"The Artist’s Familiars"

BEEP
Mar 13
3 min read

Finding Inspiration in Our Real-Life Companions

Greetings, Adventurers!

As we sharpen our quills and dip our brushes into the well of creation, it is easy to forget that some of our greatest muses sit curled at our feet, perched on our desks, or (if they are particularly mischievous) sprawled directly atop our work-in-progress. Yes, today we speak of Familiars: those real-life companions who inspire our art, share our space, our time, and sometimes our sandwiches.

But have you ever considered just how much your real-life companions influence your art?

1. The Unintentional Muses

Familiars have a way of sneaking into our work. Perhaps your latest character carries the same proud posture as your feline companion, or maybe your brushstrokes mimic the soft edges of your dog's fur. Even those who do not illustrate creatures may find their companions shaping their style, their energy, or their stories—from the way a cat’s stretching pose influences gesture drawings to how a bird’s vibrant plumage inspires a daring new color palette.

2. The Chaos Factor

Every artist knows the struggle of a well-placed paw, a tipped-over cup, or an unexpected tail flick that sends a pencil rolling into oblivion. But in this, too, is a lesson: our familiars remind us to embrace happy accidents, spontaneity, and adaptability. They challenge us to work around obstacles, to refine our patience, and—if we are lucky—to incorporate their antics into something new and unexpected.

3. Energy and Emotion

Animals are masters of living in the moment—a quality many artists struggle to hold onto. Whether it’s the boundless enthusiasm of a playful pup or the quiet contentment of a purring cat, their presence reminds us to breathe, observe, and create with authenticity. They teach us that art, much like companionship, thrives when nurtured with patience and love.

4. A Bond Beyond the Brush

Some artists take direct inspiration from their real-world familiars, weaving them into their stories and designs. Others find themselves subtly influenced in ways they never expected—perhaps a fantasy creature develops the same expressive ears as their pet rabbit, or a magical companion in a painting mirrors the personality of their beloved pet. Whether obvious or subconscious, our relationships with these creatures infuse our work with life, warmth, and sincerity.

A Challenge from the Guildmaster

Adventurers, your task is this: observe your Familiar today. Study their movements, their quirks, their unspoken wisdom. Take note of the way they interact with the world and find one small way to incorporate that into your work. It may be a gesture, a color, or even just a feeling—but let them inspire you.

And if you have no Familiar of your own? Look to the world around you—watch the birds in the trees, the stray cat on the fence, or the way a fox scampers across a video. Inspiration is everywhere, waiting to be gathered like reagents for the next great creation.

So tell me, Adventurers—how have your Familiars shaped your art? And better yet, who are your real life familiars? Tell us about them! And come to the Discord so you can give us those sweet photos!