Dolly Widdows - Concept art pieces
Establishing the world
These concept art pieces were created as part of the Create Worlds module during my third year at university. I wanted to create a grim, decaying fantasy world that balanced horror with themes of female heroism and villainy. Inspired by the oppressive environments of the Dark Souls series and the medieval fantasy of Skyrim, the world combines ruin, mystery, and corrupted sacred spaces with feminine influences drawn from older Japanese horror media.
Character Design and Visual Storytelling
The project also explores how character design can visually communicate personality and narrative. For example, Sister Seraphine appears as a devout nun in hiding, disguising her demonic nature behind faith and kindness, while Dodie the shepherd girl is designed as a resilient, morally good dispatcher whose appearance reflects her practicality and strength.
The Protagonist's Journey
The main protagonist was designed with an intentionally ambiguous gender identity, concealed beneath a cloak so players are never entirely sure whether they are male or female. Armed with a flail, they are intended to feel resilient and shaped by the harshness of the world. Their journey begins when Dodie gifts them her horse, Ludan. In a world grasped by fear and decay, the horse acts not only as transport but as a symbol of companionship and resilience.
Creating Distinct Identities
I wanted each character's clothing, silhouette, and atmosphere to immediately suggest who they are and the role they play within the world.
