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Art-Zealot — I Knew You Once...
Published: 2014-01-06 06:17:51 +0000 UTC; Views: 12820; Favourites: 564; Downloads: 0
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Description
Yes... This feels so familiar... The scent of hay...--Ilia
My contribution to the "Link's Friendlist" project over at
I chose to illustrate Ilia from Twilight Princess for a number of reasons, mainly because I feel like this gal is seriously under-appreciated. That might be a misconception, I haven't really done much research in the fanbase, but whatever the case may be, Ilia remains one of my favorite characters in the game, and this scene in particular is just a beautiful moment she shares with Link.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
I've always had a fondness for the "best friend"/"childhood friend" characters, because I feel like that bond is inherently dynamic: both very strong and very delicate, particularly if there's a potential for romance. As a person, Ilia is a little headstrong and stubborn, but she's also got a really generous, compassionate heart. Just take stock of what she goes through in the game: first shot in the back with an arrow, then loses her memory, then she's imprisoned in the Hidden Village, escapes her captors, runs across the dying Prince Ralis and saves his life by carrying him all the way to Castle Town (seriously, think about that). I'm pretty sure I would have caved as soon as I realized I didn't remember my own name. Nope. Not Ilia.
To quote Telma, "More courage in that girl than in all the soldiers of Hyrule, for sure!"
Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Wacom Intuos 4
Ilia and Twilight Princess © Nintendo
Art © ~Art-Zealot
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Comments: 102
I appreciate the ask! That should be fine, though I'd prefer to know a little about the video first— even just a vague idea.
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Sure it's a cover video pretty much. I'll be using two pictures (this and another one with both Ilia and Link) as background, and I'll be singing Ilia's theme (using someone's lyrics)
I'll sent you the video when it's done
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Ooh that sounds lovely! Please do! And yes, by all means go for it. C:
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It's up!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKHCUV…
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Thank you! (I'm late sorry....)
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Great art! Very beautiful!
As far as Ilia goeas as a character, the creators made the mistake of having her snap at Link at one point in the game because she thought he was "mistreating" Epona. Even though that got straightened out later, the fact that she groundlessly criticized Link was like insulting the player directly. I like her, but many don't.
Just wanted to let you know.
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Thanks very much!
I suppose I was one of the few who found it hilarious rather than annoying. And I can't stay mad at someone who apologizes for their innocent misunderstandings.
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At least that weed that calls epona is WAY better than a dog whistle because it HURTS my ears SO much or sounds wit really high frequentsys hurt just as bad
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Anyone else think this game was one of the Greats? I think it's one of the greater..... Greats.... ( I may or may not have almost cried when my sister took the Wii with her to Michigan 
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It was certainly a great one. I've given up trying to pick a favorite from Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, and Wind Waker. Loved them all to bits, and still love replaying them.
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RIGHT??? (i get reallllllllllly excited when i talk/type about any of the LoZ games 
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I'm admitting right now that I have only been able to catch bits and pieces of Twilight Princess. But I was SO MAD at this game. They finally designed a Zelda that looked the part - I mean, legit Zelda design in that game. No question. But it was the first time that I DIDN'T ship her and Link! I couldn't not ship Link and Ilia! -- and then I hear all this Link+Midna stuff, and I'm like WHY! WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO ME? There's like NO Link and Zelda chemistry in that game whatsoever! *cries*
ehem. Sorry you had to see that. I love how you've captured this moment. You do such beautiful things with light!
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Ilia is the best!! I might have actually cried at the scene where she finally remembers. (Don't tell). This is beautiful.
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It is certainly a weighty moment!
Thanks very much!
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I've never played Twilight Princess, but this gal is very pretty, and I'm also a fan of the childhood friend dynamic in fiction (if it's handled well, which it admittedly sometimes isn't). She sounds like a very interesting character.
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It's definitely got to be handled well, and I think the way Nintendo played out her story could have been done better, but I tend to take things and run with them in my head when I start to like a character/storyline, so it's no wonder she grew on me.
I definitely recommend playing it! It still holds up as a great story and fun game (as Zelda games are famous for doing).
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Since she is too under-rated and you're awesome, it would be fantastic if you would draw her more.
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I'd certainly love to, time permitting. Thanks much!
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I think Ilia is an underrated character and it was a little heart-breaking to not see much closure to her amnesia in the game (at least I thought so). Anyway, it's fantastic!
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You're very welcome! ^_^
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*leaves a cookie and a thank you note for when you wake up*
*sneaks away quietly*
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Well...Hyrule's soldiers are hardly courageous, so that's not really saying much.
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Doesn't make it untrue! ;]
And it's the thought that counts, I'm sure. Coming from Telma, it's a high compliment.
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I don't like Ilia at all, but this is pretty and well-done.
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Ah well, to each their own. Thank you!
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This reminds me of Tiny Tina from Borderlands2. It is a very similar art style. Great job! I really like the lighting
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I've never played Borderlands 2, but I've seen enough of the art style to know it's pretty beautiful, so thank you!
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I always love seeing your uploads because they always blow me away. This piece is no exception; the lighting is terrifically done and the softness of Ilia's expression really sells the piece. Once again, amazing job.
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Thanks very much, Akai! I always love seeing your comments!
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This is such a beautiful rendition of that scene! 
And my favorite part might be Link's hands on hers--it's really sweet. I love this part in the game, and I also liked Ilia's character a lot too.
It's fun seeing a strong bond with Link and another character.
And now I want to play this game again
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Thank you so much!
I may or may not have been listening to the Twilight Symphony on repeat as I worked on this. I tell you, can't listen to that music without fighting the urge to throw down the stylus and run off to grab my Wii...
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You're welcome!
Ahh, I know, I love listening to the symphonic versions of the Zelda music.....
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It's too bad that they sort of jut glance over her entire adventure... She really goes through much more than most people give her credit for.
Beautifully executed! I really like the masculine and feminine feeling of their hands touching oneanother. Brilliant!
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I know, such a shame. Thanks much!
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