Custom Portraits & Character Art
Hand-drawn character illustrations and portraits that blend traditional ink textures with modern digital finishes.
A process video showing the creation of the Joker portrait. You can see the layering of colored pencils to build up the skin tones and intense expression.
This video shows my focus and consistency while working on the detailed Joker drawing. It's a meditative process that requires a lot of patience.
A time-lapse of a portrait I created using colored pencils. This shows my process from the initial sketch to the final touches, perfect for a personalized gift or artwork.
A sketchbook spread dedicated to the show 'The Bear'. I was so inspired by the characters and the show's intensity that I had to capture it in graphite.
A process video of my fan art for 'The Bear'. I rarely do fan art, but this show's brilliant writing and acting moved me to draw.
Late-night drawings inspired by 'House of the Dragon'. This reel shows some pencil color sketches of Daemon and Aemond Targaryen from my sketchbook.
A short clip of my anatomy study sketchbook spread, showing the drawings in natural light. Studying the human form helps make my character art more believable.
A quick drawing reel showing my wiggly line style with a brush pen. This is a fun, stylized approach I use for quick character portraits.
This drawing was inspired by watching a lot of Anime. You can see how I build up the character using my distinct wiggly line style with a brush pen.
The first drawing reel of the year, showing a quick character sketch using a brush pen and colored pencils on card paper.
About Portraits & Character Studies
When I work on a portrait, I don't just trace a photo. I start with pencil and brush pen on paper to capture the raw emotion, then layer in color and detail using digital tools. This hybrid process gives you that tangible, sketchbook feel but with the crisp, clean finish you need for high-resolution printing.
My Approach to Characters
My work is defined by a 'wiggly' line aesthetic that I’ve developed over years of sketching on location in Mumbai. It isn't about perfectly smooth vectors; it's about the character of the ink. Whether you want a portrait of a loved one, a pet, or a unique original character, I focus on capturing the energy of the subject rather than just the likeness.
The Workflow
Every project follows a straightforward path to ensure we’re on the same page:
- Initial Sketches: We discuss your vision, and I start on paper to get the composition right.
- Refinement: I bring the work into Procreate to manage the colors and details, giving you the benefit of digital flexibility without losing that handmade touch.
- Collaboration: I include two rounds of revisions on my signature portraits. This ensures the final piece is exactly what you envisioned for your personal collection or gift.
Practical Details
I work primarily in A3 dimensions, which allows for a high level of detail while remaining perfect for framing. Since I focus on a stylized, hand-drawn look, you won't get hyper-realistic oil painting styles here. Instead, you get vibrant, expressive art that feels honest and immediate. If you have a specific scene or background in mind—from urban landscapes to abstract patterns—let me know during our first chat.
Shirish Ghatge
I’m Shirish, and for me, drawing is how I make sense of the world. Whether I’m capturing the intensity of a character or sketching your portrait, I look for the imperfections that make a piece feel human and real.
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