Ziggy Ziggarh - A troll in the Shadowrun TTRPG that I was commissioned to paint. I had been provided with some preliminary sketches and a biography for the character that helped inform the design decisions I would make moving forward.

Ziggy was described as an ex-stripper drag-queen turned muscle-for-hire. Having both the strength and fashion sense capable of killing a man. I wanted to make sure that the costuming incorporated as much of their backstory as possible. My main focus was the interplay between the masculine and feminine preconceptions of his occupations.  

Initial design: I knew that the initial read of the outfit was going to be as important as the character's face given the character's backstory. I knew that drag-queens were known for flambuoyant outfits and extravagant makeup, while hired thugs were typically quite boxy in their silhouette reads.

Exploration: during the sketching phase, I gathered reference for striking and empowering outfits to enhance the confident sense of identity.

In the end I settled on an outfit that included motifs of a pinstripe suit, corset, feather boa, a "skull-topped cane" and some killer thigh-high boots.  

Initial pass: combining all the design elements of the character, from body shape to the readability of the outfit. At this stage I sent a copy to the client for any changes they would like made before commiting to rendering.

Once the pose and initial design was settled on, I rendered out a rough pass to establish the general lighting and colour palette of the design. Followed by another check-in with the client to confirm they were satisfied with the direction the piece was heading in.

After getting the green-light from the client regarding tone and direction, I proceeded to render out details and unify the lighting across the subject.

Late in the project, the client requested a background be included. Given the late hour into the process we agreed on a rough background that hinted at Ziggy's previous workplace, "the Rox off" club.  My main focus in the rendering was to give a cyber

punkesque  feel, focusing on texture variety and illuminated shopfronts with neon holographic signage. 

Conclusion: Overall I was incredibly satisfied with the project and the final result. It was both a rewarding challenge and wonderful learning experience. 10/10 would paint Ziggy again.