I wanted young merlin to appear dangerous and sinister which adds a nice jux-opposition to his age. The clothes are meant to look royal but damaged due to him being in the forest for some time now.
I wanted the character to look warn and tired but still strong. I gave him dark eyes to help with this. His clothes are meant to look torn and help together with twigs and leaves. The purple relates the young version of merlin suggesting he ripped the royal clothing he once had to use as material.
Variant final piece that I never really finished.
Old Merlins face studies.
Something extra that we werent asked to create but I thought it may help with the narrative.
Unsuccessful Ideas: