Dungeons & Dragons Dice Animations

Sometimes being a freelance illustrator and animator means taking time away from client work to focus on subjects that are both fun and challenging. In April 2020, I stepped into the vast universe of Dungeons & Dragons and never looked back.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of being cornered in the depths of a dark cave by goblins and wolves, you’ll know the thrill that the world of D&D can offer—not just for gaming purposes, but for the sheer amount of creative opportunities that stem from it. From illustrating my level-three Half-Elf to customizing my own character sheet, I simply could not get enough of that source of artistry.

Before I knew it, I was spending days in Adobe Illustrator, learning tools to make my workflow easier so that I could concentrate on the art. One thing about D&D is that there is a cultural attraction to the game dice themselves. I found myself one afternoon recreating them in a digital space and then giving them life within Adobe After Effects.

By tinkering with the opacity of the dice themselves, I began to wonder how they would look as receptacle with liquids inside (potions and elixirs are very common in the world of D&D). By using the wave warp tool in After Effects with proper masking, I was able to create the “sloshing” effect that you see below.

Did you enjoy this project? If you haven’t already, you may also consider checking out my Twitter animation for WeRateDogs, where I create a scandalous meter that gauges Hozier’s level of “lickability.”

If you’re looking for a designer to aid you on your next big project, step into my virtual office and let’s talk about working together.