Repost from TikTok!

Stepping back into the world of digital art after a long break can be daunting, but some inspirations are just too powerful to ignore. For me, that inspiration came from Simon Stålenhag's incredible 'The Electric State.' If you're into dystopian retro-futurism, vast, melancholic landscapes, and a unique blend of nostalgia and unease, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Creating fanart for such a distinctive universe isn't just about drawing something cool; it's about capturing a mood, a narrative, and an entire aesthetic. My journey to create this piece of fanart started with re-reading 'The Electric State' and immersing myself in its visual storytelling. I was particularly drawn to the sense of isolation and the way advanced technology slowly decays into the mundane, almost a part of the natural landscape. I wanted to make some art that echoed that feeling. Deciding on the specific scene or subject is always the first challenge. Do I depict a lone explorer, a derelict robot, or a vast, empty suburban street under a strange, alien sky? Ultimately, I aimed for a scene that felt like it could be directly out of the book, yet still had my personal interpretation woven into it. The process of bringing this vision to life as digital art involved a lot of experimentation. I typically start with loose sketches, trying to get the composition right and establish the main focal points. For 'The Electric State' fanart, nailing the atmosphere is crucial. This often means playing with lighting and color palettes that evoke that signature Stålenhag feel – often muted, slightly desaturated, with pops of glowing tech or unexpected warmth. I spent a good amount of time layering textures, thinking about how rust would stain an abandoned vehicle or how overgrown foliage would reclaim a futuristic structure. Every detail, from the type of clouds in the sky to the specific wear and tear on a robot, contributes to the overall narrative. One of the biggest lessons I learned during this project was the importance of reference, not just for accuracy, but for inspiration. While I wanted my own unique spin, understanding Stålenhag's visual language was key. I studied his use of perspective, his character designs, and especially how he integrates advanced tech seamlessly into a familiar, almost pastoral setting. It's a delicate balance to strike – creating something that feels authentic to the source material while also being an original piece of *digital art*. There were moments of frustration, especially when a certain element wasn't quite coming together, but pushing through those creative blocks is part of the fun of making art. If you're a fan of 'The Electric State' and thinking about making your own fanart, I highly encourage it! It's a fantastic universe to interpret. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles or focus on aspects that personally resonate with you. Whether it's the towering structures, the enigmatic drones, or the quiet melancholy of a forgotten world, there's so much to explore. This piece was a refreshing dive back into my creative side, and it felt great to finally make some art again, especially for a story that has stuck with me for so long.