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1. DIRECTION
The Tulkun, a spiritual whale-like creature in the world of Pandora, plays a significant role. While rewatching the film twice, I took notes and gathered images to capture the intricate patterns, colors, and thematic elements. A pivotal moment in the movie, where Lo'ak swims into the belly of the Tulkun to uncover hidden truths, became the inspiration for my design.
3. TRADING CARDS
After establishing a direction, I started designing the cards at the start of the process. I thoroughly researched each character's background, including their age, role, weapon of choice, origin, etc. I also studied various trading card styles, such as Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and baseball cards, to consider different design elements.
3. 3D MODELING
I made the creature hollow to encase the cards, symbolizing Lo'ak's discovery of the truth. This process of blending research and design allowed me to thoughtfully implement the cards into the model while ensuring that the collectible stayed true to the narrative and themes of the 'Avatar' universe.
4. FINAL STEPS
I printed a miniature version of the Tulkun to assess the material, sizing, and how my digital design translates to a physical model. After making the final refinements in Blender, I printed another version, sanded it, spray-painted it, and finished with hand-painted details.
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FINAL PRODUCT
This creation symbolizes the deep connections and unique perspectives shared within the story, I chose to focus on creating the head of the Tulkun, making it hollow to house a trading card set of the main characters, symbolizing Lo'ak's journey of discovery and connection with this powerful creature. This combination of research, film analysis, and design helped me stay true to the narrative while creating a meaningful, functional collectible.
PAYAKAN THE TULKUN
What differentiates Paykan from the others is its missing fin and lack of spiritual markings on its belly. These physical traits highlight Payacan’s identity as an outcast.
TRADING CARDS
This card set features each main character along with their bio. I added unique elements, like using the Papyrus font as used in the film, setting their HP as their age (multiplied by 10), and including icons that represent their place of origin.
IN CONCLUSION...
Working on the 'Avatar' project allowed me to combine my love for storytelling with 3D design while learning how to use Blender for the first time. I focused on bringing the whale-like creature to life as a functional and imaginative movie collectible, balancing creativity with practicality.
If I had more time, I would enhance the symbolism of human greed by adding air floats and rope around the container to represent the consequences of exploitation. I would also expand the card set to include various creatures from Pandora, helping fans better understand the world and its spiritual significance. These additions would elevate the emotional impact of the piece and create a deeper connection to the themes in 'Avatar.' This project reinforced my belief in the power of thoughtful design and reminded me why I am passionate about transforming a visual experience into something profoundly meaningful.
CLIENT
20th Century Studios
TIMELINE
8 weeks
CATEGORY
Package Design
Print Design
BRIEF
Inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water, this project seamlessly blends storytelling and 3D design to craft a unique collectible that captures the film's striking visual essence. Designed as a functional art piece for storing valuables, it embodies the rich underwater world of the film while offering a tangible and interactive connection to its narrative.
This collectible is designed to appeal to both fans of the Avatar franchise and collectors of movie memorabilia, showcasing the innovative potential of 3D design to merge creativity, practicality, and storytelling into a cohesive experience.
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER COLLECTIBLE
ABOUT THE FILM
The film explores the bond between Lo'ak and a Tulkun who has been cast out by his own kind. Both characters find kinship in their shared sense of rejection and misunderstanding. Their connection drives key moments, highlighting themes of loyalty, redemption, and the powerful bond between humans and Pandora's creatures.
ABOUT THE FILM
"Avatar: The Way of Water" is a sci-fi action film set after the first "Avatar." It follows Jake Sully, Neytiri, and their kids (Neteyam, Lo'ak, Kiri, & Tuk) as they navigate their new life away from the forest and into Pandora's stunning waters. They encounter new creatures and challenges, ultimately leading them to confront the impact of human greed on their world.