Personal Project
Year: 2017
Category: Illustration
Hell's Angel
I grew up around mangas and games. They fuelled my imagination with unique worlds and universes. I have always had a character named Hanayuki in my mind — she stayed there for awhile before finally materializing this year.
On Instagram, I chanced upon the work of Mau Lencinas and was fascinated by them. Hell's Angel is a personal project that I spent quite awhile to perfect. For the first time in my life, I attempted a hand at concept art.
Angel of Death
Hanayuki is Hell's Angel of Neo Tokyo*. I envisioned her to be a Sailormoon-like figure but deadlier. Unlike Sailormoon, she has gone through a lot. Hanayuki has her flaws, she is not perfect. In the day, she is like any other girl on the street. But when in it turns dark, she is an anti-hero who destroys evil.
She is a symbol of justice, strength, and bravery to both young and old whom she has helped. A light that has not failed them.
*Wiki: Neo Tokyo (ネオ東京 Neo Tōkyō) or "New Tokyo" is a common name for a fictional futuristic version of Tokyo often depicted in manga, anime and video games, originally dating to Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira.
"For those who have sinned, beware.
It's said, an angel will send you to the depths of hell with the sweetest smile."
Her Story
Hanayuki is a child that has been experimented from birth and raised in Deepground, a top-secret military organization created by Shinra Electric Power Company headed from the secretive Mako Reactor 0 beneath the Shinra Headquarters in Midgar. (FFVII* - Dirge of Cerberus reference) Originally, groomed as one of the Tsviets (an elite group of soldiers that lead the Deepground army) however at an early age, she managed to break out of Deepground’s conditioning and escape, leaving her brothers, Weiss & Nero behind. A few years later, the trio left Midgar and traveled across different universes, making allies along the way.
While escaping some madness in Ivalice (FFXII* reference), they stumbled through a portal leading them to the Infinity Fortress in Neo Tokyo (GetBackers* manga reference). Maria and the inhabitants kindly offered them a place to stay put until they have adjusted to this new environment.
3 years later, Rufus Shrina sets up a branch of Shinra Corporation in Neo Tokyo with the intention of expanding his new vision of good while fixing the damages of the past. By helping out at the organization, the trio gather Intel of other universes and maintained a close relationship with their allies. Offering their help whenever possible. In her most recent missioon, Hanayuki traveled to Eos to assist King Noctis on his quest, had an unforgettable road trip and became a Kingsglaive (Final Fantasy XV* reference).
Although she enjoyed the comfortable and peaceful life in Neo Tokyo, she was unable to push back the urge to fight and kill, a life she has gotten used to. In the day, she worked as a graphic designer while In the night, Hanayuki helps the good. Cleansing the world of the evil, individuals who have no concept of good.
*FFVII - Dirge of Cerberus (Final Fantasy 7 - Dirge of Cerberus game), FFXII - (Final Fantasy 12 game), FFXV (Final Fantasy 15)
Wiki: Final Fantasy is a science fiction and fantasy media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and developed and owned by Square Enix (formerly Square). Although most Final Fantasy installments are stand-alone stories with different settings and main characters, they feature identical elements that define the franchise. Recurring elements include plot themes, character names, and game mechanics. Plots center on a group of heroes battling a great evil while exploring the characters' internal struggles and relationships. Character names are frequently derived from the history, languages, pop culture, and mythologies of cultures worldwide.
*GetBackers Manga is a Japanese manga series written by Yuya Aoki and illustrated by Rando Ayamine.
Wiki: The series tells the story of Ginji Amano and Ban Mido, a pair of super powered individuals known as the "GetBackers". The duo operates a freelance repossession service out of one of the seedier areas of Shinjuku, Tokyo. For a fee, they will recover any lost or stolen item for a client with "an almost 100% success rate". The GetBackers' job often leads them into bizarre and dangerous situations in order to "get back what shouldn't be gone". Their targets range from lost video games to misplaced components of an atomic bomb. The plot mostly revolves around their adventures, often complicated by the pair's convoluted, individual pasts and a mysterious place known as the Infinity Fortress.
