The king of gems.
For my close friend’s 40th birthday, I wanted to create something truly special to celebrate over 10 years of friendship. My friend, a passionate poker player with the nickname "K," has always had a unique place in my life, and I thought a personalised, meaningful illustration would be the perfect tribute.
The large-scale drawing centres around a crumpled King of Diamonds card, reflecting both his love for poker and the powerful symbolism of his nickname. The choice of the diamonds suit is especially significant, as it doubles as a nod to his zodiac sign—Gemini, a true gem. The card, crumpled to give it depth and character, mirrors the way life has shaped him—layered, resilient, and full of complexity, just like a diamond. The texture and movement in the illustration bring the piece to life, capturing the essence of his personality and our friendship.
This artwork is more than just a gift; it’s a celebration of his 40th, a recognition of the gem he truly is, and a tribute to the bond we’ve shared over the years.
Progression.
The progression of this artwork was an interesting journey in itself. I initially started by creating the piece in full colour, thinking it would bring out the vibrant energy I wanted to capture. However, after a while, I realised it wasn’t quite resonating with the feeling I was going for. The colour felt too distracting, and I wanted something that felt timeless and classic. So, I made the decision to start over and redraw it entirely in black and white. That shift gave the piece the depth and subtlety I was looking for, allowing the textures and details to take centre stage.
The process was far from quick—it took around 80 hours to complete over the course of a year. There were moments of frustration, of course, but also moments of inspiration that made every second worth it.
Finale.
The final piece feels more aligned with what I envisioned, capturing not only the essence of my friend’s personality, but also the timelessness of our friendship. Every stroke and shadow was thoughtfully placed to give it that classic, enduring feel that I know he’ll appreciate for years to come.
