18. FMP: Practical Skills (Oni Concept)

Following my recent research on the appearance of Oni, I created my first concept for my character, using the references I had collected on my Pinterest board to design the appearance of my Oni.

By collecting the stereotypical traits seen in Oni, along with referencing my two favourite Oni-coded characters in video games (Arataki Itto and Kuki Shinobu from Genshin Impact, the Head and Deputy Head of the Arataki Gang), I put together a general design idea for my character.

I referenced Kuki Shinobu’s mask for my character, as despite the fact that she is not herself an Oni, her design is meant to go hand in hand with a real Oni character in-game called Arataki Itto, and as a result of this, referencing her design can still be deemed as taking inspiration from Oni folklore. (Kuki Shinobu art belongs to HoyoVerse, creators of Genshin Impact.)

My colour palette was heavily inspired (although not in its entirety) by Arataki Itto (seen in the image above). To compare the colours I used for my character with him, I did a side-by-side palette comparison. Although the colours are for the most part very similar, I referenced several colours from the Oni mood board I created for a large portion of the colour scheme- not directly eyedropping them from the images, but choosing similar shades freehand. (Arataki Itto art belongs to HoyoVerse, creators of Genshin Impact.)

My next step towards the completion of my FMP will be to search into Edo-Japanese clothing culture in order to dress the Oni character appropriately to fit in with my theme of Edo Japan. I already have an idea in mind, as from previous research I have concluded that kimonos are often worn during festivals. As I progress with my research, I will be able to either confirm or deny the idea that kimonos were worn during the Edo period, and design the outfit for my character accordingly.

17. FMP: Research (Oni Moodboard and Oni Mask Moodboard)

To start my concept designs for my Oni character, I compiled a Pinterest board with a wide variety of original designs and versions of Oni. This was a necessary step to be able to piece together the defining aspects of what other peoples interpretations of Oni look like.

Through collecting the images in this mood board, I have come to the conclusion that most Oni designs share certain characteristics with one another, such as:

• Long shaggy hair (usually black or white, although occasionally have a hint of alternative colour in them)
• One or two ‘demon’ horns on their heads (differing in sizes)
• Some form of mask, whether a full face mask or half. Follows the same principles of the folklores, where they appear fierce and intimidating.
• Armed with a weapon (katana, kanabo, etc)
• Wearing traditional Japanese clothing, like samurai armour or the kimono

Next, I created a mood board revolving purely around Oni masks. As my idea consists of a young girl Oni in disguise, I wanted to highlight the femininity and purity surrounding her design. For this reason, I decided to choose a white half-face Oni mask, which wouldn’t obstruct her upper face, with red undertones to match the ultimate colour palette of the traditional Oni, which is associated with the colours red and white.

In order to visualise what this character would look like, I will create some concept sketches next to map out their visual aspects. Simultaneously, I will need to delve further into traditional Edo-Period clothing to give my Oni character.