For my VR project, I knew I wanted the art style to evoke a sense of whimsy and romance, transporting users into a world that feels both dreamlike and intimate.
One of the main influences on the project’s style is the organic architecture of Antoni Gaudí, particularly his magnum opus, La Sagrada Familia. The intricate, flowing forms of Gaudí’s designs—his combination of nature, geometry, and dreamlike curves—felt like a perfect fit for the immersive, fluid nature of VR. This influence manifests in curvilinear, almost surreal shapes in the environment, creating a world that feels both grounded and otherworldly.
I also drew from the tactile qualities of victorian postcards, watercolor and sketchbook art. Watercolor, with its unpredictable flow and transparency, offers a wonderful contrast to the rigid precision of most 3D environments. I wanted to capture that same spontaneity and fluidity, as though the world itself is being painted in real-time.
The color palette was crucial in conveying the mood I wanted to achieve. I chose a range of autumnal hues—warm, inviting, and vibrant. These colors not only tie into the romantic, nostalgic feel of the world but also complement the sense of intimacy I hope users will experience while interacting with the environment.
To achieve the desired look, I experimented with a modeling and texturing technique that gives 3D objects a painted-on appearance. This approach draws heavily from artists like Cody Gindy and the distinct visual style of the game Madrid Noir. Gindy’s work, with its use of bold, graphic shapes and painterly textures, inspired me to push the boundaries of realism and embrace a more stylized, expressive form. Madrid Noir, with its use of color and texture, further reinforced the idea of blending traditional art forms with modern technology. The result is an environment that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of an artist’s sketchbook, a world that feels hand-crafted and alive with possibility.
