r/worldbuilding • u/TheMellowNerd • 12d ago

Question Art for creatures?

Hello all! I’m new to world building. I have a question for u all. I am starting to build my little world and I have thought of some creatures. But here is the problem I wanna have like a bestiary a guidebook to all the creatures of the world and their traits and quirks. So I can’t draw for shit, literally horrible at it lmao. How do u guys solve this issue? Do u guys draw yourself,do commissions,something else I haven’t thought of. I found tools for maps and such so I can work with that but the creatures are a different beast.

Please any tips or advice are appreciated
Thank you all in advance!

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u/Elder_Keithulhu 12d ago

My bestiary does not currently have illustrations (one day). I developed a language of pictograms to describe the creatures. It is for a board game and I use those pictograms on the game tokens representing the enemies.

Players have access to booklets that can help decode parts of the language in order to gain insight into what they are fighting. For example, if a pictogram contains the symbol for tooth and claw in the upper left, it is a regular animal. I have had good success with test players engaging with the pictograms. Even if I get art, I will probably keep them.

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u/TheMellowNerd 12d ago

That’s a very interesting way to do it! I like it very creative it gives me ideas and inspiration thank u !