The Emperor's Soul
Visual Development Project based on Brandon Sanderson’s novella „The Emperor’s Soul“.
Based on an Asian-inspired fantasy setting, we follow the story of Shai, a so called „forger“ with the magical ability to change an object’s appearance and history by applying a „soul stamp“ to it.
Huge Thanks goes to Yen Shu Liao, who helped me throughout this project with making sure I don’t mess up the „Asian“ (more particular, Taiwanese) inspiration too much, and also helped me out with Chinese search words when English & dictionaries failed me. Thank you!
Shai's Prison cell - specifically designed to hold people with magical abilities like hers.
Shai's work room - the dustist and most shabby place they could find for her.
Shai's work room - after she did severe "improvements" to each and every furniture, and even tore down a wall for more space.
Key Scene of Shai and Gaotona, in Shai's improved chamber.
Outside of Shai's room - she is located in one of the less well maintained wings of the palace.
Moving on to the Imperial Wing - a stark difference with its gold ornaments and hallways lined with ancient portraits and artifacts.
Early exploration of what the gold patterns might look like - in the end, I went with a script-like version similar to the real world traditional Chinese letters that inspired me to this design language in the first place.
The imperial bedchamber. After his injury, The Emperor does not leave this place.
The imperial Wing - Mood Painting.