Japan Matsuri, final boards

Kami Illustrations

I decided to redraw my illustration of the Tengu Kami. I wasn't very happy with it and got it into my head that it looks like a pokemon. I am so much happier with this one, and think that it fits more with the traditional Japanese art style.
I have also started the illustration for Fujin, Kami of wind.

Today at uni I added colour to my illustrations. I have used a paper texture for the background and quite neutral, earthy colours to try and capture the style of traditional Japanese art.

Concept crit

Tengu Kami

I have been researching into the Japanese Shinto faith to inform my designs for the Japan Matsuri brief. My research started off quite broad, but I managed to narrow it down and I have chosen five main Kami to start illustrating.

I have started off with Karasu Tengu, who is a crow like monster, that has both human and avian characteristics. I began by illustrating by hand and then experimenting with different textures and paintbrushes digitally.

I'm not sure it's turning out how I originally intended and it needs a lot more work. I think I need to stick more to the traditional Japanese style rather than the modern. Also, I've got it into my head that this depiction of the Tengu looks like a Pokemon (and the name sounds like one too). So I'm going to try some different approaches and look at more traditional Japanese art for influence. 

Royal Armouries

On Friday we also visited the Royal Armouries, where I came across some really cool Japanese armour. It was also helpful to look at gun parts and machinery, in relation to my collaborative project with Will. There was a presentation on Samurai, their origins and how they fight in battle which was really interesting to watch.

Japan Matsuri

I have come across a festival that is to be held in Trafalgar square in London on 6th October this year. The festival celebrates Japan and its culture, arts and crafts. For one of my ten briefs I would like to produce the promotional material for this festival. I have an interest when researching different cultures and think that Japan has a lot to offer aesthetically. The orient has always been a part of the world that I am intrigued by, and I will enjoy exploring their artistic culture.