarchal society with its own traditions and aesthetics. This means that the costumes, weapons, and accessories cannot be generic, but rather loaded with meaning. To help with the visual construction, I provided the illustrator with details about fabrics, ornaments, and styles that refer to the culture and hierarchy of this world.

Ultimately, the illustration process is a true partnership between writer and artist. The clearer and more detailed the brief, the easier it will be for the illustrator to capture the essence of the work and translate it into an image that moves and engages readers. Seeing the protagonists of "The Ascension" come to life through art was an indescribable experience, and I'm excited to share a glimpse of that process with you! I'll be sharing a sneak peek of the poster here, but if you want to get the full poster, keep an eye out for pre-sales, which start at the end of March - and the poster will come as a gift!

With love,

Ingrid Gomm