Figuring out the best method of generating the right traits combination was a challenge since we wanted to avoid any “skittle” like assortments that would be unappealing to the eyes. So we sampled a few experiments with the OG POPHEADZ to test out what was working and what was not working in terms of quality, quantity, and design with the given traits for us to work with. We wanted to quickly find and execute the problem in order to transition and work with a bigger batch and calculate how many different variations would appear.

After we’ve figured out and had our stats established, we began to sketch countless traits per each category. During this phase, we had to be mindful of design and see that all the heads were cohesively visually appealing even without color. In additions, establishing the boy and girl head had to be designed in a way that could be androgynous so that any type of traits that we designed could fit without imposing a gender specific design that makes it look more “feminine” or “masculine” but neutral yet appealing and effective. Expressions were also something that we had to be thoughtful about in order to avoid making too dynamic mouth shapes or expressions that just didn’t look normal. We wanted to emphasize a more natural expression that didn’t feel so soulless or dead. 

Formerly apathetic youths are able to teleport In a concept story, unreleased, we imagined that apathetic youths are able to teleport to a separate / parallel world where they are able to find freedom, expression, and rebel against societal norms. It isn’t necessarily about complete anarchy, it’s more about a celebration of youth and optimism.

Animation FX were an important key to bring life to the heads. We wanted to make sure these animations could be simple but also visually pleasing without it actually distracting the overall composition of the head. Thankfully because the style of animation and the style of the illustration was very similar, there were no visual problems.