By admin
With the release of season 7, Heroes of History saw the arrival of a new Hero, Mian Tansen. Our Senior Artist, Gustav, shares the process and work that went into the creation of Tansen, giving us a glimpse into just how much detail and thought our artists dedicate to their craft!
“Hi! I’m Gustav, senior artist working on Heroes of History. Painting Mian Tansen was a truly enjoyable experience because of how much personality and uniqueness he brings as a character.
Mian Tansen is coming to the game with Season 7, starting from March 12.
There were so many interesting aspects to consider—his large instrument with the distinctive ball-like addition at the neck, his flowing clothes, and his relaxed yet dignified posture. These elements all came together to create a musician who felt both deeply passionate and effortlessly at ease, as if he lived entirely within the world of his music.
One of the most exciting parts of the process was refining his face.
We explored different styles for his beard and moustache, trying to find a look that felt authentic to his time period while also complementing his overall vibe. The biggest challenge, though, was deciding whether his eyes should be open or closed.
Most of our characters so far have had open eyes, which naturally helps create a connection with the viewer. But with Tansen, closing his eyes completely transformed his presence—it made him feel more absorbed in his performance, lost in the sound and emotion of his music.
That subtle change had a huge impact on how he was perceived, and in the end, we leaned into that meditative, immersive quality.
Beyond his expression, I also paid a lot of attention to how his body language contributed to his character. His relaxed posture, the way he holds his instrument, even the flow of his garments, all of these details helped reinforce the idea of a musician so deeply in tune with his art.
Another key consideration was how to balance elegance and simplicity in his clothing. Tansen was a highly respected musician, but I imagined him as someone more focused on his craft than on outward displays of wealth.
His garments needed to feel practical and comfortable, allowing for movement, while still having a sense of refinement. I spent some time adjusting the layering and fabric details, making sure they worked well with his posture and the overall composition.
Lighting also played a subtle but important role in setting the mood. I wanted to create an atmosphere that felt warm and personal, as if he were lost in his own world rather than performing for an audience.
The way the light falls on his face and instrument helps emphasize that feeling of quiet focus, making it clear that his music is the center of everything.
I’m really happy with how he turned out. I feel like we captured not just the historical figure of Tansen, but also the spirit of a musician who is completely devoted to his craft.
It was an incredibly rewarding process, and I love how his presence tells a story on its own.
Enjoy playing with him!”
Fiene