"Nightly Ruminescence" - By Damayanti Arts · 3:07am Sep 23rd, 2023
"Nightly Ruminescence" - By DamayantiArts for The Small Hero Within Us
I am once again privileged at being able to work closely with the lovely and wonderful Dama for another illustration. Not only that, this is also the first time I got to view the step-by-step creation of one of her art pieces. And yup, I can confirm, it's straight up voodoo. She has magic sprinkled on her fingers, I'm sure. But also incredible amount of practice, as it's likely to show in all her pieces.
But let's speak more about this one.
Ya know, I never write with the intention of having anything in my story illustrated. Those who understand literature and have read my stories understand that my style is... very lean and not much fat since everything I write is meant to have a deliberate purpose, even in tiny details. Sometimes I feel like my stuff is very boring to read as a result. But then, sometimes, I get to speak to a wonderful someone who says I inspire them to draw such beautiful pieces and that I've helped them imagine so many things. And this piece definitely helps me to feel a little better about what it is I do and for whom.
This moment illustrates the point in the story when Princess Luna, in order to help Pip overcome his internal trouble, tells him about her own personal weaknesses and insecurities. Feeling content with airing out her thoughts, she turns to the sky to reminisce and ruminate. And Pip is left to happily contemplate that his actions were able to help someone in a way he never thought he'd be able to.
And you know, that small bit alone might not have been an art-worthy moment, but I'm really glad I chose it since Dama was able to create an absolutely stunning and gorgeous piece thanks to it. She has such a knack for effects and subtle expressions, and it's clearly shown here. I mean just look at Luna's mane! It's so, so beautiful. Also, it's a small touch that wasn't present in the story, but the trees and their glowing vines is such a nice touch on Dama's part, it really adds to the composition as a whole.
Honestly, I could keep staring at it for hours and lose myself in it. And now that I know how it was all created, stroke by stroke, color by color, it really feels just that much more special.
This bit here is to explain what I've been up to. By now, anyone following along with me should know Dama well. She's a great, great friend of mine. The dearest friend I've made since returning to MLP in order to continue my stories here. And she's the first person in over a decade that I have written a dedicated story meant for her. We're still working on making stuff for that story, but definitely keep an eye out for it! Some of you may already be feeling a bit of Chrys fatigue at this point, but there were a lot of things I didn't get touch on and where left hanging at the end of her sequel. As my stories progress, we'll be seeing her truly grow into her own. And while that has already begun with The Small Hero Within Us, Dama's dedicated story should be the real starting point towards finding out what she still needs to work on and what her growth will be. So stay tuned if you care about that little love bug!
Speaking of Chrys, Dama did me a huge service by making a reference sheet for her out of appreciation for my story. Here it is:
When she mentioned a reference sheet, I imagined it was just going to be the one depiction of her, but Dama went above and beyond with it by making Chrys' whole growth phase. It's the first time she's been drawn so accurately to the show's style too. What do you all think? I know I definitely love it! In terms of chronological order, I feel like the first iteration must've been about where Chrys was at, at the start of A Kindled Change. Her second teenage one is closer to where she was at in A Kindled Beginning, but likely a bit shorter since she's just about barely reaching her teens in that story.
The second two iterations of her will obviously take place in the future, and they are just concept designs for now since we don't know what the future holds for her story and where she's going just yet. But hopefully, her design sparks one question... Will she grow into the Princess and Queen she was born to be?
Anyways, that's all for now. Thanks for reading everyone. I hope I can keep it up for a while still.
The artwork is so awesome! My compliments to Dama for a job well done.
Also, Chrys in the FiM art style... *SQUEE*
God damn that art is amazing!
Inspiration, this is what it's all about
While at least one person out there is invested or inspired, any work is worth it! And they get to inspire you in return, and this is a most wonderful feel
The artwork is gorgeous, kudos!