“Copiously and brilliantly illustrated with fine examples of what can be achieved in the realms of fantasy and dungeons and dragons wargaming.” —Books Monthly The Art and Making of Fantasy Miniatures is a showcase of some of the best talent in the industry. Compiled with the cooperation of eleven of the most innovative companies from Europe, the UK and USA, it shows what goes in to the creative process of taking an initial concept from two-dimensional sketches and translating it into a three-dimensional figurine ready for collectors and tabletop gamers. Game designers, artists and sculptors explain their part in bringing these miniature works of art to life. The book is lavishly illustrated with over 1,000 images, including concept art, work-in-progress sculpts and beautifully painted miniatures. The book features miniatures from games and companies such as Aradia Miniatures, Alkemy (Alchemist Miniatures), Avatars of War, Godslayer (Megalith Games), Guild Ball (Steamforged Games), Relicblade (Metal King Studio), WARMACHINE and HORDES (Privateer Press), RUMBLESLAM (TTCombat), Drakerys (Don’t Panic Games), Kings of War (Mantic Games) and Freeblades (DGS Games). “So if you’re interested in learning more about the miniature design process from innovative wargame companies, make sure to grab this book and start exploring the great artistic journey your miniatures undergo on their way to the tabletop!” —Wargame News and Terrain “Hobbyists can glean tips about making and painting large or smallscale figures or just sit back and enjoy the show.” —Toy Soldier & Model Figure “If you are collecting the various models then this has to be the best guide to see what is out there.” —SF Crowsnest

A wide array of fantasy miniatures is available to wargamers and modellers, manufactured from an increasing number of different materials each with their own unique modelling challenges. From the multipart hard plastic 28mm miniature to the metal and resin models common in all other scales, this book provides wargamers with a wealth of information to achieve the best results. It discusses issues of scale with fantasy miniatures; demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales; provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting, repairing and painting figures; explains dry brushing techniques, the three colour method, multilayering and shading with washes and, finally, it considers basic techniques and maintaining the compatibility of miniatures between different gaming systems. Whether modelling single figures, a handful of warriors for a warband or tackling a huge army for a mass battle game, there is something for every fantasy figure modeller, collector or gamer. Discusses issues of scale with fantasy miniatures. Demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales. Provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting, repairing and painting figures Lavishly illustrated with 274 colour photographs.

A complete guide for basic to advanced fantasy figure painters.

Katherine Dewey's expressive and elegantly detailed sculptures enchant all who see them. With the magical medium of polymer clay and this book, you can follow in her footsteps. Thorough instructions supported by more than 400 step-by-step color photos and 200 detailed drawings cover the entire process of sculpting realistic figures, from selecting clay and gathering essential tools to the basics of modeling the human figure, to incorporating poses, facial expressions, ethnic and gender subtleties, costumes, and painted finishing touches. Easy-to-read maps of the figure illustrate the landmarks of the body, while scale diagrams indicate the simple shapes hidden within the human form, as well as how to combine and model those shapes. For anyone who loves fantasy, romance, nature—or sophisticated crafting—this book is a must-have.

Aimed at modellers of all abilities, this lavishly illustrated book presents a step-by-step guide to figure painting and modelling using traditional techniques. From the multipart hard-plastic 28mm miniature to the metal and resin models common in all other scales, this book provides wargamers, collectors and gamers with a wealth of information to achieve the best results. It demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales; it provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting and painting models; it covers working in plastic, resin and white metal; it explains dry brushing techniques, the three-colour method, multilayering and shading with washes and, finally, it considers basing techniques and maintaining the compatibility of miniatures between different gaming systems.

A whimsical collection of iconic scenes from the Final Fantasy series, cheerfully realized by miniature photographer Tatsuya Tanaka! Cloud and Sephiroth reenact their fateful showdown--an open beer can standing in for Nibel Reactor cooling tower. Setzer steers his airship Blackjack, mischievously recreated from corn on the cob. A chocobo flits and frolics across a field of . . . tennis balls. Tetsuya Tanaka's vibrant miniature photography is showcased side-by-side with concept art that details the process of each photo's creation. This tome catalogs fan-favorite moments captured from across the Final Fantasy series, followed by a longform interview with Tatsuya Tanaka himself. Dark Horse Books and Square Enix present Miniature Final Fantasy: No Adventure Too Large--Tatsuya Tanaka's miniature Final Fantasy scenes from his memorable Miniature Calendar series. This joyous collaboration celebrates the Final Fantasy series from a wholly unique perspective.

Learn to create authentic fantasy maps step-by-step! Orcs prepare for battle against high Elves, Dwarves retreat to the mountains and men march to the sea to reclaim crumbling fortresses. Fortunes are decided. Kingdoms are lost. Entire worlds are created. This book will teach you to bring your fictional realm to life with simple step-by-step instructions on how to draw authentic fantasy maps. Set the stage for adventure by illustrating domains, castles and battle lines, mountains, forests and sea monsters! Learn to create completely unique and fully functional RPG maps time and time again on which your world can unfold. All the skills necessary to create awe-inspiring maps are covered! • Landscapes. Add depth, balance and plausibility with rocky coastlines, towering mountains, dark forests and rolling plains. • Iconography. Mark important places--towns and cities, fortresses and bridges--with symbolic iconography for easy-to-understand maps. • Typography. Learn how to place readable text and the basics of decorative script. Bonus instruction teaches you to create fonts for Orcs, Elves, Vikings and dragons. • Heraldry and shield design. Depict cultural and political boundaries with shields and colors. • Advanced cartography. Includes how to draw landmarks, country boundaries and political lines. Build roads to connect merchants and troops, troll cairns and dragon lairs. And complete your maps with creative backgrounds, elaborate compasses and thematic legends. 30+ step-by-step demonstrations illustrate how to construct an entire fantasy world map from start to finish--both digitally and by hand!

Tips for drawing better fantasy figures from an industry pro, with topics like character research and development, establishing your process, and more. One hundred exciting and ingenious ways to design and draw better fantasy figures—from developing characters to adding costumes, props and backdrops. Hollywood concept designer and comic book artist Francis Tsai shares tips and tricks for creating imaginative figures, giving readers a unique opportunity to gain guidance from a real pro.

New Hardcover Edition! Deceived by the forces of evil into prematurely bringing about the end of the world, WAR -- the first Horseman of the Apocalypse -- battles both Heaven and Hell across the ravaged remains of Earth, searching for vengeance and vindication. Showcasing the unparalleled artwork of Joe Madureira (X-men, Battle Chasers, Ultimates) and the Vigil Games art team, The Art of Darksiders features hundreds of full-color illustrations, character and environment designs, development sketches, early concepts, promotional artwork, and more.

Provides instructions on the basics of human anatomical drawing, perspective, and composition and provides methods for transforming the human figure into a fantasy figure.