warrior

A Stylish Paper Doll July: Fantasy Adventuring Armors

A printable paper doll coloring page of fantasy armor with a padded gambeson, leggings and boots.
A printable paper doll coloring page of fantasy armor with a sword.

Download the PDF of 24 | Download the PDF of 25 | More July Project Paper Dolls

And now I am pleased to say we are all caught up with this paper doll project! Woo!

I wanted to do something that really let me play with fantasy stuff like armor since I hadn’t done much of that. I had ideas for chainmail, but never could get it to look right without manually drawing every link. I almost bought a brush for it, but then I have have mixed experiences paying for brushes. Some are amazing and some are kind meh. It’s tough, because you can’t really test it before you pay for it.

Anyway, I’m really happy with how both of these came out even if I didn’t end up sorting out my chainmail challenges. Rather then chainmail, I went with a padded gambeson (which I think is the right name… for the quilted padded jackets people wore as armor back in the day or sometimes under plate armor) for one and the other I did a bit more of a fantasy breastplate thing. All five pieces can mix and match, so there really quite a few options.

One thing that this digital process does that my physical process doesn’t do is that it is MUCH faster. The speed at which I can go from sketch to inking to posting is massively increased. Mostly, this is a good thing, but there is one major downside.

One of those downsides is that the human eye tends to miss things. We see as much what we “think” we are seeing as we see what is actually there.

So, I do find when I look at some of these posts I notice little things I don’t think are quite right- like I am not sure about the gauntlets on both the sets. The angles seem… maybe not quite right.

In the long term, this probably means building in a “rest” period and learning some tricks for looking at my digital art more critically. Learning things like that was sort of the point of this whole project.

Ninja Paper Doll for the End of 2020!

It’s the end of year and I am happy to wrap up with this little cute ninja warrior. You might be wondering- why a ninja paper doll? There’s nothing winter thematic about a ninja?

And you are right! There isn’t.

However, I have a new logo which I love (see top of the site) and I want to start putting it on all of my printables and that means some reformatting. So, rather than try to make something wintery to end out 2020, I decided to use my last finished piece and then have a clean slate for 2021.

Hence the ninja paper doll, who has been sitting quietly in my “to be posted” folder for longer than I like to admit. Poor Diamond deserves better than that, but these things happen.

A ninja paper doll coloring page with six mix and match pieces to print and color. Her accessories include a sword, throwing stars and some other fantasy weapons.

Download Black and White PDF | Download Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones 2.0

I originally planned to do this a very traditional ninja set with lots and lots of black, but in the end, I concluded that it was sort of boring. So, I guess my ninja is just really into the color blue. I don’t see why ninjas have to wear just black. The origins of which I think have to do with Noh theater, but I’m not 100% positive. If you know, feel free to correct me in the comments.

A ninja paper doll with mix and match pieces, weapons and fun style. Great indoor play for kids!

Download Black and White PDF | Download Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones 2.0

As 2020 comes to an end (and thanks goodness for that), I am so pleased to say I will be taking a few days off to rest and recoup. Patreon will be on pause during January (no content, but no one is being charged either, a feature I love of Patreon), but feel free to join us to check out the wrap up for the 365 Day Project!

Okay, it was 366 days, because when I named it I forgot that 2020 was a leap year.

Also, it will be available as one huge download on Etsy once I get it all combined. It’s um… pretty large.

My big new project for 2021 is an email newsletter. I am so excited! Sign up here if you’d like to or read more about it, if you’d like. There will be a paper doll coloring page in every issue and links to neat stuff and ramblings from me.

Ninjas, Can be Lavender, too? Right?

Paper doll ninjas design with armor and weapons.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Let me start by saying that I don’t really believe in “artist’s block,” because I think the way you get over such things is by actually drawing. I will confess that sometimes when I am stumped on what to draw, I end up looking at my Master Paper Doll Index and picking out a theme I haven’t done yet for the Jewels and Gemstones.

The four I know I need to work on include gothic, punk, astronauts, and ninjas.

Well, gothic, punk and astronauts will have to wait. Today, I decided to explore ninjas.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
One of the perks of having drawn a lot of paper dolls is that sometimes I go back to my own older work for inspiration, but I also wanted to look at other things as well. One thing I knew I didn’t want to do was an all black ninja outfit. Seriously, coloring things in all back is kinda boring. This is likely why I haven’t done that gothic set yet, now that I mention it.

Specific Source Images: This Illustration and This Image from Pinterest & This Ninja design from Last Year

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Ninja Stuff
Around the Internet: Some info on actual Ninjas

Last Thoughts
Mostly, I base my ninjas outfits on wrap designs, but I wanted to draw a qipao inspired piece instead. Maybe I should have said that up under my inspiration…

Joining on Patreon means getting extra paper doll content and now is a great time to join, because I just posted the August rewards.