Her Style
Like most girls, she loves makeup, fashion (Favourite brand: Adidas) and chewing bubblegum. Hanayuki is always seen in bright colours. Often with her full gear, she is assumed to be a cosplayer.
She carries a mean load out. Her sniper rifle is her favourite weapon, "Her Fury" which she unleashes from great distances. Fast, silent and little trouble. Hanayuki mostly works in stealth mode and acts quickly. Her most graceful death kill involves having a short control over her enemy's mind, gracing them with a traditional dance performance and ending their lives with her metal fans - Angel's Cry.
–
Project Reflection
Hell's Angel was first created in January 2017. However, at that time, it was still a haze. I started working on the background first which I thought was great* and continued on to the character which I failed to like. I decided I probably need to come back to this later on.
The next time I worked on it, would be in August, 7 months later. Starting afresh, I pondered over how she should look. Her qualities were very distinct but everything else was blurry.
Then it hit me, she would be an everyday girl, who liked makeup, wearing cool clothes with a tough past. I visited pinterest to start researching on looks, fashion and patterns that would work. The process was to take it slow, part by part.
As Hanayuki is based in Neo Tokyo, I wanted to have a good balance of tradition and modern elements for her look, fashion style and load out.
*The great background I was talking about in the first paragraph →
1.1 Looks
I started from the looks first which I failed at terribly* previously. For the first time, I experimented doing a character's makeup. It seemed difficult but I was determined to give it a shot. It was surprisingly refreshing and I tried a few looks. In real life, I am terrible at makeup.
Her makeup is inspired by a Maiko's (Geisha in training) makeup which I found to be very beautiful (it reminded me of a Japanese Crane) and her hair is dyed ombre pink.
*The girl in the pink kimono above was my first attempt of the character followed by my other more successful ones ←
1.2 Fashion
Hanayuki wears a modern Adidas track jacket adorned with traditional knots and loose fitting pants made from traditional yuzen fabric. To be honest, I found it difficult to create a Japanese pattern as it is intricate and I am still a beginner in designing patterns.
The symbolism of Ume* (Plum Blossom), Sakura*, Kiku* (Chrysanthemum), Take leaves* (Bamboo) and Tanchōzuru* (Red Crowned Crane) were specifically selected to be included in the patterns.
As a whole, Hanayuki is the embodiment of all these values.
A strong and loyal protector against evil, who is extremely swift and meticulous, avoiding injury at all costs. A reminder of a fleeting life and symbolic to a crane, Hanayuki grants favours to those who were sacrificed. Also a few other elements added were mist of traditional dying patterns, the black night and red blood. A mysteriously dangerous figure that sinners should beware off.
*Ume (Plum Blossom) Ume trees are believed to protect against evil.
*Sakura trees usually blooms powerfully but only have a lifespan of 2 weeks. They act as a symbol of mindfulness, living in the present and the reminder that life is fleeting.
*Kiku (Chrysanthemum) represents longevity and rejuvenation.
*Take leaves (Bamboo) is a known to be a very strong plant that holds the earth together, hence it represents strength.
*Tanchōzuru (Red Crowned Crane) are believed to grant favours in return for acts of sacrifice and are also known to be very loyal.
Seen here, this was the first colour scheme I chose for the pattern which I found rather dull and decided to turn up the colours →
1.3 Weapons
I have no knowledge in weapons except those in games which I referenced. Destiny* has some amazing guns with amazing names. In that game, I am always using the sniper rifle so that was one of the reasons why Hanayuki has one too. In Final fantasy series, I always liked Sephiroth's sword, Masamune. Masamune is also the name of Japan's greatest swordsmith.
