Shattered Worlds Portfolio Challenge: Create Your Art in 6 Weeks

Hey Artletes! Welcome to your new portfolio cycle. These projects follow what we call project-based learning: you complete assignments that mirror what you'd do in a professional studio. This cycle is set in the world of Shattered Worlds, a rugged, broken landscape filled with rugged heroes, mysterious creatures, and wild terrain.

Here’s the story: After a massive catastrophe, the world split apart into fragments—mountains, land, and ruined cities scattered across a vast wilderness. Brave survivors, heroes, and strange creatures now roam these shattered lands. Your task is to design characters and environments that tell stories in this broken world.

Throughout this cycle, you'll develop your skills step-by-step, culminating in professional-quality art for your portfolio. Ready to push your creativity to the limit? Let’s get started!

Design TWO of the following for the Shattered Worlds:

• Hero or main protagonist

• Villain or villainous antagonist

• Two NPCs (like a trader, quest giver, or mentor)

• Two dryland creatures or other wildlife

Design ONE level set in the world, including:

• One big scene that sets the mood (a keyframe)

• One level layout with two key areas or interaction points (call-outs)

• Make 6 quick sketches exploring silhouettes and costume ideas

• Draw 3 portraits showing different facial expressions or personalities

• Create 3 poses or action sketches to show your characters in motion or emotion

• Sketch 6 rough scene thumbnails with different compositions

• Make 6 top-down or side-view sketches of your level layout

• Build 1 basic level layout in simple 2D or 3D to understand space

• Pick your best 3 sketches and turn them into cleaner value studies

• Create 3 color options to show different moods or atmospheres

• Finish with one line drawing, adding flat colors for clarity

• Improve your level layout with more detail and structure

• Refine your key scene with better lighting and mood

• Label two key areas or gameplay zones with clear notes or call-outs

• Create one fully finished character design, polished and ready for your portfolio

• Add prop, costume, or animation notes to show how your character moves or interacts

• Finish your main scene with detailed lighting, mood, and atmosphere

• Finalize your level design, clearly marking important areas

• Add call-outs or diagrams explaining key features or gameplay mechanics

This 6-week project helps you learn from rough sketches to final art, building your portfolio with focused, professional-looking work. Working on characters or environments scales your skills step-by-step, and the world of Shattered Worlds offers a rich chance to tell stories through your art.

Looking for extra inspiration? Check out:

• Stylised Anatomy: Dynamic Body Drawing

• How to Draw Buildings from Imagination

• Painting Tips for Beginners