Goth Goldfish pt.2

Hey everyone! So thrilled to share my latest piece, part of my ongoing 'Goth Goldfish' series. You guys know how much I love Splatoon 3, and I've always wanted to explore how its vibrant world could merge with a darker, gothic aesthetic. This time, I really challenged myself to bring that vision to life, focusing on an Octoling and some truly unique Salmonid designs. For the Octoling, I imagined a character who still fits perfectly into the Splatoon universe but with a distinct, edgy flair. I spent a lot of time on her outfit, giving her those iconic goggles but with a slightly more rugged look, and that purple headpiece? Totally inspired by classic gothic fashion, but reinterpreted for an Inkling/Octoling. And that large purple weapon she's wielding? It's not just for show – I pictured it having a heavy, almost industrial feel, perfectly complementing her strong, silent persona. The shadowy purple Octarian-like figure lurking behind her is meant to add a layer of mystery and power, hinting at deeper lore or perhaps a darker side to the Splatoon world we know. It's all about creating that contrast between the game's bright colors and the moody gothic tones. Then there are the Salmonids. Oh, the Salmonids! I absolutely adore their quirky designs, but for this 'Goth Goldfish' piece, I wanted to give them a grittier, almost post-apocalyptic vibe. You can see one of them with a gas mask – I thought, what if Salmonids evolved to survive in even harsher, more polluted environments? The green-finned fish are my take on what a 'gothic Salmonid' might look like, perhaps swimming in more shadowy, forgotten corners of the Splatlands. It was so much fun playing with their textures and making them feel a bit more menacing, yet still recognizable. When I first started this 'Goth Goldfish' series, the idea was to take something inherently vibrant and playful, like the Splatoon universe, and infuse it with a touch of the melancholic and dramatic that I adore in gothic art. This particular piece, part two of the series, pushed me to think deeper about character silhouettes and emotional expression. The Octoling’s posture, for instance, isn't just cool; it's designed to convey a certain resilience and perhaps a hint of defiance against the conventional. Every detail, from the slight tilt of her goggles to the way her purple headpiece flows, was chosen to enhance that gothic narrative. The background elements, like that looming Octarian figure, weren't just filler. I wanted to create a sense of scale and an underlying tension, suggesting that even in a 'goth' version of Splatoon, there are still formidable forces at play, perhaps even more mysterious than before. And the choice of colors, while still recognizing Splatoon's iconic palette, leans heavily into deeper purples, grays, and crimson accents, giving it that unmistakable gothic feel without losing its Splatoon identity. It’s a delicate balance, and I find immense joy in experimenting with it. For the Salmonids, moving from their usual bubbly or aggressive forms to something more haunting was equally rewarding. The gas mask on one of them isn't just a cool accessory; it tells a story of adaptation in a world that might not always be kind. And those green fins on the others? They're meant to glow eerily in the dark, hinting at bioluminescence in deep, forgotten waters. I tried to imagine what kind of environment these 'goth Salmonids' would inhabit, and that really guided my design choices. It’s all about building a rich, imaginative world around these characters. I'm constantly drawing inspiration from both the game's rich lore and classic gothic literature and art. It's truly a passion project, and seeing it come to life, especially in a way that resonates with fellow fans, is incredibly fulfilling. I hope this piece sparks your imagination as much as it did mine! Let me know what other Splatoon characters you'd love to see with a gothic twist. Your feedback always inspires my next creation! What do you think of this Goth Octoling and these revamped Salmonids?