The Legend of Zelda’s 35th Anniversary
Back in February, on the 21st The Legend of Zelda celebrated its 35th anniversary. Thirty five years ago in 1986 Nintendo launched the first game in the franchise. If that doesn’t make you feel old I don’t know what does! To celebrate the anniversary I wanted to discuss my great fairy fan art, Din’s Fire.
I was introduced to the franchise with the release of Ocarina of Time, It was the first Zelda game I had ever played! It still holds a very nostalgic place in my heart. There may or may not be some lo-fi albums remixing the soundtracks of Ocarina, Majora’s Mask, and Wind Waker in my music collection.
It really shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s not hard to tell I’m a nerd.
My Great Fairy Fan Art Features Din’s Fire
I realized earlier this week I have yet to write about my piece Din’s Fire. I also just learned about the anniversary. Good timing? Sure. Was I living under a rock this past year… Yes.
Anyway, I started this piece quite a few years ago. Back when I was living in Edmonton, and studying Graphic Design, it would have been in 2015? This piece is actually the first fan art I had ever created on such a scale! Sketches, and doodles don’t count.
I’ve always struggled with the idea of Fan Art. In the arts community it isn’t the most respected. I remember arguing with a friend of mine over it. They told me I shouldn’t have such a negative outlook on Fan Art it’s not easy recreating a recognizable character.
Back to the painting. I decided on the great fairy, because I didn’t see many other people depicting her in a subtle or respectful way. Everything on Tumblr at the time was either hyper sexualized or true to the game. Triangular!
She’s an independent woman, and needs to be treated as such! I wanted to illustrate her in a tasteful manor. With my favourite item in Ocarina of Time, Din’s Fire.
The original took around 40 hours to complete. That lighting was not easy, and the individual ivy leaves took a long time. I used a combination of watercolour and coloured pencils to create this piece. Technically making this a mixed media painting.
The original measures 13” x 13”
It has been triple matted and set in a distressed wood frame, to conservation standards. The outside measurement of the frame is 22” x 22” inches.
Upcoming Nintendo Direct
In the next few weeks Nintendo promised an official Direct featuring the legend of Zelda, and everything they have planned for the anniversary. The next Nintendo Direct is currently scheduled to air during E3. Sometime between June 12th and the 15th!
Here’s a link to what we can expect.
I figured I would jump on the bandwagon and do a little something as well!
To celebrate the 35th anniversary, starting immediately all prints of Din’s Fire will be 35% off, with free shipping!
The prints are Available in 3 different sizes.
8”x 8” inches
12” x 12” inches
And 14” x 14” inches. (The same size as the original)
Picture framing isn’t easy. Like all of my prints, I have made each print the size of a standard square frame.
Let’s hope this upcoming Nintendo Direct isn’t as disappointing as the one back in February. Maybe we will get some really cool content in the next few months. Maybe you’ll have some new artwork to go with it.
Stay Creative,
Justin Erickson
