30 Best Game of Thrones Illustration Ideas You Should Check

Source: Dank97, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/dank97/art/Game-of-thrones-927349187

If you’ve ever dreamt of wielding a sword like Arya Stark or commanding dragons like Daenerys Targaryen, then Game of Thrones illustration is your creative battleground. This article rounds up some of the most epic, imaginative, and jaw-dropping ideas inspired by the iconic fantasy series. From fierce house sigils reimagined in modern styles to character portraits dripping with emotion and symbolism, there's no shortage of artistic inspiration drawn from the Seven Kingdoms.

Whether you’re crafting moody scenes from The Wall, illustrating fire-breathing dragons mid-flight, or capturing the Iron Throne in all its intimidating glory, each illustration idea offers a chance to relive the series in visual form. Artists across the globe have reinterpreted Game of Thrones illustration in diverse ways—through watercolor, digital painting, ink sketching, and even minimalist line work. This guide is here to spotlight the boldest and most creative takes out there.

Perfect for fans, collectors, and illustrators alike, these ideas are more than just tributes—they’re visual stories layered with style and passion. Ready your sketchpads (or tablets), because we’re diving into a realm where fantasy art meets dramatic storytelling.

Game of Thrones Illustration Ideas

Source: Made by Radio, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/1489368-Game-Of-Thrones

Source: Tata Che, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/37470013/Game-of-Thrones

Source: Alex Aleksandrov, Tormund Behind the Wall, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/4697987-Tormund-behind-the-wall

Source: Michael Driver, Real Life Game of Thrones Filming Locations, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/6344244-Real-Life-Game-Of-Thrones-Filming-Locations-Culture-Trip

Source: Benjamin Gary Richards, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/25515337/Game-of-Thrones

Source: Michael Driver, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/6320776/attachments/6320776-Real-Life-Game-Of-Thrones-Filming-Locations-Culture-Trip?mode=media

Source: Jacqui Oakley, Tyrion, Game of Thrones, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/6529690-Tyrion-Game-of-Thrones

Source: Lena Tokens, A Tennis Game of Thrones, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/3847208-GOT-Open-A-Tennis-Game-of-Thrones

Source: Elliegoldwine, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CEmk3htDV-R/

Source: Innervalue, Sansa Stark, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/innervalue/art/Sansa-Stark-780801357

Source: Vleize, Daenerys Portrait, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/vleize/art/Daenerys-Portrait-621050258

Source: Firatbilal, Jorah Mormont, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/firatbilal/art/Game-of-Thrones-Jorah-Mormont-497495472

Source: Dirillustration, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CEpCgMSlAQS/

Source: _picolo, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DHeBEUSMw83/

Source: SandraWinther, Targaryen, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/sandrawinther/art/Targaryen-595600032

Source: Dank97, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/dank97/art/Game-of-thrones-927348957

Source: B3nn3tt, The Hound and Arya Stark, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/b3nn3tt/art/The-Hound-and-Arya-Stark-530637767

Source: Angeliqueperrin, Tyrion Ballpoint Pen, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/angeliqueperrin/art/WIP-Game-Of-Thrones-Tyrion-Ballpoint-Pen-457365258

Source: Daniel Govar, Sandor Clegane, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/danielgovar/art/Sandor-Clegane-486183830

Source: Guinnessyde, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/guinnessyde/art/07122017-GOT-Starks-692572431

Source: Joshuacairos_art, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/BlElYUAhGCk/

Source: Yip-Lee, Arya Stark, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/yip-lee/art/Game-of-Thrones-Arya-Stark-446735193

Source: Codex_401, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DLM3Gi8vBmc/

Source: Codex_401, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DKegy0ZN3xX/

Source: Garrettmorlanart, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch0kEBzPVRp/

Source: Hope.hokulani, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZv6vtnEL0/

Source: Elliegoldwine, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx3CUQhg5T6/

Source: Solaphea, Night King vs Drogon, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/solaphea/art/Night-King-vs-Drogon-Game-of-Thrones-713534295

Source: Nami64, The King in the North, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/nami64/art/The-King-in-the-North-214786394

Source: Dank97, DeviantArt, https://www.deviantart.com/dank97/art/Game-of-thrones-927349187

What Styles Work Well for Game of Thrones Illustration?

Game of Thrones illustration thrives on mood, texture, and atmosphere—just like the series itself. Whether you're a digital painter, traditional sketcher, or someone who loves experimenting with mixed media, there's a realm of artistic styles that beautifully captures the essence of Westeros. The beauty of illustrating this fantasy world lies in how versatile the visual interpretations can be, spanning from gritty realism to high-concept minimalism. Below are five popular and powerful styles that work incredibly well when illustrating scenes, characters, or symbols from Game of Thrones.

