Omg now you've made me curious what this ship is...but solidarity my friend, I know what it feels like when you've latched onto a juicy dynamic and there's NO ONE to discuss with, double so if you're wary of a "fandom" and their behavior. However I firmly believe that mad Posting is really the way to go about it, even if u don't convert people u can make them intrigued and curious ....making memes and PowerPoints is where it's at. ..it's tough indeed if there's not a "media" to read or watch especially if there's major differences, I'm lucky to have good media but even then I def have my disagreements, such is the nature of historical RPF XD feel free to send more info about it if u like and also hang in there ....antis etc can be intimidating, and for historical subjects I can understand if there's a level of discomfort/etc bc it's zomg Real People, but there will always be freaks out in the world, i promise 💜

Well, I would say that first of all think about what you're prioritizing in the work. Do you want a piece that's mostly emotions/storytelling, or one that focuses and prominently displays specific visual details for the sake of historicity? Most pieces have a mix of both, but just like movies vs. history books/documentaries, there is usually a focus on one or the other. Think about the artist's strengths, what draws you to their work, and see if you can incorporate that into your request. If your focus is more on drama, and if you trust/collab with your artist, leaving a bit of wiggle room for artistic license can really make something cool! On the other hand, if you want to make something more clinical/specific, you'll want to be a bit more involved.

the main practical thing you can do for your artist is gather REFERENCE! if u compile it all yourself in a folder or something you will make their lives SO much easier. This is for me personally, but also if you are writing detailed descriptions, PLEASE add line breaks/bullet notes/paragraph breaks because it makes it much easier and faster to read and find information. For historical stuff, If you can't find like a good example of a particular garment, find something that's similar and include that as well (for example, even a model wearing a plain tunic can help with seeing how something might drape even if it's not Super Specific or bedazzled)

If your focus is on something Dramatic or emotional, finding movie stills or comic panels or poses, even drawing your own stick figure arrangement can help the artist visualize what you're going for and how to communicate the personality/relationship/etc.

Don't be afraid to ask for changes etc in the sketch stage--all artists have different TOS in terms of revisions, but most ppl taking commissions are glad to get corrections etc EARLY ON in the process, rather than later when it's more finalized and harder to change--remember, you ARE a customer and it's your job of course to communicate what YOU want, not leave it a guessing game on their end, which can cause frustration for everyone.

TLDR; BE respectful, communicative, and use lots of reference, not just for the visual details but for the feeling you want to get across from your piece. Also, if u like ur piece, feel free to leave a tip ;D

Ur exactly right!!! In fact I even drew a sticker of this...it's too small I think to offer on the store but I can include it as a freebie with anything else XD.

In the poem biography of William Marshall it actually refers to Philip as "more clever than a fox" and makes comparisons to emphasize his craftiness, so it's very appropriate XD

My other concept for him is some kind of sheep/ram, I think it would work well bc he can be a tiny cute lamb but then grow up and have the big hulking horns and dangerous Grumpy expression...prey-coded but very serious and dangerous when spooked.. This is inspired too by Bertran de Born's poems early on which compared Philip derogatorily with Richard, saying he's the "lamb" who weeps rather than taking charge.

Also for Richard he is obviously Lion but I think he can also be a tiny kitty too sometimes just stretching out and doing/hunting whatever he wants and acting soo important ... Not a tameable creature but with a purpose (also Orange...)