Poster of Aquatus... Splinterlands art contest.

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Designing the Aquatus Character Poster for Splinterlands Art Contest Using Canva and Sketchbook

Creating a visually striking poster for a character like Aquatus from Splinterlands requires a combination of creativity, the right tools, and an understanding of the game’s aesthetic. For my recent submission to the Splinterlands Art Contest on Hive, I decided to design a poster that captures the essence of Aquatus—a powerful water-based character—while utilizing a mix of digital design tools to achieve the best result. My process involved two main applications: Canva for initial layout and composition, followed by Sketchbook for refining details and adding custom illustrations.

Step 1: Conceptualizing the Design

Before diving into the technical aspects, I spent time researching Aquatus’s lore and visual identity within Splinterlands. Since Aquatus is associated with water magic and a mystical, otherworldly presence, I wanted the poster to reflect fluidity, depth, and an ethereal atmosphere. I gathered inspiration from existing Splinterlands artwork, focusing on color schemes (blues, teals, and purples) and dynamic compositions that emphasize movement.

Step 2: Starting with Canva – The Foundation

To streamline the initial design phase, I turned to Canva, a user-friendly graphic design platform known for its templates and customization options. Here’s how I utilized it:

1. Choosing a Template:
   Canva offers numerous pre-made templates suitable for posters, social media graphics, and promotional art. I browsed through the fantasy and gaming-themed templates to find one that aligned with Aquatus’s aquatic theme. A template with layered elements, such as wave-like textures and bold typography, served as an excellent starting point.

2. Customizing the Layout:

   • Color Adjustments: I modified the template’s default colors to incorporate a deeper oceanic palette, enhancing the watery vibe.
   • Adding Text: The poster needed to highlight the character’s name and Splinterlands branding, so I experimented with bold, futuristic fonts that complement the game’s style.
   • Placeholder Images: Since the template included generic illustrations, I replaced them with Splinterlands-inspired assets, such as tridents and ripple effects, to maintain thematic consistency.

3. Background and Effects:
   Canva’s library of filters and overlays helped me create a visually immersive background. I applied a translucent water texture overlay and adjusted the opacity to blend seamlessly with the rest of the design.

Step 3: Enhancing the Design in Sketchbook

While Canva provided a solid foundation, I wanted to incorporate hand-drawn elements to make the poster stand out. For this, I imported the Canva design into Sketchbook, a digital drawing app known for its precision and artistic tools.

1. Refining the Character Illustration:

   • Since Aquatus wasn’t fully depicted in the template, I sketched additional details—such as armor detailing, flowing water effects, and facial features—to give the character more depth.
   • Using Sketchbook’s brush tools, I added highlights and shadows to create a more three-dimensional appearance.

2. Adding Custom Artwork:

   • Water Effects: To emphasize Aquatus’s connection to water, I painted dynamic splashes and mist around the character, using a combination of soft and hard brushes for realism.
   • Lighting Adjustments: I enhanced the glow of magical elements (e.g., glowing runes or energy orbs) to make the poster more dynamic.

3. Final Touches:

   • Blending Modes: Sketchbook’s layer blending options allowed me to seamlessly merge the hand-drawn elements with the Canva base.
   • Detailing: Small touches, like bubbles, foam, and reflective light on the water, were added to elevate the overall composition.

Step 4: Exporting and Submission

After finalizing the design, I exported the poster in high resolution to ensure clarity when shared on Hive. The final piece combined Canva’s structured layout with Sketchbook’s artistic flair, resulting in a unique and polished submission for the contest.

The steps :

Conclusion

By leveraging Canva for efficient template-based design and Sketchbook for personalized illustrations, I was able to create a poster that captures Aquatus’s essence while maintaining professional quality. This hybrid approach demonstrates how combining accessible design tools with artistic refinement can produce impressive results—even for those who may not be professional illustrators.

For fellow Splinterlands fans and artists, experimenting with multiple platforms can open new creative possibilities, allowing for both speed and customization in digital artwork.