Art Style

A brief overview of our decision-making. Extended blog post coming soon.

Facing a new direction, together.

Characters

Our artwork is focused on the characters turning toward their future journey. We noticed that there were many identical style profile pictures in the space, so we made a bold decision to turn these characters away from the 'camera' in order to create something that symbolized the change we wanted to showcase. We also wanted each character to express a sense of adventure in order to allow users to construct a narrative focused on their unique journey. As a result, each character trait has been carefully crafted and considered to open up countless narrative possibilities.

Creative process & inspiration

We considered many methods to depict the shift we wished to bring about in the environment—something that enables individuals to be authentic and do what they want to do rather than simply follow trends—during the early stages of our creative process. The decision of facing the opposite direction came to counter a space that seemed to be rehashing historical success stories. As in many well-being practices, we wanted our characters to face inward, focused on reflection while able to look at everything else in a new world around them.

The Ghibli films were a huge source of influence for our art in the beginning. In contrast to most anime films, these animations feature muted, toned-down colors that are easier on the eyes and more calming to watch. This influenced our decision to choose a pastel color scheme, along with linework that is noticeable but remains light. Many color and tone inspirations also came from LoFi anime aesthetics. After deciding on the overall look and feel, we began by developing a core persona and a universe in which these characters lived. We took inspiration from sci-fi and cyberpunk referneces here because we wanted the world to be set in the future; rebellious misfits in society, bold and embracing technology, with strong attitudes and personalities. Balancing something rugged and dystopian, yet high-tech, with a more calming art style was difficult, so we developed designs to implement all elements in a way that resembled the universe the characters were in. 'Scars of the past' are the hallmarks that our characters permanently carry with them, a concept we felt important to include so that they can display their raw and honest selves, ready to leave the city on a journey with all the learnings and experiences they have had.

The fashion reflects both the city and the personalities of the Cozies. There is a lot of loungewear, streetwear and urban styles, in addition to outdoor gear equipping our characters for adventures. Technological devices and wearables showcase the futuristic side of our world.

We also wanted to form a resemblance to the physical world, to make it feel as though the characters exist within a real, breathing, living place. For example, we convey movement through background patterns and the weather feature's influence on certain character traits within the art.

Our collection of 10,000 NFTs consists of all the elements that inspired us and represent the culture that we are bringing forth for holders and our wider community - a Cozy culture.

Traits

Each character trait has been meticulously crafted and thoroughly considered. With our traits, we wanted to explore the storytelling aspect and add things that pique viewers' imagination and curiosity. Ghibli films, for example, often contain central themes that deal with the characters' emotions and personal growth, executed in a way that strikes balance between reality and fantasy. We wanted to do something similar with each of the objects; give viewers the curiosity and possibility to expand their character's journies in their own unique way. Frens

We decided that characters should have a companion (Fren) with them that supports and assists along their journey. A series of robots that have their own unique functions and personalities, that can be expanded upon in addition to the main characters.

Auras

Auras are often depicted as a reflection of yourself based on your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. It is said that understanding auras gives you a better understanding of who you are as a person and how you can do better things in life. We wanted to implement this concept within our collection by devising 8 aura colors, embedded into the characters as their skin tone.