Shimmer: Visual Key

While we were working out the visual coding for Shimmer I was eager to create a single image that could serve as a universal reference within the film for each character's color palettes and respective shape languages.

While we were working out the visual coding for Shimmer I was eager to create a single image that could serve as a universal reference within the film for each character's color palettes and respective shape languages.

We designed Ricardo out of sterner angles and painted him in colors revolving around combustion and oxide. His coat is meant to look like a rocket, draped over a wiry and unstable frame, much like the lighthouse that represents his life’s work.

We designed Ricardo out of sterner angles and painted him in colors revolving around combustion and oxide. His coat is meant to look like a rocket, draped over a wiry and unstable frame, much like the lighthouse that represents his life’s work.

For Lucía we references caves and undergound water streams for a restless whose energy flows mostly inwards. We looked for cooler tones referencing water and mud, in opposition to Ricardo’s color palette, and we extended the idea to the maze's design.

For Lucía we references caves and undergound water streams for a restless whose energy flows mostly inwards. We looked for cooler tones referencing water and mud, in opposition to Ricardo’s color palette, and we extended the idea to the maze's design.

We wanted Mati to feel as dust particles suspended in a beam of light, blown from side to side by the conflict between his father and his sister.  

We chose a lighter palette for him, and with mostly basic round shapes defining his features.

We wanted Mati to feel as dust particles suspended in a beam of light, blown from side to side by the conflict between his father and his sister.

We chose a lighter palette for him, and with mostly basic round shapes defining his features.

The final designs and models came about with the help of these amazingly talented artists and collaborators:

Boli Nolasco - Art Direction and Character Design https://www.artstation.com/bolinolasco
Emilio Ramirez - Character Design https://www.artstation.com/emilioram
Greg Jaimes - Character Design https://www.artstation.com/gregjaimes
Raúl Sánchez - 3D Asset Supervisor https://www.artstation.com/reso
Ulises Garcías - Lead Environment Modeler https://www.artstation.com/uliy