*Destiny
Wiki: Destiny is an online-only multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Activision. Players take on the role of a Guardian, protectors of Earth's last safe city as they wield a power called Light to protect the City from different alien races.
Angel's Cry
This pair of metal fans were her original weapons. When I thought of Angel's Cry, I always wondered why there was never such a weapon. The edges of the fan are razor sharp and they require quite a bit of strength to handle. Hanayuki will usually use them on the heartless, presenting them a beautiful sorrowful dance before their final moments.
No Land or Light Beyond
As the name suggests, they are your welcome ticket to Hell where there is no land or light. She holds them dear to her heart as they reminded her of the good times she shared with her brother Sephiroth before he went mad. Used in situations with multiple enemies.
Crazy Devils
The twin pistols are seldom taken out unless she is ambushed by a hoard of enemies. They have duel function, switches between laser technology and bullets for a fast clean out.
Her Fury
This is her favourite weapon as she is able to stay undetected and uses it at great distances. A Rabbit "usagi" is attached on to the weapon as it is believed to keep bad luck away in Japanese Culture. The first weapon at night before she sweeps the streets clean off bad people with her other weapons.
Shadow Fang
A dagger hidden near her left ankle. She covers the victim's mouth and slits their throats with it. Fast and silent. Used in sneak closed range attacks.
Usagi Shurikens
Thrown as a surprise attack to injure and cause confusion before taking the enemies out. Cute and deadly.
Fine Wire Rope
Usually used to sneak up behind enemies one by one coiling it around their necks. Silent takedown.
1.4 Other Stuff
Gloves
Keeps her hands clean.
Bye Stickers
Stuck on the dead victim's face, photographed and sent to the clients. "The deed is done."
Pow Wow Bubblegums
Purchase at any nearest 7-11 stores for chewing pleasure.
Acetaminophen Pills
An overuse of mind control can trigger migraines or fevers. This is to end them.
Saliormoon Perfume
After all, she does likes cute stuff. The perfume is used at the end of the night before she goes anywhere crowded.
Personal Project
Year: 2017
Category: Illustration
Hell's Angel
I grew up around mangas and games. They fuelled my imagination with unique worlds and universes. I have always had a character named Hanayuki in my mind — she stayed there for awhile before finally materializing this year.
On Instagram, I chanced upon the work of Mau Lencinas and was fascinated by them. Hell's Angel is a personal project that I spent quite awhile to perfect. For the first time in my life, I attempted a hand at concept art.
Angel of Death
Hanayuki is Hell's Angel of Neo Tokyo*. I envisioned her to be a Sailormoon-like figure but deadlier. Unlike Sailormoon, she has gone through a lot. Hanayuki has her flaws, she is not perfect. In the day, she is like any other girl on the street. But when in it turns dark, she is an anti-hero who destroys evil.
She is a symbol of justice, strength, and bravery to both young and old whom she has helped. A light that has not failed them.
*Wiki: Neo Tokyo (ネオ東京 Neo Tōkyō) or "New Tokyo" is a common name for a fictional futuristic version of Tokyo often depicted in manga, anime and video games, originally dating to Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira.
"For those who have sinned, beware.
It's said, an angel will send you to the depths of hell with the sweetest smile."
Her Story
Hanayuki is a child that has been experimented from birth and raised in Deepground, a top-secret military organization created by Shinra Electric Power Company headed from the secretive Mako Reactor 0 beneath the Shinra Headquarters in Midgar. (FFVII* - Dirge of Cerberus reference) Originally, groomed as one of the Tsviets (an elite group of soldiers that lead the Deepground army) however at an early age, she managed to break out of Deepground’s conditioning and escape, leaving her brothers, Weiss & Nero behind. A few years later, the trio left Midgar and traveled across different universes, making allies along the way.
While escaping some madness in Ivalice (FFXII* reference), they stumbled through a portal leading them to the Infinity Fortress in Neo Tokyo (GetBackers* manga reference). Maria and the inhabitants kindly offered them a place to stay put until they have adjusted to this new environment.
