The requirements of this brief were to take a look at the objects around us, and use the theory of Pareidolia to discover unique characters and faces in every day objects. From there we needed to develop 7 characters from these selected objects, ensuring that all 7 had a face and a body and were all connected to each other. To start off we had to develop a unique world for these characters to live in, and from there we could create the storyline and theme of the story. Once that was done it was time to generate the 7 characters, which in the end design would need to be made into stickers that would work for both print and digital platforms.
The core concept of my world is Grimdark. Grimdark is a subgenre of speculative fiction with a tone, style, or setting that is particularly dystopian, amoral, or violent. In my world there is a rare celestial event known as the “Cursed Celestial Alignment.” It occurs every year, and during this alignment, the heavens themselves seem to weep and the earth is infused with dark energies. The main focus is a villiage. The village is surrounded by The Veilwood, a massive, dense forest with towering trees and thick undergrowth. The
forest is known for its perpetual twilight, where only faint dappled light manages to pierce the canopy. In the heart of the world, there’s a desolate expanse known as the Bloodlands. It’s a barren wasteland with crimson-hued, lifeless soil that gives it its name. The Bloodlands are the result of a disastrous event tied to the Cursed Celestial Alignment, leaving the ground infertile and tainted. The air is thick with an eerie, blood-red mist that blankets the area, casting an unsettling atmosphere. The tribes living within the Veilwood prioritize survival and harmony with nature. They have a deep respect for the forest and its mysterious forces. They believe in the balance of life and death, as well as maintaining a connection with ancestral spirits.
forest is known for its perpetual twilight, where only faint dappled light manages to pierce the canopy. In the heart of the world, there’s a desolate expanse known as the Bloodlands. It’s a barren wasteland with crimson-hued, lifeless soil that gives it its name. The Bloodlands are the result of a disastrous event tied to the Cursed Celestial Alignment, leaving the ground infertile and tainted. The air is thick with an eerie, blood-red mist that blankets the area, casting an unsettling atmosphere. The tribes living within the Veilwood prioritize survival and harmony with nature. They have a deep respect for the forest and its mysterious forces. They believe in the balance of life and death, as well as maintaining a connection with ancestral spirits.
A village within Veilwood is surrounded by ample amounts of Shadowwood, putting a target on their back. This village, namely Gingerhaven, is unique as its inhabitants all only have ginger hair. In war against the BrunettBongolo and BlondeBlinders, the GingerHaven has assembled an army of unique characters that fight against their opponents in the Bloodlands. The Crimson Guard, a name that not only acknowledges the distinguishing
feature of the soldiers, their ginger hair, but also conveys a sense of strength and loyalty, which are essential qualities for any military force. “Crimson” reflects the fiery and distinct colour of their hair, while “Guard” suggests their role in protecting and defending Gingerhaven and its interests. Something different about this army is that each member wears a carefully crafted mask. The masks are a symbol of unity among the soldiers. Everyone, regardless of their individual appearance, wears a mask, creating a sense of equality and solidarity. The soldiers become known by their unique masks rather than their individual identities, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
feature of the soldiers, their ginger hair, but also conveys a sense of strength and loyalty, which are essential qualities for any military force. “Crimson” reflects the fiery and distinct colour of their hair, while “Guard” suggests their role in protecting and defending Gingerhaven and its interests. Something different about this army is that each member wears a carefully crafted mask. The masks are a symbol of unity among the soldiers. Everyone, regardless of their individual appearance, wears a mask, creating a sense of equality and solidarity. The soldiers become known by their unique masks rather than their individual identities, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
The assignment showcased a unique fusion of writing and design, revealing the seamless synergy between narrative development and character creation. As a passionate writer, the process of crafting individual backstories for each character not only added depth but also served as a foundation for the design process. This interdisciplinary approach allowed for the organic growth of characters within the established world, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience. The introduction of pareidolia as a design technique brought an unexpected and humorous dimension to the characters. By finding familiar shapes and forms within unrelated elements, I was able to sculpt the characters into whimsical yet emotionally resonant forms. This technique not only added a layer of creativity but also provided a visual language that conveyed emotions effectively. Despite the challenges, the assignment was an enjoyable journey that highlighted the potential for creative expression in both writing and design. The characters became more than visual representations; they evolved into storytellers, each contributing a unique chapter to the unfolding epic within the Veilwood.
