Creating Art and Telling Stories Within Minecraft
I just concluded my Minecraft Celtic-inspired survival/roleplay series “Forest Dweller,” and was reflecting back on all the artwork I created for it.
Before I even began my let’s play, I knew I wanted to include art within the episodes in some way. I ended up making speedpaints in some of the episodes to make it seem that I was actually drawing in game! I also made lots of builds that were symbolic to Celtic art. My favorite part of creating art within Minecraft is that it forces you to look at art from a different perspective, try new mediums, and even new subjects.
Now, looking back after completing the 10th episode, I wanted to compile all the art I made. This includes Minecraft screenshots, which I consider basically video game photography, especially since I heavily edit and modify my screenshots in Photoshop. This also includes the Celtic-inspired builds and digital illustrations I made for some of the episodes. Let’s take a look at the art of Forest Dweller!
Sketchbook "Ink Drawings"
These drawings were “drawn in my sketchbook” within the Forest Dweller world. I included speedpaints of me drawing them in some of the episodes. I made sure to use only one black brush to make it look like ink. I also only used one layer, erasing over my sketch and drawing like I would on paper, to make the end result look more like a traditional drawing. I later “ripped out” the pages from the sketchbook and hanged the framed drawings inside the sanctuary.
Screenshots - Minecraft's Photography
These are the 10 screenshots I used for the thumbnails on each episode. We can imagine I carried around some sort of really old-fashioned camera to take these photos in game! Although realistically, I don’t think the time period in which “Forest Dweller” takes place would allow me to have a camera, especially not with colored photography and editing software. ;) My favorite screenshots are the last two.
Self Portrait Painting
I included this self portrait of my Forest Dweller character in the 7th episode. I made a speedpaint of me actually “painting” it in game – making custom paints out of dyes and flowers and everything. It was really fun! I had the painting hanging inside my house for a while, then I moved it to the sanctuary in the final episode. You can read more about my process and inspirations for making this illustration here.
My Other Forest Dweller Illustrations
Before making the self portrait I included in episode 7, I drew these two illustrations for my series. I ended up not liking them that much and felt that they didn’t fit the theme of Forest Dweller, so I made a third attempt – which luckily was a success! :D You can read more about my process of making these two “fail” attempts here.
Celtic Minecraft Builds
These are some of the builds in my world which were heavily inspired by Celtic history. I have my sanctuary, which is full of artifacts, a small pond for offerings, and a small shrine. Then there’s the Sacred Oak Tree, built by UnknwnBuilds, which is colossal in stature and visible from hundreds of blocks away. I also made some statues, one of the 3-armed Brigid’s Cross, and the Celtic Cross. Lastly, I included my house since it was inspired by actual Celtic architecture and building techniques.
Watch Forest Dweller, Learn About the Celts
If you’re interested in learning some cool things about the fascinating Celts, check out my Forest Dweller 10-part survival/roleplay series!
Thanks for reading my post <3
love, luvstar
I love your posts, and your video inspired me to start working on my own website! It’s super basic right now, but I really like it! It’s a bit scary, but I’m working on it! Thank you for inspiring me. Your minecraft work is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous, and even though I don’t play minecraft, I think you did fantastic with the creativity of creating all your maps and art! Thank you for this cool website!
Your work really inspires me, just looking through your website I can feel the passion brimming all over, and to the point it’s getting to me. I also watched your video, I only did it to have something in the background but I never expected to hear something I really needed to, thank you. The world you created in MC is so beautiful, I just love forest/fantasy/mythical worlds so it’s definitely hitting home!!
Heyy, i just want to say that i loovee your art and love your stuff, and i’ll def do a website now because of u. Also, i really love minecraft and i was wondering if you ever thought about opening a minecraft server. If you do ill defintely join!!!!!