A behind-the-scenes - look at Dandara and Satoru Gojo's scene
When I started creating digital art for my Jujutsu Kaisen fanfic, I knew I wanted to tackle an impactful scene that captured the tension and intensity of the narrative. The inspiration came directly from the original work, specifically the iconic scene where Yuji Itadori is tied to a chair at the beginning of the story. I decided to recreate this atmosphere, but this time featuring my character Dandara, facing a situation as unsettling as it is fascinating.
Manga Original Scene by Gege Akutami, colored by fan.
In my art, Dandara is bound to a chair, visibly furious, staring at Satoru Gojo, the man who kidnapped her. The reason for her irate gaze? Her weapon, a symbol of strength and autonomy, is now in the hands of the kidnapper. This visual and emotional twist was crucial to convey the sense of helplessness mixed with the character's determination, elements that are central to my fanfic.
The Creative Process
The art was entirely drawn in Photoshop, a tool that allows infinite creative possibilities. But creating this scene brought challenges, especially in depicting Dandara tied to a chair. Representing a convincing and natural posture for such a specific situation requires attention to details, from body proportions to muscle tension and facial expression.
That was when my friend Jenny literally stepped in. She created the reference I used, demonstrating the character's position so I could capture the anatomy and context with greater precision. Jenny's help was indispensable, especially to ensure the drawing conveyed the physical vulnerability versus emotional strength.
Reference by Jenny
Among the most challenging aspects was balancing realism with the artistic style characteristic of the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. I wanted the scene to be detailed, but without losing the dynamism inherent to mangas and animes. Another difficulty was portraying the tension in Dandara's face—the gaze that mixes anger and determination was redone several times until it achieved the desired impact.
As a fan of Jujutsu Kaisen and an explorer of the world of fanfics, creating this art was a deeply personal experience. Every detail of the work, from the choice of colors to the lighting elements, was designed to reflect the essence of the narrative I am building. The contrast between Dandara's figure, tied up and seemingly vulnerable, and Gojo's imposing figure with his defiant attitude, mirrors the internal and external battles my character faces.
This digital art is not just a scene from my fanfic—it’s a piece of my creative journey. It was a process that taught me more about technique, narrative, and the power of collaboration (thanks, Jenny!). For those following my fanfic, I hope this visual work brings even more life to the story and allows you to dive into the universe I am lovingly building.
Check out the creative process:
Sketch
Art Line
Base Colors
Complete
Background
What do you think of the scene? Has anyone else ventured into creating digital art for their fanfics? Share your experiences; I’d love to hear about them!