Adventurer and Duelist Paper Doll Outfit

An fantasy adventurer in paper doll form with a leather bodice and leggings for the Jewels and Gemstones paper dolls.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Well, I’ve always loved swashbuckling films like Three Musketeers, the Princess Bride, and basically anything with pirates. I do love pirates. (Not like actual pirates, but the fantasy of pirates. Let’s be clear here. I’m not in favor of actual violence.)

I love drawing my fancy princesses, but I also like thinking about what a more practical fantasy adventurer might wear.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I do keep an entire section of my Fantasy Clothing Pinterest board devoted to “Ladies in Pants/ with swords/leather bodices”. I also keep a Pinterest Board of Fantasy Armor, but I don’t really think of these designs as being armor. I think of them just as adventurer clothing.

Specific Source Images:This outfit from Pinterest and this outfit for the Mini-Maidens

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet:My “Ladies in Pants/ with swords/leather bodices” Pinterest Collection

Last Thoughts
I love princess gowns as much as I love adventurer clothing, so I am curious, what are your favorites? Fancy gowns or more practical paper doll clothing? Let me know in a comment.

Right now there is a lot going on my life, so please be kind as I work on figuring out how to get from point A to point B. I keep thinking things will smooth out/slow down, but thus far that goal has been elusive. In the meantime, remember that I’m always sharing a weekly and monthly paper dolls on Patreon, depending on your pledge level.

A Noble Female Knight & Her Armor

A set of female knight armor with swords for the paper dolls today! Not as heavy duty as full plate, but I had a lot of fun designing it. As always, there's a black and white version too if you want.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I draw a lot of warrior paper dolls, because I really enjoy designing both pragmatic practical looking armor (like today’s) and totally absurd insane impractical looking armor (like this one) and I think both have a place. I tend to think of my paper dolls that wear more practical plate style armor as knight paper dolls, even though there’s nothing that really specifies such a thing.

When I am dealing with plate armor there’s always going to be a lot of grey, so I try to find colors to accent it. For some reason, I really like purple with gray and brown, so that’s what I went with here. I also liked that it was a little unexpected.

Also I can’t decide how to describe this. I’ve settled on “female knight armor” which I like slightly more than “lady knight armor” or “woman’s knight armor”, but I’m not smitten with any of those descriptions. It really only matters for SEO reasons, but still… sigh.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Hmmm… well, armor of course. I just wanted to do a plate armor design that didn’t go over maile (which is my usual default) so I ended up with this.

Specific Source Images: This fantasy armor illustration and this fantasy armor illustration

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Warrior Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: I keep a whole fantasy armor board on Pinterest for inspiration when designing these sorts of things.

Last Thoughts
I know there’s a word for these quilted coats that go under plate armor, but I’ll be darned if I can remember what it is. Maybe someone can help me out in the comments?

One of the blessings/curses of having done so many paper dolls is that I sometimes feel like I am repeating myself. I try not to let that bother me, because when it comes to paper dolls the process is what I really enjoy. I think of it like knitting or sewing. You can buy a shirt or a you can buy a hat, but if you enjoy the process of making one than who cares how many you have made? I do try to seek out variety though- both because it entertains me and because I think I would get really bored if I didn’t.

As always, comments are always appreciated and if you would like to support the blog than consider becoming a patron.

Viking Woman Warrior Inspired Fantasy Outfit with Weapons

A viking woman warrior fantasy outfit with trousers, tunic and weapons. The weapons are critical to the design. A free printable art design in color or black and white.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
On some level, I draw the sorts of paper dolls I wanted as a child. I wanted hundreds of outfits. I didn’t want 100s of dolls, but one doll with a huge wardrobe. Well, now a days I also recognize the importance of doll variety (being that I am no longer 12) and I have too much fun drawing different dolls to just have one.

Beyond all that, I draw things that I feel like drawing. This isn’t great for the sites stats, but it does make me happy. Sometimes, that means I draw a Viking woman warrior in the form of a paper doll outfit. I firmly believe anything can become paper doll clothing. (Not anything SHOULD become paper doll clothing, but that’s a whole different issue, you know?)

Now, I admit things get a little random around here. This week they certainly will, but I hope everyone has as much fun as I do with the random.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
In my head, I sort of organize my fantasy paper dolls in to several categories based on their general aesthetic. There’s Asia inspired or Renaissance inspired or Russia inspired. Today’s set was Viking inspired, but I mean… it’s a fantasy outfit, but it feels Viking to me.

Specific Source Images: This Viking Woman Warrior which I found on Pinterest and couldn’t find a source for, sadly. It’s lovely digital art. Let me know if you know the artist.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Viking Inspired Paper Dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: The Viking Inspired Section of my Fantasy Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
Today’s Viking inspired fantasy outfit will be followed by some professional wear tomorrow. See, I said this week would be random.

This week’s random collection would have gone up last week, but cybergoth won the poll I gave those who support me on Patreon. If you want some input into those things, you can join us there.

