DrunkkToys : Concept To Completion - Seeking Inspiration and Developing a Personal Style!

Seeking Inspiration and Developing a Personal Style: Explore the process of finding ideas and cultivating a unique artistic style... after our previous post HERE, Igino aka Morticella of DrunkkToys continues to share his series on the experience he has had in creating his characters... and this is the second installment one. So enjoy the read, and be on the lookout of the others!

Having gained a basic proficiency in using Blender 3D, I find myself at a crossroads: how does one carve out a distinctive style and stand out in a sea of talented artists on the web? While I am confident that my art conveys meaningful statements, I prefer not to explicitly explain the intended communication. However, there's a persistent feeling that my technique falls short, hindering my ability to convey precisely what I envision and evoke the desired emotions. The quest for a unique artistic style and the refinement of technical skills pose ongoing challenges in my creative journey.

Upon introspection, I've discovered that my true passion lies more in Gunpla than in art toys. In fact, I'll go as far as to make a bold statement: 'I'm not particularly fond of Kaws.' I attribute this inclination to my strong technical background; having been a software engineer throughout my career, my proficiency with big data, particularly in understanding normal distribution, acts as a guiding compass for me. Kaws' works, being squarely in the middle/peak of normal distribution, appeal to a broad audience—those unfamiliar with art toys appreciate them, contributing to his widespread success. However, I find myself drawn to the idea of being more of a niche creator. I aspire to cultivate a style that resonates with a more selective audience, perhaps around 5-10% of those who encounter my work.

Thus, my initial concept was to craft a robot, but the question arose: what kind of robot? A significant influence on my choice is my admiration for Full Metal Panic!!!, with Arbalest standing out as my favorite robot. However, Arbalest's style leans towards the serious, prompting me to introduce a touch of Kawaii aesthetics to balance a more 'forceful' message.

So, I embarked on the creation of a robot design, aiming for a balance between intricate details and stylization. After a month of dedicated work, I achieved a design that aligned with my expectations. However, I soon realized that conveying original ideas and making a statement with a robot character posed significant challenges. The prototyping phase, which I will elaborate on in the upcoming article [Stay tuned for the next installment in this series to delve deeper into the prototyping challenges!], presented unexpected obstacles. Now, I find myself once more in search of new styles and ideas to bring to life.

 
Therefore, I opted to align with the predominant style of art toys. The initial decision I grappled with was: Which animal should I choose? A Monkey? A Cat? A Mouse? Ultimately, I settled on a Rabbit with drooping ears, intending to convey to the audience: I'm a cartoon, but not excessively cheerful. Taking a cue from art toy culture, I dressed the rabbit in Mickey Mouse pants and gave it a skull-like face, epitomizing the distinctive style of designer toys. As a finishing touch, I incorporated a heart-shaped hole in its body as a signature touch. Initially pleased with the result, after 24 hours, I found myself growing discontent, noticing only the perceived flaws in the design.

In an attempt to infuse more personalization, I sought ways to create a design that unmistakably shouted "Drunkk Toys." I considered adding tattoos to the arms and legs, maintaining a skull-like aesthetic in the mouth. While it was a step forward, I found myself dissatisfied again after 24 hours.

I introduced a mouth with a cigar and an irezumi tattoo, yet the results left me wanting. It wasn't bad, but was it truly conveying a message? Although the name "Dead Rabbit Lives Matter" carried significant impact, I still felt unsettled. Turning to the work of artists like Juce Gace, especially his Wood Awaking Pinocchio, proved highly inspiring. Incorporating some of these details into my design garnered some success, but I remained discontent as it felt more like a homage to a great artist's work rather than an authentic representation of my own ideas. Consequently, I took a break from the project for a month, pondering what my next steps should be to create something genuinely unique and distinctive.

Ultimately, on my birthday, I awoke with a brilliant idea that flowed effortlessly. Before the day's end, I had crafted something exceptionally original, free from the influence of others. The excitement was palpable, and I eagerly anticipated the audience's response, which turned out to be incredibly positive. Prominent Instagram pages reposted my creation, garnering a plethora of likes (to date, this design boasts 700+ likes on IG, reaching 1400 accounts – a notable success). Additionally, the design was selected among Blender Nation's best of the week.

I was genuinely content with my latest design. Even after 72 hours, it still captivates me. The addition of the mask, the ghostly elements, and the play with lights brought a sense of harmony that had eluded me since I began using Blender. I believed that the audience could share in that sentiment, and the statement embedded in the artwork was remarkably potent. Yes, this was THE design destined to be brought to life. With this accomplishment, I felt prepared to delve into the next thrilling phase of my journey. Stay tuned for the upcoming article.