Three artists behind the popular tabletop streams, Critical Role and Dimension 20, share insights on how they broke into the industry and provide guidance for aspiring artists.
Hannah Friederichs, Cait May, and Eren Angiolini are artists who have made significant contributions to the visual storytelling of shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20. These shows have transformed tabletop gaming into a thriving online phenomenon, with live performances selling out arenas across the United States and internationally. However, the creative forces behind these shows extend beyond their well-known hosts, including dedicated artists who bring characters and scenes to vivid life.
Friederichs started her journey with Critical Role by contributing to the “Uk’otoa” board game, developed by the show’s publisher, Darrington Press. Her art, recognized in works like “Exandria Unlimited” and “Bells Hells,” captures the essence of the characters, including Liam O’Brien’s character, Orym. Her approach to art involves meticulous research, such as delving into sword designs, which impressed her prospective employers and eventually secured her the job.
Cait May, who has worked on Dimension 20, emphasizes the importance of exposure and community engagement in building an art career. She recalls how sharing her work widely and interacting with the fan community opened doors for her. Her philosophy is metaphorical: opportunities are like lightning strikes — unpredictable but more likely when you put yourself out there, symbolically dragging sheet metal into an open field.
Eren Angiolini, another talent contributing to Critical Role’s visual storytelling, underscores the value of fan art in gaining recognition. Angiolini, an enthusiastic fan artist, has shared numerous fan art pieces on social media, eventually leading to official commissions. Drawing characters like those in “The Mighty Nein Origins” comics, Angiolini acknowledges the tight deadlines but appreciates the collaborative and supportive environment that emphasizes quality over hurried output.
The artists highlight that despite varying paths, a common thread in their success is the encouragement from communities that value genuine creative expression over artificial solutions. This ethos is particularly important to these creators, who see their art as a response to the growing trend of AI-generated content.
Through their narratives, the artists provide invaluable advice for aspiring creatives: maintain a robust online presence, engage with like-minded communities, and produce art that resonates personally and authentically. While there is no surefire strategy to getting noticed, these steps can increase visibility and potential opportunities.
Ultimately, the journey of these artists into the renowned tabletop shows illustrates the unpredictable yet exciting nature of creative careers. Their experiences affirm that dedication, community involvement, and authenticity can open doors in the art industry, offering hope and direction for those aiming to follow in their footsteps.
Source: Businessinsider – Instagram
