_{Once again, my Holos end up looking more adorable than ready to fight 🥹}

Hey HoloZing healers! 🔥 Today I bring you a creature made of fire that usually strikes fear... but this time, its warmth is meant to melt hearts. Meet the now-iconic Fire Wolf — that flaming canine who, in my version, has become a mischievous and adorable little pup.

In my mind, it looked even cuter (and shinier!), but I don’t think I managed to make it as sweet as I imagined. Still, I’m happy with how I conveyed the concept: with just one bark, he sends a little heart floating into the air. 💖 Who could be afraid of that?

🔥 A WOLF WITH A HEART OF FIRE

My goal was crystal clear: take a fierce creature and give it a kawaii twist — without losing that magical, fiery energy that defines it. The result is a small wolf that doesn’t attack... it snuggles with flames!

🧠 TOOLS USED:

Photoshop (as always, my digital salvation).
Brushes: my trusty brush pack, with a few new ones featuring glitter effects
Soundtrack: This week’s rec — Wallows (half chill rock, half indie vibes)
Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px

_{(Thx to Hive account@holozing your amazing creatures.}

⏰ CREATIVE PROCESS

✏️ Phase 1: Sketch & Lineart

I started with a simpler-than-usual design, using soft shapes to ensure the character felt cuddly. I focused on puppy proportions (bigger head, small body), large ears, and expressive eyes to really bring out the cuteness.

🎨 Phase 2: Base Colors

For the base colors, of course I used the Pen Tool to separate areas into different layers — you all know I love Photoshop’s pixel lock and clipping masks. Those two are my saving grace when it comes to painting.

🌗 Phase 3: A Simple Background

This time I placed Fire Wolf in a simpler environment. I usually draw Holos deep in the jungle, but now he’s in the middle of a road — it was the easiest background and didn’t matter much for this piece anyway.

🌟 Phase 4: Pretty Eyes & a Warm Little Heart!

The eyes were the final challenge. I used Linear Dodge blend mode with the brush to give them a magical glow. I wanted them to be super saturated and full of subtle contrasts — like those ultra-detailed anime eyes. I feel I didn’t quite hit the mark, but I’ll keep practicing. I’ve got plenty of cute Holos left to paint!

The extra detail? The floating heart from his bark — a little spark of tenderness that gives this creature all the personality I hoped for.