Timestamp: 2016
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Have you ever tried to tell a story without words? It’s a lot harder than you think. Everything depends on expressions, lighting…mood.

In 2016 video game company Blizzard Entertainment launched a new game: Overwatch. This title seemed to take the world by storm.

the game hosts a large cast of unique, interesting characters, and what’s great about a large online community (from time to time) is that they will take matters into own hands and decide what goes and what not.

For instance, the community will decide which characters would engage in a romantic relationship (called ‘pairing’, or ‘shipping’). Amongst these match-ups, the most popular couple was the one between Pharah and Mercy (also often dubbed ‘Pharmacy’).
What sparked this desire to see these two together, I will never know. I did know, however, that I was not opposed to it.

And so came my personal project: make a one-shot visual telling a story between these two characters. Extra handicap: no words allowed.
I decided to try and express ‘unrequited love’.

Drawing existing characters had always been a hurdle for me, so it seemed interesting to tackle. After looking up loads of references about these characters I went to work. Seeing as I would make this a grayscale image, I thought it a good idea to make use of programs I use less often, to better my skillset.

The end result: not bad. Not bad at all. I’m more surprised at how recognizable I managed to make the characters look, if anything. Either way: mission accomplished.
Check the gallery below.

‘Til next time.

— D.