Aesop's Elaphure (commission)

Many months ago I was commissioned (again) to make a series of Discord server icons. This is the same client who previously commissioned such gems as Enraptured Athoracophoridae and Erudite Australopithecus, so I knew I was going to be in for something interesting. Just like last time, I was given a list of phrases whose words started with E and A, then asked to illustrate them. I was given minimal direction other than the occasional explanation when I asked what some of the words meant.

An elaphure, also known as Père David’s deer, is a nearly extinct deer species native to the subtropical river valleys of China. An Aesop is one of many moralistic short stories that usually involves two animals.

I think this is my second favorite drawing out of the commission set. It’s inspired by the Take On Me MV, with the sketch of the motorcycle dude breaking out of the girl’s drawing into the real world. I tried out the Krita watercolor brushes, and I think it makes the elaphure look really good. Strong storybook vibes.

By the way, the Snail and the Elaphure is not a real Aesop, nor did I write an actual story for this.