Multitool

Mononoke : Wrath of the Forest Spirits

Medium: UI Art

Project type: Personal

Tools used: Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Unreal Engine, Midjourney (only for backgrounds), DaVinci Resolve, FL Studio

As a tech artist with a passion for UI Art and a deep love for Miyazaki's films, I embarked on an exciting project: creating a Dark Souls-inspired ui art set in the movie Princess Mononoke.

This project blends the mystical atmosphere of Dark Souls with the nature-driven world of Miyazaki.

I aimed to respect Miyazaki's connection to nature while introducing a darker, more intense tone.

It was exciting to imagine gameplay features and bring them to life through UI design.

Art Direction

I incorporated Japanese elements such as ink textures to evoke the style of traditional Japanese prints, and used parchment to create a natural, authentic feel. During my research, I also discovered the art of Shibori, a Japanese tie-dye technique, which I integrated into several screens, adding depth and cultural richness to the overall visual design.

Midjourney Enhanced

To enhance my artwork and kick-start the project, I used Midjourney to create backgrounds and illustrations. This tool proved invaluable for setting the mood and visualizing scenes, providing quick and effective visual references. It was a truly enjoyable experience to see my main character come to life, almost as if she were part of a Miyazaki film, adding a unique and poetic touch to the project.

Icons & Symbols

For my work on symbolism, I found inspiration in Japanese esotericism and cave paintings. The mystical and spiritual elements of Japanese traditions gave me a rich foundation to explore, while the raw, primal quality of cave paintings added an authentic, visceral feel. Blending these influences helped create a distinctive and compelling visual identity for the project.

See more on Behance

Heirs of the Forest

Heirs of the Forest grew out of this project. While working on Mononoke: Wrath of the Forest Spirits, I became deeply attached to the main character I had created and to the story taking shape around them.

Wanting to make that story real, I expanded this universe beyond interface design. Heirs of the Forest allowed me to explore the character’s journey in depth, shaping a rich narrative, emotional landscapes, and a backstory that gives substance to the world hinted at throughout this project.