My name is Mavari (Mave), a digital artist based out of Orlando. I'm a Game Design major at UCF with a minor in Creative Writing. I love making art of OCs and occasional #fanart ! 🎨
... Read moreHi again, Lemon8 fam! Since you're curious about me, Mavari, let me dive a little deeper into what makes me tick as a digital artist and aspiring game developer. My journey here in Orlando, studying Game Design at UCF with a minor in Creative Writing, isn't just about classes; it's about building captivating worlds and bringing unique characters to life through digital art. My passion truly lies at the intersection of storytelling and visual expression.
I often get asked about my artistic process, especially when it comes to my original characters (OCs) and fanart. For OCs, it usually starts with a spark – perhaps a unique personality trait, a compelling backstory, or even just an interesting silhouette that catches my eye. From there, I delve into their visual development (vis dev), meticulously crafting their appearance to tell a story before they utter a single word. This process is deeply intertwined with narrative design, where I consider how a character's journey unfolds, their motivations, and how they impact the world around them. Each character I create feels like compiling a unique 'TRAINER CARD Mavari adges' – a comprehensive profile of their essence, strengths, and role in their respective universe. It’s about building a complete identity, much like you'd see in a detailed game character profile.
My passion for game design isn't just theoretical; it's a hands-on exploration of interactive storytelling. Level design, for instance, is where I combine my artistic eye with strategic thinking. It's about crafting immersive environments that not only look stunning but also guide players through a compelling narrative, balancing aesthetic appeal with engaging and sometimes challenging gameplay. I find immense inspiration everywhere, from the intricate lore and creature design of games like Pokémon to the visually stunning and emotionally rich animation of Arcane, and even the intricate world-building found in books like 'A Court of Thorns and Roses.' These diverse influences are the fuel for my creative engine, whether I'm sketching a new character concept or brainstorming a groundbreaking game mechanic.
Speaking of fanart, it’s a fantastic way for me to engage deeply with stories and characters I absolutely adore, like those from Voltron or the poignant world of Violet Evergarden. It's never just about replication; it's about reinterpreting, adding my own unique flair, and deepening my understanding of character design, emotion, and storytelling. My creative writing minor is an invaluable asset here, helping me to craft compelling backstories and internal motivations, even for existing characters, making my fanart feel more personal and resonant. I love exploring how characters like Markiplier or Jacksepticeye express themselves, and often draw inspiration from their unique personas for character expression.
I'm always learning and experimenting, whether it's trying a new digital brush technique, exploring a different storytelling format, or diving into new software. Being a creator on Lemon8 means I get to share this evolving journey with you, offering glimpses into my sketchbook, my ongoing design projects, and the various fandoms that continually spark my imagination. I truly believe that sharing our creative processes and inspirations helps us all grow. I'd love to hear what art or game design topics you're most interested in, or even what your favorite fandoms are! Let's connect and share our creative worlds, perhaps even discussing how we'd design our own personal 'trainer cards' that showcase our unique skills and passions.