Dragon Tales

Originally from a small village in Bedfordshire but now based in Birmingham, Lucian Tumani creates incredible fantasy illustrations that seem to leap from the page. His software enables him to digitally 'zoom in' and add an immense amount of detail to each character, bringing dragons, ogres, harpies and a horde of other mythical beasts alive.

The son of another talented artist, Harinder Tumani, we met them both at a local comicbook convention. It obviously runs in the family, as his father's detailed sci-fi illustrations were equally captivating. We spoke to Lucian to learn more about his work.

Why do you create?

I think like most artists, I feel a compulsion to leave my mark and express myself in a way that words can't quite capture. I've always enjoyed drawing and the freedom it brings. Being able to create anything I want with the tools at my disposal is hugely rewarding.

How and where do you work?

I currently work digitally using Procreate on the iPad from home. Despite my work being mostly digital, it is nonetheless all drawn by me. Every mark and brushstroke was made with an Apple Pencil, and I always start with a blank canvas. The two distinct art styles I've cultivated place a huge emphasis on detail and texture, so I often work through the day and into the night on any current piece with an audiobook or music in the background. Most drawings take two weeks or more to complete but, with the right entertainment, it becomes quite a therapeutic experience (so long as I'm not making any mistakes).




Both styles require an extensive sketch plan, where I will spend a solid day just figuring out my compositions, characters and perspectives. For my monochromatic vine charcoal style, I will coat the canvas and then erase areas to get my lights and shadows before going back in with a small brush for details. For my larger colour drawings, I block in colours and light sources before slowly detailing it all piece by piece.

Where do you get your inspiration?

As a fantasy artist, I am most inspired by the works of famous fantasy authors and descriptions based on written text. I find this quite rewarding as I get to depict each scene and character the way I imagined on the page. I will however admit, I'm often also inspired by other historical artists and those on social media. If I see a particular technique, colour palette or framing that I'm impressed by, I'll always take notes and try to figure out how they achieved such results.

What influences your work?

A huge influence on my work is the niche that I occupy. In this modern age of social media algorithms, I know that with consistency, my work should reach its proper audience and drive people toward my store and commissions. Because my work is so specific, it either connects or it doesn't and I don't need to worry too much about mass appeal. I'm pretty much free to pursue the subject matter that most compels me.

Where do you sell your art?

I currently sell my art online and in person at various comicbook conventions and exhibitions in the UK. You can find examples of my work on my website and on my Instagram.

How do you promote yourself and your work?

When it comes to promotion, I've found in person events incredibly useful for networking with other artists and organisers in the industry while social media seems more useful for connecting with buyers and clients. I don't tend to promote myself all that much. Fans of my work usually get it recommended in their feed at which point they tend to reach out. I try to show two new pieces every month, occasionally stretching to three if I'm super productive.

What are your future ambitions?

I hope to continue growing and producing my best work. I have written and illustrated a small selection of novels and novellas which I also hope to publish in the near future.

Do you have any advice for other artists?

When it comes to other artists, I'd simply say, be consistent and do what you love. Find people who'll be honest and try to take a lesson from each piece you do.


Thanks very much to Lucian for answering our questions. If you'd like to see more of Lucian Tumani's fantastic work, you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram.