Tributes to Stars & Icons
I draw celebrities and icons with graphite and charcoal, bringing every detail to life. Here are my tribute portraits captured on paper.
A short tutorial video showing my technique for drawing realistic, flowing hair, demonstrated on a portrait of actress Rashmika Mandanna.
A finished portrait of Rashmika Mandanna, this time wearing glasses, which adds another layer of detail with reflections and shadows.
Part three of the process for the artistic portrait of Priyanka Mohan, focusing on the shading of her back and saree.
The Priyanka Mohan portrait in progress, showing the contrast between the shaded hair and the outlined clothing.
The initial outline for the Priyanka Mohan portrait, showing the composition and grid lines.
Part two of the drawing process, showing more detail work on the saree and back.
Another work-in-progress shot of the Priyanka Mohan piece.
The first progress video, showing the initial shading of the hair and neck.
The portrait of Kalyani Priyadarshan nearly finished, with just the saree left to shade.
The face and hair are complete in this work-in-progress shot of the Kalyani Priyadarshan drawing.
About Tributes to Stars & Icons
I don't use shortcuts for these tributes. Every portrait I draw takes me between 40 to 45 hours, building layers of graphite and charcoal on acid-free paper. Unlike mass-produced prints, these are original, hand-drawn pieces where I focus on tiny details, like the reflection in the glasses or the specific pattern of an outfit, to ensure the likeness feels real.
Capturing a star's likeness requires patience and the right tools. I follow a strict process: outlining with a grid for accurate proportions, then building skin tones and hair textures using a mix of graphite grades and compressed charcoal. It is a slow, manual process that I take a lot of pride in.
Quality and Care
I use 180-200 GSM acid-free cartridge paper for all my celebrity sketches. Every piece is coated with a matte fixative spray before shipping to ensure the charcoal stays put and does not smudge in the mail. I pack them in rigid tubes to ensure they reach you exactly as they left my desk.
Ordering a Tribute
If you want a portrait of your favorite actor, musician, or public figure, here is how we can do it:
- Reference Photos: Clear, high-resolution photos help me capture the eyes and expressions accurately.
- Timeline: Since each piece takes 40-45 hours, please plan your order with this timeline in mind.
- Shipping: I deliver across India and ensure the artwork is protected during transit.
Whether it is a gift for a superfan or a piece for your own collection, I treat every sketch with the same dedication. Just DM me with the photo you have in mind.
Vikash Tanti
Hi, I am Vikash. For me, art is about feeling, not just drawing lines. I spend days with my pencils chasing the details that make a face feel real, and I am always grateful when someone connects with my work.
Looking for a different art style?
You can search for specific portrait types or my workshop details below.
More from Realistic Portrait Drawing by Vikash Tanti
More services by Vikash Tanti