Now, I know I will always sometimes have random weeks, because I don’t always want to draw a bunch of the same thing, but I am curious. Do you prefer weeks with themes or weeks of random? I feel a little divided. I think theme weeks are great if you like the theme, but maybe little dull if you happen to hate cybergoth or something. What do you think? Let me know in a comment.

Pearl in Pulpy Fantasy Armor

Today's printable paper doll celebrates pulpy fantasy armor. She's got long blond hair with redbraids and leather armor, boots and sandals. Free to print in color or black and white.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
One of the quirky thing about creating a long term project like Paper Thin Personas is that I tend to think “Oh, everyone reads every post” and then reality is that most people don’t read every post. I probably shouldn’t worry so much about repeating myself when I write these posts.

So, at the danger of repeating myself, I should say that today’s paper doll is a theme I have done many times before. I do love pulpy improbable fantasy armor.

I get that this armor caters to the “male gaze.” I understand it wouldn’t work to possibly defend yourself. And I know it’s completely illogical, sexualized, and ridiculous.

And I really don’t care- I still like it.

I believe that the best thing you can do when you like something is to draw it, because you like it. No one else has to be pleased or satisfied with my paper dolls, but me.

Well, me and my Patrons, but they’re a pretty supportive lot.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I watched a lot of Xena: Warrior Princess and I love the old pulp comics like Flash Gordon.

Specific Source Images:Callisto’s Armor from Xena: Warrior Princess

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Paper Doll Armor & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Women Fighters In Reasonable Armor (aka: Not What This Paper Doll Wears) & My Fantasy Armor Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
Tomorrow will be the first Archives post featuring fairy paper dolls. It should be super fun. I didn’t realize how many fairies I had drawn over the years.

Over on Patreon there will be an exclusive snow princess paper doll for my Patrons. Join and you can see her, too.

Dabbling in the World of Ninja For the A Pose Ladies

A set of ninja inspired paper doll clothing for the A Pose paper dolls with swords and accessories.

Printable Black & White PDF Printable Color PDF More Paper Dolls & Clothes
So, a few weeks ago I made a list of themes I hadn’t drawn for the Dames and Dandies yet and I have been gradually inching my way through the list. Today’s paper doll is one of those themes- the ninja.

I have to admit I do basically no research for this ninja paper doll outfit. Everything I know about ninja I learned watching martial-arts films in college. Most of which were subtitled from Hong Kong and only half of which I actually completely could follow the plot.

I wasn’t as much of a fan of the genre was some dear friends were.

Anyway, the films heavily influenced my ideas of what ninja might wear, though (as mentioned) there’s no historical basis of this interpretation. I also watched a lot of Teenage Mutant  Ninja Turtles as  a child and this probably impacted me in strange ways. 

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Fantasy Warrior’s Pulpy Armor for The A Pose Paper Dolls

A set of fantasy armor of the paper dolls from paperthinpersonas.com, because sometimes paper dolls want to be fantasy warrior princesses.

Printable Black & White PDF Printable Color PDF More Paper Dolls & Clothes
So, I grew up watching Xena: Warrior Princess. I blame my love this old TV show for my love of totally improbable fantasy and pulpy warrior armor. I do realize that this armor would be completely useless in a fight, but that didn’t mean it doesn’t look cool and wasn’t fun to draw. This is my second set of pulpy armor and I think I should really draw some real plate armor one of these days.

For this armor, I wanted a thematic shape that could hold the whole design together and I chose this very simplified paisley/leaf motif that you’ll see on the belts on her trousers and in the pummels of the weapons. Once I had that shape, I tried to add color and create something that felt like it could be from one of the old Prince Valiant comics. I confess that I ended up thinking there was something a little East Asian in the whole design, but I can’t really explain why it feels that way to me. It certainly wasn’t my intention when I started.

Few things I should mention, I am traveling over the weekend and my life is about a crazy as it can be right now. I am really trying to avoid putting the blog on haitus as I work through the end of the semester and some major work things. So, wish me luck as I juggle flaming swords and/or herd my ducks into a corral. (My ducks are never in rows, but on good days I get them corralled.)

Meanwhile, support the blog through Patreon if you enjoy it.

And I am curious, should I draw some full plate armor for my lady and gent paper dolls? Let me know what you think in a comment.

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

C Pose Gents and Their Fantasy Warrior Attire

Printable Black & White PDF Printable Color PDF More Paper Dolls & Clothes
When I first started the Dames and Dandies series, I made a list of some of the things I knew I needed to draw for them. A sort of wish list of sets that I knew I would want, because I try to draw a diverse variety of styles and sets.

One of the things towards the top of the list was to create what I think of as “classic fantasy” attire for all of the poses. To me, classic fantasy is sort of quasi-medieval looks with tunics for men and long gowns for women. Lots of solid colors and boots, maybe a sword or two.

In short, the think of Tolkien inspired stuff that tends to be classic when you imagine fantasy clothing.

There’s an additional color scheme for today’s paper doll on my Patreon page.

Need a a Doll to wear today’s clothing? All the C Pose Dolls & Clothing