3 years later, Rufus Shrina sets up a branch of Shinra Corporation in Neo Tokyo with the intention of expanding his new vision of good while fixing the damages of the past. By helping out at the organization, the trio gather Intel of other universes and maintained a close relationship with their allies. Offering their help whenever possible. In her most recent missioon, Hanayuki traveled to Eos to assist King Noctis on his quest, had an unforgettable road trip and became a Kingsglaive (Final Fantasy XV* reference).
Although she enjoyed the comfortable and peaceful life in Neo Tokyo, she was unable to push back the urge to fight and kill, a life she has gotten used to. In the day, she worked as a graphic designer while In the night, Hanayuki helps the good. Cleansing the world of the evil, individuals who have no concept of good.
*FFVII - Dirge of Cerberus (Final Fantasy 7 - Dirge of Cerberus game), FFXII - (Final Fantasy 12 game), FFXV (Final Fantasy 15)
Wiki: Final Fantasy is a science fiction and fantasy media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and developed and owned by Square Enix (formerly Square). Although most Final Fantasy installments are stand-alone stories with different settings and main characters, they feature identical elements that define the franchise. Recurring elements include plot themes, character names, and game mechanics. Plots center on a group of heroes battling a great evil while exploring the characters' internal struggles and relationships. Character names are frequently derived from the history, languages, pop culture, and mythologies of cultures worldwide.
*GetBackers Manga is a Japanese manga series written by Yuya Aoki and illustrated by Rando Ayamine.
Wiki: The series tells the story of Ginji Amano and Ban Mido, a pair of super powered individuals known as the "GetBackers". The duo operates a freelance repossession service out of one of the seedier areas of Shinjuku, Tokyo. For a fee, they will recover any lost or stolen item for a client with "an almost 100% success rate". The GetBackers' job often leads them into bizarre and dangerous situations in order to "get back what shouldn't be gone". Their targets range from lost video games to misplaced components of an atomic bomb. The plot mostly revolves around their adventures, often complicated by the pair's convoluted, individual pasts and a mysterious place known as the Infinity Fortress.
Her Style
Like most girls, she loves makeup, fashion (Favourite brand: Adidas) and chewing bubblegum. Hanayuki is always seen in bright colours. Often with her full gear, she is assumed to be a cosplayer.
She carries a mean load out. Her sniper rifle is her favourite weapon, "Her Fury" which she unleashes from great distances. Fast, silent and little trouble. Hanayuki mostly works in stealth mode and acts quickly. Her most graceful death kill involves having a short control over her enemy's mind, gracing them with a traditional dance performance and ending their lives with her metal fans - Angel's Cry.
–
Project Reflection
Hell's Angel was first created in January 2017. However, at that time, it was still a haze. I started working on the background first which I thought was great* and continued on to the character which I failed to like. I decided I probably need to come back to this later on.
The next time I worked on it, would be in August, 7 months later. Starting afresh, I pondered over how she should look. Her qualities were very distinct but everything else was blurry.
Then it hit me, she would be an everyday girl, who liked makeup, wearing cool clothes with a tough past. I visited pinterest to start researching on looks, fashion and patterns that would work. The process was to take it slow, part by part.
As Hanayuki is based in Neo Tokyo, I wanted to have a good balance of tradition and modern elements for her look, fashion style and load out.
*The great background I was talking about in the first paragraph →
1.1 Looks
I started from the looks first which I failed at terribly* previously. For the first time, I experimented doing a character's makeup. It seemed difficult but I was determined to give it a shot. It was surprisingly refreshing and I tried a few looks. In real life, I am terrible at makeup.
Her makeup is inspired by a Maiko's (Geisha in training) makeup which I found to be very beautiful (it reminded me of a Japanese Crane) and her hair is dyed ombre pink.
