Commission for Black-Wren: Yugi and Atem 2

Hello everyone,

How are you? Are you doing well? I sure hope that you are! Well, truth be told, I had hoped to post this deviation a *little* sooner than this, but I have finally managed to finish my commission for the ever-patient, and ever-encouraging ! I had posted the sketch of this work not too long ago, as seen here . And as I mentioned in the description then, she had commissioned me earlier in the year to depict the brotherly bond between Yugi and Yami Yugi aka Atem or Atemu. This prior commission can also be seen here: .

Almost immediately after completing the first commission that I had done for her, I was pleased to hear that not only was quite satisfied with my rendition of the concept that she described to me (a scene showing a form of playfulness between the two boys) but that she had even asked me for additional works, beginning with the one that I am now posting.

In this scene, had wanted a more serious feel to the image, particularly the concern that Yami Yugi would display for an injured Yugi, while Yugi himself shed tears for the pain that he was feeling due to his mishap. Though I included the description that she had written in her own words within the sketch, I thought it would be fitting to post it here as well:

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It is sort of a follow up to this old sketch:

Yugi, after stuffing down his brother's pants, runs through the park to avoid Atem's wrath. The snow is thick and fresh and hasn't been cleared from all the pathways yet. So he doesn't see the short set of stairs before his foot misses the edge and tumbles down to the landing a few feet below. In the fall Yugi badly twisted his ankle and his his head on the landing. Atem, seeing the accident, forgets his outrage and rushed over to his brother. Since home is closer than the hospital, Atem carries his brother piggy-back to their house so their mother can assess care for Yugi's injuries. This is the first time Atem has been this nice to Yugi. He's shown concern before but he never just picked Yugi up and carried him anywhere.

In the scene I want, Atem is carrying Yugi piggy-back. They are in winter/snow dress. Jackets, scarves, ear-muffs, mittens, pants and mid-calf boots. (I know in the old sketch he is wearing a hat but I think everyone wants to see the boys' hair so let's do ear muffs instead.) Atem's scarf is wrapped around his neck and has a portion in the front that is loose and partially covering his chin because he had pulled it over his nose at one point. He's not used to cold so he was trying to keep his nose warm. Yugi's is just wrapped around his neck. Atem's expression should be of calm concern and sympathy with his eyes flickering back to Yugi as he walks. Yugi has his arms wrapped around Atem's shoulders. Probably the mouth is hidden in his sleeve or behind Atem's shoulder with his eyes closed and scrunched and a few tears showing because he's whimpering.

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As with my previous commissions (both for and the others who I who were kind enough make their requests) I was in constant contact in the development of this work, as I also mentioned in the description of the sketch. Aside from the specifics above, however, and the ultimate choosing of the three-quarter angle of both Yami and Yugi, for the most part, had given me free reign on how to depict the image, namely in terms of their clothing and such.

I managed to look at a few catalogs to reference winter wear, as well as a few photographs online. In addition, provided me with a few general images of what she had in mind, then trusting me enough to make her vision a reality! I especially enjoyed drawing the stripped scarf that I had imagined being around Yami's neck. For an added touch, I included some woven Anhk patters at the very bottom, hinting at his Egyptian origins.

Furthermore, I thought that it would be a nice touch having the boys wearing scarves with opposing patterns of light and dark; possibly illustrating one of the many interpretations of the nature of their relationship. I also thought it would be fitting for Yugi's mittens to have his initials knitted upon them. When coming up with this concept in particular, I couldn't help but remember one of the early manga chapters in which Yugi was playing a "memory" game, using numerous socks, all with various shaped patterns on them. Considering that, I reasoned that he really might wear mittens like the ones in this image!


As described by I spent the most time developing the solemn expressions of the two boys, so that I could fully capture what she had detailed so thoroughly for me. I imagined Yami showing concern, and yet still having a matureness to him; perhaps a "take charge" type of attitude that will allow him to seek the proper assistance for the boy as quickly as possible. And since showing such emotion isn't necessarily common for him, given that Yugi isn't looking directly at him, due to his piggy-back positioning, perhaps it is more believable that Yami would display these feelings so openly.

In contrast, though Yugi is hurt and sobbing softly due to the pain, I didn't want to depict him blubbering per say; as if he were trying to be brave, much like the "big brother" he looks up to so very much. Even so, he appreciates Yami's efforts, so I wanted Yugi to appear as if he were not limiting himself in terms of how tightly he is embracing the older boy. Perhaps this is also due to him needing to grasp something to endure the pain, or maybe even an unintentional hug of gratitude and affection! I suppose I'll let the viewer decide! ^_^

Anyhow, I suppose that just about does it, everyone! As always, I appreciate you looking, for possibly commenting, and for any and all interest shown in my work! Thank you again for the opportunity to depict this piece, as I quite enjoyed it! I also hope that you are entirely happy with the final result, and rest assured that I will try equally as hard, if not more so, on the next image that you've requested! Be on the look out for it, ok? Take care now everyone and until next time!

Lots of Love,
Yamigirl21