Zecknel Ref Sheet Commission | November 4, 2025

Ref sheet drawing of an anthro avian character. Lineart. Full-body front and back views, a 3/4 bust, front-facing bust, tail cutout, a long scarf, and swatches in the shapes of feathers. Text for the character reads: Zecknel Al'Raithe.
Reference sheet commission; lines only.

Recently finished ref sheet commission! I’m so humbled when I’m asked to do a ref sheet commission, because it isn’t something I formally list anywhere that I do, but the ones I’ve done have been very enjoyable. Many thanks to Zecknel for this one, in particular, because when first asked to do this, I let Zecknel know that I would use a looser line style. I say this for all the ref sheets I’ve done, because before this year, I wouldn’t say I work with clean lines.

Serendipitously, between the time Zecknel approached me with this project (an updated ref sheet for his character, the original itself a ref sheet I made for them a few years back) and the project’s start date, I began drawing more with line as I drew The Harbinger’s Path webcomic. By the time the start date for this commission approached, I was fairly confident I could do this reference sheet with cleaner lines than for any ref sheet I’ve drawn before. I would still consider these lines more on the looser side, and not “true” lineart – but they’re much cleaner than “lines” I’ve drawn before this year – especially on commission. 

Color version of the previous ref sheet. The avian is richly clad in feathers of a darker, royal blue, with feather accents of gold and yellow. Eyes are also golden yellow. Scalesa and talons are a dark color. Scarf is orange, but text notes it can be any color, but is very long.
Reference sheet commission; with color.

Zecknel has such a cool concept for their character, especially once you add color. The vibrancy of their character’s feather patterns have a visual spark, I think! I’m also excited about this ref sheet, because it will be used to create a costume (or “fursuit”) Zecknel is commissioning from a specialized crafter. I’ve known Zecknel’s character for a few years now, and I’m really looking forward to seeing a physical manifestation of their character! I’ve always had a lot of admiration for the craftsmanship behind fursuit crafters – the technical skill to bring these imagination creations into physical form is this wonderful representation of passion and creativity. I’ve seen some truly incredible instances of artisan craftsmanship that rival what you see on stage or in films. I just love seeing people expressing what they love, especially the more indie types! 

Reference sheet crop highlighting the scale and feather detail of an anthro avian character. Lineart.
Crop | I especially loved drawing the scales and feathers!

Edit Nov 5, 2025: I don’t know what it is about posting that makes my eye notice things, but I noticed the angle for the far wing was inaccurate! I’ve revised the above refs, and the earlier versions are in the full post below: 

Earlier version of the above ref sheet; lines only.
Earlier version of the above ref sheet; lines only.
Earlier version of the above ref sheet; with color.
Earlier version of the above ref sheet; with color.
Crop of the earlier version of the ref sheet.
Crop | Earlier version

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