Dark Realism

Dark realism is arguably the most iconic style for Game of Thrones illustration. This gritty and shadow-rich approach reflects the brutal world the characters inhabit. Think textured skin, weathered armor, and glowing embers casting light on a brooding Jon Snow. Artists who use dark realism typically emphasize lighting, mood, and lifelike detail. It’s a favorite for portraying intense moments—beheadings, battles, and emotional standoffs—that require weight and gravity.

Fantasy Watercolor

Soft and whimsical with an undercurrent of melancholy, watercolor adds an entirely different personality to Game of Thrones illustration. This style works beautifully for dreamy reimaginings of major scenes—like the Red Wedding portrayed in soft crimson washes or Daenerys with her dragons floating over pale lavender skies. The muted blends and flowing lines evoke emotion more than precision, making it perfect for illustrations that focus on atmosphere and storytelling rather than hyper-realism.

Stylized Minimalism

For artists who lean toward design-focused work, stylized minimalism is a fresh way to illustrate Game of Thrones. It relies on sharp lines, bold silhouettes, and stripped-down color palettes to convey major characters or sigils. A flat red direwolf or a black raven in geometric form can say just as much as a full battle scene. This style is often used for posters, icons, or vector-based works, where the message comes through simplicity and contrast.

Ink and Sketch Line Art

Few styles match the raw energy of hand-drawn ink when it comes to capturing Game of Thrones. Using pen or brush, this style embraces hatching, cross-hatching, and expressive linework to convey detail and motion. Picture Arya’s determined face drawn in fierce strokes or the chaotic swirl of a dragon’s wings in flight. This technique brings a medieval manuscript feel to the illustration, which aligns perfectly with the world’s historical inspirations.

Digital Concept Art

Game of Thrones illustration is a natural fit for digital concept art, the same style often used by professional production artists. This approach is cinematic and immersive, often mixing photo textures, lighting overlays, and complex compositions. Massive environments like King's Landing or Winterfell benefit from this method, allowing the viewer to step into the landscape. It’s an ambitious style but incredibly rewarding when executed with care.

From brooding shadows to painterly strokes, Game of Thrones illustration invites experimentation across styles. The key is to match the tone of your subject with the technique you love most—and let your fandom guide your hand.

What Background Settings Are Suitable for Game of Thrones Illustrations?

Creating a compelling Game of Thrones illustration isn’t just about fierce characters or mythical creatures—it’s also about the setting that surrounds them. The right background can heighten the tension, set the tone, or provide context that instantly transports viewers to the Seven Kingdoms. With a world as rich and layered as Westeros and beyond, illustrators have a wide palette of epic backdrops to play with. Here are five standout background settings that work beautifully for Game of Thrones illustration:

The Iron Throne Room

Nothing screams power and peril quite like the Iron Throne itself. As one of the most iconic settings in the series, this location makes for a striking backdrop in Game of Thrones illustration. The throne room’s dark stone walls, towering windows, and jagged, sword-forged seat are drenched in symbolism. Whether illustrating a character seated on the throne or standing before it in longing, the environment adds drama and intensity. It’s a fantastic way to portray ambition, betrayal, or hard-won victories.

The Wall and Beyond

For artists who love dramatic landscapes, the Wall offers endless inspiration. The sheer verticality of the icy barrier paired with swirling snowstorms and ghostly lighting makes this background perfect for moody, atmospheric pieces. Illustrating Jon Snow, the Night’s Watch, or White Walkers against this frozen expanse instantly sets a tone of danger and isolation. You can even extend the scene “beyond the Wall” to include shadowy forests, abandoned wildling villages, or the eerie glow of approaching threats.

King’s Landing at Sunset

King’s Landing is known for its politics and pageantry, but visually, it’s a feast of golden rooftops, sea views, and winding streets. One of the best ways to illustrate it is during a sunset, when the city glows with hues of fire and gold. This background setting works wonderfully for more elegant or strategic moments—like a Lannister plotting or a Targaryen returning home. The warm palette and architectural details offer a beautiful contrast to the often dark and brutal tone of the characters.

Dragonstone’s Rocky Cliffs

Few settings are as moody and dramatic as the shores of Dragonstone. With its craggy cliffs, stormy skies, and gothic architecture, this background is ideal for capturing Daenerys, Melisandre, or other characters connected to fire and prophecy. The combination of stone textures, sea spray, and mystical fog gives artists a chance to emphasize intensity and otherworldly power. It’s a setting that feels ancient, mysterious, and alive with secrets—perfect for Game of Thrones illustration.

