Balhae Character Design by Ziwan Li

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DESIGN DETAILS
DESIGN NAME:
Balhae

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Character Design

INSPIRATION:
The artist is deeply fascinated by the nuances of history, culture, and historical fashion. They delved into the history of the lost kingdom of Balhae, marveling at the richness and vibrancy of a culture that thrived thousands of years ago. They felt a profound sense of loss for such cultures that have vanished in the tides of history. Inspired by Balhae's legacy, they embarked on a creative journey to resurrect this long-forgotten culture through a fantasy narrative.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Set in the flourishing ancient kingdom of Balhae, 926 CE, this story follows apprentice Junghyae and her mentor, Master Yoo, called to Gyeru village. Tasked with banishing spirits from the shallow seas to ensure safe mermaid hunting for the locals, their journey illuminates the era's rich culture and mystical practices. This character design project is a visual homage to Balhae's lost civilization, blending history and fantasy through art.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
The key of this design lies in reviving lost cultures through a meticulous fusion of imagination and the scant textual references sourced by the artist from academic literature, paintings, and sculptures of neighboring countries associated with the lost culture. By imaginatively blending these elements, the artist breathes life into the forgotten cultural narratives.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
2 months, Los Angeles, January 2022

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
Character designs in this series are designed with pencil and rendered in Procreate software and Photoshop CC software.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
size: 127 cm * 127 cm, 300 dpi

TAGS:
2D, Character Design, Digital Arts, Fantasy, History

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
To reconstruct the lost civilization of Balhae authentically, I extensively researched historical descriptions, geographical studies, and neighboring societies. This included delving into customs, religious practices, military strength, and climate conditions of nearby regions like the Tang Dynasty, Khitans, Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla. Synthesizing this data, I engaged in speculation to envision Balhae's unique cultural identity, creating a credible representation of its vibrant society. This project aimed to honor Balhae's historical significance and imagine the daily lives of its people.

CHALLENGE:
Balhae was a historical kingdom that was conquered by the Khitans in 926 CE. Its legacy is somewhat enigmatic due to the scarcity of surviving artifacts, artworks, or detailed contemporary accounts about its culture, as it faded from history centuries ago. Undertaking a project to resurrect Balhae's rich cultural tapestry without abundant reference material was a formidable challenge.

ADDED DATE:
2024-02-19 02:24:33

TEAM MEMBERS (1) :


IMAGE CREDITS:
Image #1: Image Ziwan Li, Master Yoo Traveling Outfit, 2022.
Image #2: Image Ziwan Li, Apprentice Junghyae, 2022.
Image #3: Image Ziwan Li, Apprentice Junghyae Ritual Outfit, 2022. 2022.
Image #4: Image Ziwan Li, Mermaid, 2022.

PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS:
Image #1: Image Ziwan Li, Master Yoo Traveling Outfit, 2022. Image #2: Image Ziwan Li, Apprentice Junghyae, 2022. Image #3: Image Ziwan Li, Apprentice Junghyae Ritual Outfit, 2022. 2022. Image #4: Image Ziwan Li, Mermaid, 2022.

Visit the following page to learn more: https://rb.gy/6nks14


CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS
NAME:
Ziwan Li

PROFILE:
Ziwan Li is a California-based character concept designer with previous experience at Marvel Studios. She has worked on AAA games such as Apex Legends and PUBG. Specializing in character design and storytelling, Ziwan believes that design transcends mere aesthetics; there is always something meaningful to be discovered. Bringing characters to life and making them believable brings her immense joy. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and discovering the beauty of everyday objects, capturing them through her unique perspective.



NOMINATION DETAILS

Balhae Character Design by Ziwan Li is a Nominee in Digital Art Category.

· This project is currently confidential as results have not been announced yet. Images and further details of the project is not available for public yet, please check back later. If you are the owner of this design, please login to view the images.

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AWARD DETAILS

Balhae Character Design by Ziwan Li is Winner in Digital Art Category, 2023 - 2024.



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COMMENTS
Giulia Esposito Comment #100252 on June 22, 2024, 2:56 am
The sheer depth and imagination encapsulated in the "Balhae" character design are truly awe-inspiring. Delving into the rich tapestry of a long-lost culture, the project brings to life the vibrancy and complexity of the ancient kingdom of Balhae, weaving a captivating narrative that bridges history with fantasy. The dedication to resurrecting such a fascinating segment of history through digital art not only showcases a profound respect for cultural heritage but also highlights the power of art in exploring and immortalizing the narratives of civilizations that have vanished in the annals of time. The meticulous research and creative synthesis of historical and geographical data to craft a believable and richly detailed world is commendable. By employing modern digital tools like Procreate and Photoshop CC, the realization of this vision into stunning character designs that honor the legacy of Balhae is nothing short of remarkable. It is projects like these that underscore the importance of digital art as a medium for storytelling, capable of bridging gaps across time and space, allowing us to imagine the lives and societies of those who came before us. The achievement in overcoming the significant challenge of bringing to life a culture with scarce surviving records is a testament to the creativity, dedication, and skill of the artist behind this project, Ziwan Li.
Elisabeth Clark Comment #101755 on June 22, 2024, 7:57 am
Ziwan Li's award-winning work "Balhae" is a testament to the remarkable ability of digital art to bridge the gap between history and fantasy, bringing to life the rich tapestry of a forgotten civilization with such vivid detail and emotional depth. The thoughtful integration of historical research, cultural nuances, and imaginative storytelling within this character design is not only a visual homage but also an educational journey that captivates and educates the audience about the lost kingdom of Balhae. The dedication to authentically reconstruct Balhae's civilization, coupled with the artist's passion for historical accuracy and creative narrative, has resulted in a piece that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. This work stands as a shining example of how digital art can transcend mere aesthetics, serving as a powerful medium for cultural preservation and storytelling. Ziwan Li's achievement in receiving the A' Design Award is well-deserved, and their work undoubtedly inspires both fellow artists and enthusiasts alike to explore the endless possibilities of digital art in celebrating and reviving the richness of world cultures.
Mark Allen Comment #102962 on June 22, 2024, 11:58 am
Congratulations on being honored with the A' Design Award in the Digital Art Category for the captivating "Balhae" character design! This project stands out as a profound visual homage to the lost civilization of Balhae, masterfully blending historical depth and fantasy to resurrect a culture long vanished. The dedication to authentic representation through meticulous research and the creative challenge of bringing to life a world with scarce historical references is truly commendable. The use of modern digital tools such as Procreate and Photoshop CC to realize these intricate designs highlights an impressive blend of traditional artistry and contemporary technology. This work not only showcases exceptional talent in digital art but also pays a respectful tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Balhae, offering viewers a glimpse into its mystical world. Well-deserved recognition for an inspiring endeavor that bridges past and present through the power of art.

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