✨Seeing Stars✨

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a little more about my process and inspiration behind this Arcane Viktor piece, especially since so many of you are curious about how artists portray characters experiencing those intense 'seeing stars' moments. When I started this digital artwork, my main goal was to capture Viktor's profound emotional state, that feeling of being overwhelmed and distressed. You know how in cartoons, when a character gets hit, they often have stars swirling around their head? I wanted to interpret that visually, but in a more ethereal and psychological way, rather than a physical impact. That's why I went for the 'glowing with white and pink light' effect around him, almost like his inner turmoil is manifesting externally against the 'dark, starry background.' It's not just about a bump on the head; it's about the internal struggle. For the first image, where he's 'looking upwards with a pained expression' and 'hands clasped at his neck,' I really focused on conveying that vulnerability. Using Procreate, I experimented with blending modes to get that 'ethereal' feel. Layering soft brushes with light colors helped achieve the glow, making him seem almost otherworldly in his distress. I also paid close attention to his 'facial features' and 'curly hair' to keep him recognizable while pushing the emotional intensity. Then there's the 'monochromatic sketch,' which was an earlier exploration. Sometimes, stripping away color helps to emphasize the raw emotion and 'distressed expression.' It's a quick way to block out light and shadow and focus on the 'line art' before committing to full color. This sketch actually helped me refine the angle and intensity of his gaze for the final digital painting. And for the third image, that 'rough, stylized sketch of a distorted face with wide eyes and an open mouth' – that was my attempt to push the boundary of 'mental distress' even further, almost like a caricature of inner turmoil. It’s a powerful visual shorthand for feeling completely overwhelmed. I think it perfectly complements the idea of 'seeing stars' as a metaphor for intense psychological experiences. My personal tip for anyone trying to illustrate 'seeing stars' or similar emotional states: don't just literalize it. Think about the feeling behind it. Is it dazedness, pain, confusion, or a moment of profound realization? For Viktor, it was definitely about that deep, internal struggle. I hope this gives you a peek into my creative process and how I approached depicting a 'cartoon character' (even a serious one like Viktor!) in a state of 'seeing stars.' Let me know if you have any questions about using Procreate for these kinds of effects!