Battlefields and Burnt Landscapes

No Game of Thrones illustration is complete without at least one chaotic, fiery, or blood-stained backdrop. Whether it’s the aftermath of the Battle of the Bastards or a dragon-scorched village, a battlefield background adds movement, energy, and narrative depth. You can play with smoke, debris, and expressions of conflict to tell a story in a single frame. These settings bring out the raw, violent heart of Westeros and allow illustrators to showcase emotion through destruction.

Each of these background settings holds its own story—just waiting for your artistic take.

What Are Iconic Moments to Illustrate From Game of Thrones?

When it comes to Game of Thrones illustration, the series is practically a treasure trove of visual gold. From jaw-dropping betrayals to dragon-fueled spectacles, the show is packed with legendary moments that beg to be captured on canvas (or tablet). If you're looking to bring Westeros to life through your art, focusing on its most iconic scenes can create immediate impact and recognition. Here are five unforgettable moments that work brilliantly as Game of Thrones illustrations.

Daenerys Emerging from the Flames with Dragons

One of the most powerful visual transformations in the entire series is when Daenerys steps out of Drogo’s funeral pyre unscathed, with three baby dragons clinging to her. It’s the ultimate rebirth scene—fire, smoke, and myth all rolled into one. Illustrating this moment allows you to blend fantasy with emotion, using glowing embers, stark silhouettes, and raw intensity. It’s a symbol of power, destiny, and the start of something larger than life.

The Red Wedding

Grim? Absolutely. But also one of the most shocking scenes in television history. The Red Wedding combines elegance with horror—perfect for a Game of Thrones illustration dripping in contrast. Think warm candlelight, formal attire, and an underlying sense of doom. You can choose to depict the calm before the storm or the chaotic climax. Either way, it’s a chance to play with tone, composition, and emotional storytelling in a single frame.

Jon Snow’s Resurrection

Few scenes got fans talking more than the moment Jon Snow gasps back to life after being stabbed by his Night’s Watch brothers. The setting is stark—cold stone, dim candlelight, and tense silence. Capturing this moment visually allows for dramatic use of light, texture, and subtle facial expression. Illustrators often lean into the symbolism of rebirth, betrayal, and fate when crafting this scene. Plus, a sleeping direwolf in the corner always adds that perfect finishing touch.

Brienne of Tarth Being Knighted

Soft power meets emotional gravity in the heartfelt moment when Jaime Lannister knights Brienne by firelight. It’s not only iconic—it’s quietly monumental. Game of Thrones illustration of this scene often highlights the gleam of her armor, the reverence in her expression, and the emotional connection between the characters. The intimacy of the setting offers great opportunities to focus on detail, lighting, and authenticity. This scene is a masterclass in quiet strength.

The Night King’s Demise

Arya’s leap toward the Night King in the Battle of Winterfell is practically made for dynamic illustration. This moment crackles with movement, suspense, and triumph. Artists can experiment with dramatic lighting—glowing blue eyes, flying embers, and bladed steel in mid-air. It’s a hero shot with high stakes and pure adrenaline. Illustrating this scene lets you channel both energy and precision, making it a fan favorite for action-packed compositions.

These moments are more than plot points—they’re visual myths that keep inspiring illustrators worldwide.

Which Characters Are Most Featured in Game of Thrones Illustration?

With its massive ensemble of unforgettable characters, Game of Thrones offers illustrators a kingdom of choices. But some faces rise above the rest—etched into our minds through jaw-dropping moments, emotional arcs, and iconic visuals. In the world of Game of Thrones illustration, these characters are the stars, the muses, the ones whose personalities and aesthetics keep artists coming back for more. Whether cloaked in fur, wrapped in fire, or armored for vengeance, here are five characters most often illustrated by fans and professionals alike.

Daenerys Targaryen

The Mother of Dragons is a visual powerhouse. From her flowing silver hair to her dragon-scale armor, Daenerys has one of the most dynamic transformations in the series. Artists love illustrating her both in her early soft, ethereal phase and her later fiery, commanding queen mode. Add her dragons to the scene, and you’ve got an image bursting with movement, heat, and mythic energy. She’s often drawn emerging from flames, riding Drogon, or standing strong against a blazing sky—making her a centerpiece in Game of Thrones illustration.

Jon Snow

Brooding? Yes. Beloved? Absolutely. Jon Snow is another fan-favorite subject in Game of Thrones illustration thanks to his classic hero’s journey. His dark attire, ghostly direwolf companion, and snowy backdrops create a striking visual contrast. Artists frequently depict him on the Wall, sword in hand, or locked in battle with icy forces. His noble demeanor, internal conflict, and eventual resurrection give artists plenty of emotional and dramatic material to play with.

