▮
Harrison Phan
Branding - animation - packaging
Software: Blender, Unreal Engine, After Effects
Fall 2024 - Individual Project
This project explores the creation of a distinct brand identity for a next-generation NFT project that bridges digital and physical experiences through contemporary cultural trends. While NFTs have declined in mainstream popularity, their perception can be reshaped through a more familiar and tactile mode of engagement. Drawing inspiration from the growing appeal of blind box culture among Millennials and Gen Z, [AI]dols reimagines the NFT experience as one of mystery, collectibility, and surprise.
Branding Concept: The Digital & Horror
[AI]dols explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, horror, and digital culture through the lens of brand design. The visual language of the project emerged from an investigation into the concept of fear.
Inspired by HP Lovecraft’s descriptions of the uncomprehensible, the project embraces ambiguity and abstraction as design tools. Rooted in the NFT-sphere, the adoption of a surrealist take on the retro-digital identity made sense for the project.
[AI]dols explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, horror, and digital culture through the lens of brand design. The visual language of the project emerged from an investigation into the concept of fear.
Inspired by HP Lovecraft’s descriptions of the uncomprehensible, the project embraces ambiguity and abstraction as design tools. Rooted in the NFT-sphere, the adoption of a surrealist take on the retro-digital identity made sense for the project.
The concept of the project is to subvert the contemporary mode of NFT purchases by bringing blind box-style purchasing to this niche on the internet. The blind box industry has boomed in a post-pandemic world and has become widely popular amongst all ages, but especially targeting the Millenial and Gen-Z market.
Purchases of the NFT follows the standard procedures of buying an NFT on a marketplace like OpenSea, except the buyer will not have knowledge on which sculpture they bought. Instead they will promptly receive a blind box and only once they open it will they know which [AI]dol from the Digital Sculpture Garden they own. This brings the fun and interactive experience of blind box purchases to the NFT marketplace.
Collaborating with AI models to produce figures and atmospheres that capture the concept’s vibe. Curated generations were then 3D modeled in Blender.
Unfolded packaging design - Design process: mockup to final