Undisclosed Pirate Game | Key Art

Lots of overpainting to bring back the illustrative character and tie the elements together. What makes this artwork special is the center: an unstable, vertical wooden scaffolding on which all the buildings rest. It’s simply something new in itself.

Few thumbnail sketches, each of which, of course, tells a different story. As well as depicting the city-building aspect, it was important to include a crow’s nest and ships in battle.

We continued with the version second row on the far left.

We decided on a composition, so let’s get straight into photobashing and overpainting, to nail down the mood.

The first 3D elements have been added to the scene. Most of the elements shown here also made it into the final artwork.

Another detail pass. As it was a key visual, it was important to me to achieve a high degree of realism. So I made extensive use of photo archives.

Zooming in a bit: partly half-timbered, partly adventurous scaffolding structures, with sailing elements here and there. Stairs, ladders, shade.

Everyone to the bastions! An English flotilla is paying a visit to our pirate hideout. It was worth the effort to haul those heavy cannons up the mountain…

The shallow-water harbor with rickety planks, fishing boats, wrecks in need of repair, captured ships, and a crane for loading and unloading. All set against a picturesque Caribbean backdrop with crystal-clear water.

Who wouldn’t love to take a stroll along this beautiful beach? Fancy a little rum at Shelly’s Bar?