Arya Stark

Small in stature, massive in impact—Arya’s evolution from innocent child to master assassin has inspired countless illustrations. Her signature Needle sword, steely gaze, and shadowy environments give her an aura of mystery and grit. In Game of Thrones illustration, Arya is often portrayed mid-action, in combat stances, or blending into a scene with silent intensity. Scenes of her training with the Faceless Men or defeating the Night King are top picks for high-energy, detailed artwork.

Tyrion Lannister

With a sharp wit and a sharper mind, Tyrion stands out not just as a thinker but as a visual subject. Often shown with a glass of wine in hand, a stack of books nearby, or in moments of introspective solitude, Tyrion’s expressions and mannerisms are gold for illustrators who love character study. He’s a favorite in Game of Thrones illustration for those who want to capture layered emotion, subtle sarcasm, and quiet dignity amid chaos.

Brienne of Tarth

A beacon of honor and strength, Brienne commands attention with her towering presence and shining armor. She’s often depicted in knightly poses, defending others or standing solitary in a field of battle. Illustrators love showcasing her defiant eyes, battle-worn gear, and unshakable posture. Scenes of her being knighted, protecting Sansa, or standing alone with sword drawn are frequent focal points in Game of Thrones illustration for their visual and emotional power.

These characters don’t just carry the story—they carry the art. Their presence brings life, drama, and depth to every illustrated page.

What Are the Best Poses for Game of Thrones Illustration Characters?

In the realm of Game of Thrones illustration, a strong pose can speak louder than words. Whether it’s capturing raw emotion, tense power dynamics, or a fierce stance before battle, the right character pose can turn a good artwork into a legendary one. Posing isn’t just about anatomy—it’s about story. Each angle, gesture, and posture says something about the character’s journey. Here are five of the best poses to bring Game of Thrones characters to life with drama, intensity, and flair.

The Power Stance

This is the pose of rulers, warriors, and characters ready to face the world—or crush it. Legs shoulder-width apart, chin slightly raised, arms either confidently at the sides or resting on the hilt of a weapon. Think Daenerys standing atop Dragonstone cliffs or Jon Snow preparing for battle. It’s iconic, commanding, and speaks volumes about strength and resolve. In Game of Thrones illustration, this pose instantly centers the character as a figure of authority and control.

The Blade-Ready Crouch

This pose is all about tension and motion—a crouched figure with a weapon drawn, eyes focused, and every muscle poised to strike. Arya Stark owns this pose. It’s perfect for dynamic compositions and action-packed scenes. The crouch signals stealth, readiness, and a touch of unpredictability. Illustrators love this one because it’s a frozen moment in time that suggests a split-second from now, something epic is about to happen. Use dramatic lighting and perspective to amplify the energy.

The Profile Gaze

Sometimes the most impactful pose is the most understated. A side profile of a character staring into the distance—windswept hair, a cloak fluttering, a quiet expression—can carry deep emotional weight. This is especially great for characters like Tyrion Lannister, Sansa Stark, or Brienne of Tarth in reflective scenes. In Game of Thrones illustration, this pose creates a sense of solitude, longing, or contemplation. It’s excellent for setting mood and storytelling with minimal movement.

The Kneeling Oath

Honor, loyalty, or surrender—this pose covers a lot of emotional ground. A kneeling figure with a bowed head or hand resting on a sword hilt shows submission, tribute, or solemn resolve. Think Brienne swearing fealty or Theon Greyjoy in moments of redemption. It allows illustrators to play with vertical composition, contrast between character and environment, and emotional expression. Great for adding depth and complexity to characters who are in moments of change.

The Thronesitter

This one’s a classic. A character sitting on a throne, relaxed or tense, speaks to power, ambition, and control. The Iron Throne is the obvious choice, but other chairs of power can be just as symbolic. The key here is in posture: a relaxed slouch can suggest arrogance, while a rigid upright stance might show pressure or duty. In Game of Thrones illustration, this pose is rich with storytelling potential—it can embody the burden of leadership or the thrill of dominance.

Whether you’re going for battle-ready or emotionally raw, choosing the right pose elevates every Game of Thrones illustration into something unforgettable.

Conclusion

Game of Thrones illustration offers endless creative possibilities, whether you're drawn to epic battles, emotional character arcs, or the haunting beauty of Westeros itself. From Daenerys’ fiery rise to Arya’s silent strength, each illustration brings the story to life in vivid, compelling ways. Artists can explore a range of styles, backgrounds, poses, and moments that reflect the series’ depth and drama. Whether you're illustrating powerful thrones, snow-covered landscapes, or fierce warriors mid-battle, there's always a new perspective to capture. Game of Thrones illustration continues to inspire artists worldwide through its iconic characters and unforgettable storytelling.

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