ARTMIF zine is a unique series of books that explores mythological creatures of various cultures through the eyes of 75 artists. The second edition covers Japanese mythology, reflecting different sides of Asian culture, folklore and traditions. I had a pleasure of taking part in this project by working on a several illustrations, which were used on the merchandise – bookmarks and postcards.
The idea for the bookmark set is to depict Four sacred guardians and their corresponding symbols.
Seiryū – Azure Dragon – East, spring, dawn.
Suzaku – Vermilion Bird – South, summer, midday.
Byakko – White Tiger – West, autumn, dusk.
Genbu – Black Tortoise – North, winter, midnight.
The first drafts and later sketches with an improved colour scheme
Finished illustrations
Semi-transparent bookmarks, printed on a PET plastic
The illustrations for the postcards are united by a marine theme. They depict two yōkai:
Bake-kujira – a ghostly skeleton whale, causing troubles to fishermen
Umidebito – a prophetic creature that looks like a woman with a scaled body in a large shell, which they use to sail the seas searching for someone who they can deliver their prophecy to
This time I’ve chosen an art style that combines both the motifs of traditional ukiyo-e as well as references to a modern manga.
Sketches
Bake-kujira
Umidebito
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