The Artist's Journey to Illustrating a Fantasy Book for Critical Role

Like many artists who eventually join Critical Role, Charlie Borovsky's journey began as a genuine fan.

Borovsky, who calls Prague home, initially got hooked by watching Critical Role's "Dungeons and Dragons" sessions broadcast on Twitch, which have become a vital part of the franchise's success.

Over a decade later, with Critical Role filling arenas with its live events and turning into animated series supported by Amazon about the streams he once watched, Borovsky has become a contributor. He illustrated "Der Katzenprinz," a children's book penned by Liam O'Brien, cofounder of Critical Role.

O'Brien had noticed Borovsky’s fan art, particularly the pieces depicting his wizard persona Caleb Widogast back in 2018. However, it wasn't until five years down the line that O'Brien reached out to Borovsky for "Der Katzenprinz."

"We began email conversations during the autumn of 2023, and it was only by the winter of 2024 that our collaboration kicked off," recalled Borovsky.

"When he asked me to join the project, I was thrilled and immediately knew it was something I wanted to dive into," he said.

For the ensuing half-year, "Der Katzenprinz" monopolized his creative efforts. Although Borovsky has experience with various other tabletop-related artworks and operates as an independent artist across books and games, this project's demands were unique.

"The book became my world. Given my chronic illness, balancing multiple jobs simultaneously isn’t feasible," explained Borovsky.

Working alongside O'Brien proved to be a straightforward and enjoyable process, transitioning swiftly from rough sketches to complete illustrations.

"Liam was incredibly easygoing, with only minor feedback that mostly encouraged me to continue as planned," Borovsky shared.

The early stages of brainstorming were what Borovsky cherished most, as he had ample room for creativity while aligning with O'Brien's narrative vision.

"The work becomes more challenging near the end when it's about getting every detail polished and finalized," Borovsky observed.

Seeing O'Brien passionately promote the book once launched was the project's highlight for Borovsky.

"Witnessing his excitement and pride in the project felt gratifying, especially after all the deadline pressures," Borovsky remarked.

Navigating to Your Nerd Culture Dream Job

Borovsky shared advice for aspiring artists, whether aiming for Critical Role or other creative outlets.

Establishing a distinct artistic identity is crucial, he suggests, which includes mastering fundamental skills so companies trust your ability to meet their specifications.

"It's not just about having an exceptionally unique style that everyone remembers," noted Borovsky. "Rather, it's about developing a recognizable yet broadly appealing aesthetic."

He emphasized the need for artists to be versatile, capable of drawing more than just characters.

"Beyond character art, incorporating elements like creatures, magical artifacts, and settings is often what secures employment," he advised.

Maintaining a well-rounded online portfolio is also vital, according to Borovsky.

"Engage with events like portfolio day and keep tabs on art directors online," he advised.

"Occasionally, art directors announce on social media when they're scouting for artists, allowing you to showcase your work," added Borovsky.

For those targeting Critical Role, Borovsky advocates for increased fan art production to capture the creative team's attention while continually refining skills.

"Critical Role often selects artists from its fan community rather than seeking externally," he concluded.