*The girl in the pink kimono above was my first attempt of the character followed by my other more successful ones ←
1.2 Fashion
Hanayuki wears a modern Adidas track jacket adorned with traditional knots and loose fitting pants made from traditional yuzen fabric. To be honest, I found it difficult to create a Japanese pattern as it is intricate and I am still a beginner in designing patterns.
The symbolism of Ume* (Plum Blossom), Sakura*, Kiku* (Chrysanthemum), Take leaves* (Bamboo) and Tanchōzuru* (Red Crowned Crane) were specifically selected to be included in the patterns.
As a whole, Hanayuki is the embodiment of all these values.
A strong and loyal protector against evil, who is extremely swift and meticulous, avoiding injury at all costs. A reminder of a fleeting life and symbolic to a crane, Hanayuki grants favours to those who were sacrificed. Also a few other elements added were mist of traditional dying patterns, the black night and red blood. A mysteriously dangerous figure that sinners should beware off.
*Ume (Plum Blossom) Ume trees are believed to protect against evil.
*Sakura trees usually blooms powerfully but only have a lifespan of 2 weeks. They act as a symbol of mindfulness, living in the present and the reminder that life is fleeting.
*Kiku (Chrysanthemum) represents longevity and rejuvenation.
*Take leaves (Bamboo) is a known to be a very strong plant that holds the earth together, hence it represents strength.
*Tanchōzuru (Red Crowned Crane) are believed to grant favours in return for acts of sacrifice and are also known to be very loyal.
Seen here, this was the first colour scheme I chose for the pattern which I found rather dull and decided to turn up the colours →
1.3 Weapons
I have no knowledge in weapons except those in games which I referenced. Destiny* has some amazing guns with amazing names. In that game, I am always using the sniper rifle so that was one of the reasons why Hanayuki has one too. In Final fantasy series, I always liked Sephiroth's sword, Masamune. Masamune is also the name of Japan's greatest swordsmith.
*Destiny
Wiki: Destiny is an online-only multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Activision. Players take on the role of a Guardian, protectors of Earth's last safe city as they wield a power called Light to protect the City from different alien races.
Angel's Cry
This pair of metal fans were her original weapons. When I thought of Angel's Cry, I always wondered why there was never such a weapon. The edges of the fan are razor sharp and they require quite a bit of strength to handle. Hanayuki will usually use them on the heartless, presenting them a beautiful sorrowful dance before their final moments.
No Land or Light Beyond
As the name suggests, they are your welcome ticket to Hell where there is no land or light. She holds them dear to her heart as they reminded her of the good times she shared with her brother Sephiroth before he went mad. Used in situations with multiple enemies.
Crazy Devils
The twin pistols are seldom taken out unless she is ambushed by a hoard of enemies. They have duel function, switches between laser technology and bullets for a fast clean out.
Her Fury
This is her favourite weapon as she is able to stay undetected and uses it at great distances. A Rabbit "usagi" is attached on to the weapon as it is believed to keep bad luck away in Japanese Culture. The first weapon at night before she sweeps the streets clean off bad people with her other weapons.
Shadow Fang
A dagger hidden near her left ankle. She covers the victim's mouth and slits their throats with it. Fast and silent. Used in sneak closed range attacks.
Usagi Shurikens
Thrown as a surprise attack to injure and cause confusion before taking the enemies out. Cute and deadly.
Fine Wire Rope
Usually used to sneak up behind enemies one by one coiling it around their necks. Silent takedown.
1.4 Other Stuff
Gloves
Keeps her hands clean.
Bye Stickers
Stuck on the dead victim's face, photographed and sent to the clients. "The deed is done."
Pow Wow Bubblegums
Purchase at any nearest 7-11 stores for chewing pleasure.
Acetaminophen Pills
An overuse of mind control can trigger migraines or fevers. This is to end them.
Saliormoon Perfume
After all, she does likes cute stuff. The perfume is used at the end of the night before she goes anywhere crowded.
