Draw This in Your Style: Part 25--Behemot [2020]

Participating in 'Draw This In Your Style' (DTIYS) challenges has quickly become one of my favorite ways to boost my creativity and connect with other artists online. There's something truly magical about seeing a unique character concept, like the intriguing Behemot cat, and then putting your own artistic spin on it. When I saw the original prompt from @behemot_crta_stvari, featuring that iconic black cat-like character in a witch hat and cape, holding a glowing book while standing on water, I knew I had to jump in! For those new to the art community, a DTIYS challenge is an invitation from an artist for others to redraw one of their pieces in their own unique way. It's not about copying; it's about interpretation! It’s a fantastic exercise for developing your skills, trying new techniques, and even discovering new aspects of your personal art style. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to find new artists and feel part of a wider creative network. My approach to the Behemot challenge was to first really study the original design. I loved the mysterious vibe of the character, particularly the witch hat and the concept of a magical, glowing book. The original prompt had the character standing, but I envisioned my Behemot cat in a more contemplative pose. So, I decided to draw the black cat-like character sitting cross-legged, still wearing that distinctive hat. Instead of just holding a book, I wanted it to be an *open*, glowing book, with those fascinating eye symbols emanating light – almost as if the cat was deep in study or conjuring something. Adding a small, floating heart nearby felt like a gentle, personal touch to my version, contrasting with the powerful magical elements. Working on this piece digitally gave me so much freedom to play with lighting and textures. I focused on making the glow from the book really pop and giving the cat’s fur a soft, inviting quality. It's always a fun challenge to capture the essence of the original while stamping it with your own creative fingerprint. If you're thinking about joining a DTIYS challenge, here are a few tips I've picked up. First, don't be afraid to experiment! While you want to keep the core elements of the original character recognizable (like Behemot’s witch hat and the cat form), feel free to change the pose, the setting, or even the mood. Second, use it as an opportunity to refine a specific skill – maybe you want to practice digital coloring, or perhaps you're focusing on dynamic poses. Lastly, and most importantly, have fun with it! It’s about celebrating creativity and connection, not about perfection. The Behemot cat character itself is truly captivating. Its blend of feline grace with magical attributes makes it a dream subject for artists. Whether it's the simple elegance of the "cat head expressions" from the original prompt or the idea of this mystical creature holding a "scroll" or a magical "challenge sign," there's so much room for creative interpretation. I think that's why these characters resonate so much and why challenges like this become so popular. It's a chance for everyone to explore a beloved design through their own unique lens. I highly recommend anyone interested in art to give a DTIYS challenge a try – you might just surprise yourself with what you create!