I worked on a new logo for a kick-ass small business, Bear’s Den Minis, specializing in hand-painted minis for RPGs. The owner of the business meticulously paints every last mini by hand, and they work on custom commissions as well. Check them out on Etsy.
The owner of Bear’s Den Minis wanted a logo with a fairly realistic bear, holding a D20 in its paws. The goal was for the bear to look fierce but kind. Here are the first sketches.
After seeing the initial sketches, we decided that the bear should be sitting, rather than standing.
Working out the posture, using thick markers to focus in on the main features.
Working on the expression on the bear’s face. Roar!
Using thick markers to stylize the logo.
Putting things together: sitting position, with the roar.
Drawing the silhouette.
This is where the magic happens. Only using linework and the silhouette to define the bear. Adding the D20.
Final touches: refining the lines, redrawing the eyes for a more playful effect. Ta-Dah!