Minumi
Welcome to the world of Minumi. Beginning as a design challenge to come up with a creature design every day for one year, it has grown to encompass so much more and is my ultimate passion project. Artistically inspired by franchises like Pokémon and Steven Universe, with thematic influences from The Borrowers and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Minumi is the world where I can freely create characters, stories, designs, illustrations; basically anything I want to scratch my current creative itch. This project is still ongoing, so look forward to more in the future!
What are Minumi?
Minumi are minuscule creatures that inhabit a fantastical world where a mysterious event caused all inhabitants to shrink down and adapt to a new way of life. They come in all shapes and (small) sizes, and each have a personality that is unique to them. These creatures have been brought to life by digital illustrations and concept art currently being revealed daily on my instagram page, @brynnerart.
The bright color palette and clean shape-language helps make even the most obscure Minumi feel like they are a part of of the greater roster. The indigo line-art gives a sense of whimsy and visual identity.
Character Design
Allowing for freedom in my character design, I established five fantasy races to the Minumi mythos: Minufolk, Minufell, Minufae, Minufin and Minufang. Each have defining physical traits that set them apart and influence how their culture developed. Below are some concept sketches for many characters that may make their debut in the Minumi canon at some point.
The characters that I select for further exploration then receive concept illustrations to help develop their personalities and designs.
Bringing Minumi to life
Flat designs can only convey so much, and so when imagining the lore of this project, I have been creating digital illustrations that portray scenes and key story moments. Lighting, action, drama and composition are all things that I have been exploring here, as well as practicing environment rendering.
