SMOD MAGAZINE

The Art of World-Building: My Creative Process

The Art of World-Building: My Creative Process

When I begin to draw, it feels like opening a door into my own universe—a place where emotions, ideas, and the peculiarities of my mind transform into shapes and colors. There’s something almost hypnotic about the process. On one hand, I try to maintain a certain control, a technique that gives coherence to what I create. On the other, I let emotion take the lead. This mix of logic and chaos always leads me to unexpected places, where art becomes a reflection of who I am.

A lot of my inspiration comes from shows like Adventure Time and Regular Show, which taught me that art doesn’t need strict rules to connect with people. Recently, indie video games have also played a role in my creative journey, especially titles like Little Misfortune and Sally Face. These games, with their dark yet emotional aesthetics, have shown me that it’s possible to address deep and complex themes without losing a sense of fantasy and irreverence. They create worlds where the visual narrative is so full of symbolism and feeling that you feel as though you could step into them.

When I design a character, I think about how to capture that mix of charm and darkness. I love the idea of creating characters that evoke multiple emotions, that tell a story with just an expression or a small detail in their clothing. As I bring my own characters to life, I aim for them to feel dynamic and layered, as if they’re more than just lines on a page.

My settings are just as crucial to my work. I don’t want my backgrounds to be simply decorative; I want them to feel alive, with each corner having its own purpose and story. Just like in those games where every object or detail has meaning within the narrative, I try to infuse my environments with that same sense of mystery and symbolism. Sometimes, my worlds are colorful and overflowing; other times, they are dark and somber. But I always strive to create spaces that invite exploration and discovery, even if it’s just a small visual secret.

Music, too, is a constant companion on this journey. Each note guides the rhythm of my lines and decisions, giving me a sense of direction and drive to keep exploring. It’s as if every melody leads me deeper into this world I’m building, where my characters express feelings that resonate within me.

Drawing is my way of navigating my inner world, inspired by all these fictional universes that, while not real, have made me feel things profoundly. Through my illustrations, I try to create a space where others can experience those same shades of humor, darkness, and tenderness. It’s a journey where emotions become characters, settings tell stories, and every line I draw is a reminder that art is a sanctuary for what is strange, beautiful, and deeply human in all of us.