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2dforever — Portrait of a Hero
Published: 2009-11-22 17:56:05 +0000 UTC; Views: 5394; Favourites: 199; Downloads: 130
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Description
A present for the may Zelda fans on DA
2D Forever Link, the hero of time, sans hat. What is with that hat? It's a sock - I fail to see it's purpose.
This came from a set of portraits I was doodling one evening. One of them became quite detailled and turned into Link. I guess it's quite funny looking, and the eyes can be a bit haunting, but I did it because he does have such big eyes in the games! Snake agrees with me .
So I wanted something slightly stylised, but I also didn't want to offend the Zelda fans. There's something you certainly don't want to do.
I'm really happy with the colours on this. The green theme was the obvious route but I wanted some warmth to come through as well. Although that's not really shown through his expression here. Link doesn't seem to have a face other than this, so I thought it'll make for a good intense kind of portrait. I've also wanted to draw Link with the 'Twighlight Princess' version of his outfit - I think it's my favourite of his so far (no shiny tights!).
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Comments: 44
The expression is captivating. I've been staring at this for about ten minutes now and I don't grow tired of it. The whole thing is very inspiring. It really makes me want to be a better artist.
Sorry if it sounds gushy, but the Legend of Zelda franchise holds a special place in my heart
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Thanks for the really kind words - I'm glad it's inspired you if anything.
...When I look back at it now I only think about how I would of done it differently if anything!
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The noise that came out of my mouth as I saw this was inhuman...
His expression is absolutely spectacular
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Haha! I hope it that noise was something positive either way
Thanks!
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THE HAT IS TO HIDE ALL HIS ITEMS, DUH
On another note, what a beautiful portrait of Link! His eyes! So haunting! His frown! Gonna give him wrinkles!
Why so sad, Link?
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Haha, suddenly it all makes sense... it is more like a christmas stocking than a hat...
And yeah, he's sad because he's burdened. Princesses to save, rupee's to collect, grass to cut...
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People to save... who don't even give him discounts when he shops in their stores...
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lol i love the style and the effort u put into it but
-image shatters-
NUUU LINK!!! D:
lol XD
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I really like it. Link looks like a real person, and you did an EXCELLENT job on every aspect. You even got the glint of light on the buckle and sheathe! And the piercing blue eyes
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Haha, I'd love to see it hung up anywhere, let alone Hyrule Castle!
Thanks for the kind words
As for your question, I always draw it out by hand first, then I use Photoshop to colour. Photoshop is just a tool though, I don't do any effects, tricks or anything like that, merely a medium to paint with. Hope that helps!
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I really like this. The big eyes gives him a mature look.
And I agree with you about the hat.
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Love this!!
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Haha! I always think Link looks bored/moody anyway, so I tried to capture it here
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This is cool!
Reminds me of the history books I had in middle school and nazis for some reason
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Haha, my initial instinct to that was 'no it isn't', but thinking about it, you're right. I don't know why though, it just has that feeling... Good spot!
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thanks I was a little afraid that you'd be offendid
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No no, not at all 
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I'm die hard Zelda fan, at this certainly doesn't offend me at all. (lol) In fact I think it's awesome!
Reminds me of the old portrait paintings you see in history books and the like. They all looked rather haunting to me...
I just like it. I'm faving it for sure.
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Now I've got it. He reminds me of Hugh Grant. It's the facial structure.
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Haha, really? But his hair isn't tall enough! You know what, putting a picture next to it I think you've got a point: [link]
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Great work. That blank stare makes him look a bit like Buster Keaton.
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Haha! I see what you mean
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Too much princess rescuing is bad for you...
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Incredible !! O___o
I'll never see Link the same way now x'D
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Hopefully haven't ruined him for you, it's seemed to of gone the wrong way with some people!
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Not wrong at all, this is just a different interpretation, and waaay more original than all these copies of original artworks !
A 
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It's different from how Link is normally shown, but I like it.
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Thank you, it's been an interesting one comments-wise, I'm glad you liked it
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Actually now that I think about it he seems kind of English.
I don't know why.
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The terra verte-ish undertones are obviously really appropriate.
It's also nice to see your style on stuff that never tends to get the variety it deserves.
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Excellent, thank you for the kind comment
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He looks upset that you took his hat away! XD But to be honest, I would expect him to look serious like this for a portrait if he was a real person.
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