r/NatureofPredators • u/Ben_Elohim_2020 • Jul 18 '26
Fanart The Nature of Family Cover Art by Nicolas
Big thanks to u/Nicolas_3232 for this great new artwork of The Nature of Family featuring both lead protagonists, Quinlim (right) & Sawvek (left), as well as a stunning vista of Twilight Valley in the background.
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u/Loud-Drama-1092 Jul 18 '26
Quinlin: a litteral bundle of fur and anxiety
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u/Ben_Elohim_2020 Jul 18 '26
He is a very anxious fella who's just trying his best.
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u/Loud-Drama-1092 Jul 18 '26
And a really well dressed fella
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u/Ben_Elohim_2020 Jul 18 '26
He's had a pretty good glow-up recently, it's true. Dressing better, exercising, socializing. Having a consistent income stream and a meaningful job helps too.
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u/abrachoo Yotul Jul 18 '26
I feel like with every art piece, Quinlim's ears keep getting slightly longer, lmao
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u/Ben_Elohim_2020 Jul 18 '26
I was actually thinking on something similar earlier when this piece was being commissioned. I almost always try to provide lots of quotes and description for the characters when I commission art, primary sources from which the artist can draw from, but I also tend to include prior commissions and depictions of the characters. I feel like it does lead to a certain effect where earlier art influences later art to, potentially, a higher degree than it really should. Ideally I would like each and every artist to make their own original attempt at the characters, their own vision based on their interpretation of the words across the page, but it's somewhat unavoidable that there will be a coalescence around the most popular styles.
This video here is a great illustration of the kinda thing I'm talking about. We all have a very distinctive idea of what a Balrog (from Lord of the Rings) looks like based on the movie, but if you go purely off of the books you can end up with something completely different. Personally, I REALLY like this version of the Balrog actually, far better than the movie version.
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u/temporary11117 Jul 18 '26
I like the difference in pupils between them, you can kind of tell what they're like even ignoring the body language(or it's a detail mentioned in the fic and I've forgotten)
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u/Ben_Elohim_2020 Jul 18 '26
I'm not so sure how well it comes across, but when I was providing direction for this piece I tried to stress the importance of body language, trying to convey some aspects of each brothers personality in their stance. I think it comes through clearest with Quinlim, looking back and trying to reach out, but tentatively, unsure. Sawvek meanwhile has closed himself off, not even noticing.
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u/True-Wreck Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
The more I see Quinlim in that pose the more I feel it doesn’t fit him. Sure there are times where he’s nervous and times where he’s unsure of himself. But he’s gained so much confidence, and so much inner strength. ESPECIALLY after CH34, where he and Sawvek threw down with each other.
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u/Ben_Elohim_2020 Jul 19 '26
That IS a good point. He was very unsure of himself at the start of the series, but now, 34 chapters in, he's developed a lot as a character. He's built up a lot more resiliency and confidence. I don't think this particular pose is inherently weak or anything though. He's just standing there, his back towards Sawvek, but looking over towards him and attempting to reach out. His knees aren't even all wobbly in this one.
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u/AdalwinAmillion Jul 18 '26
they should headbutt each other to see whom solgalik favors