I was looking through some old travel photos from my trip to Japan, where I visited one of the famous castles. They had these incredible samurai helmets (kabuto) and masks (men-yoroi) on display, some of which you could try on for a photo. I’ve always found samurai fascinating—their culture and the different types of armor they wear are so intriguing.
The design of most kabuto gives off a very powerful and strong feeling, especially when paired with the men-yoroi. This has inspired me to imagine a female character wearing them, as samurai are traditionally all men. I want to express that women are just as strong, and I love the idea of adding a soft feminine touch to something so powerful and even fearsome.
Traditional art, character
Since the kabuto has a historical feel, I like to add a modern twist to keep it fun and not too serious. I remember taking a photo of a sign covered in colorful vinyl stickers in Tokyo. I often snap pictures of things I find inspiring for later reference. There’s something playful about how stickers randomly layer on top of each other—maybe it’s the colors or the chaotic arrangement that draws me in. So, I decided to use that idea on the metal front crest of the helmet to give my artwork a fresh, modern twist.
Tokyo, 2023
Usually, my creative process stems from the things and places I encounter. When I travel, I take photos of anything that catches my eye, whether or not I plan to use them as references. Sometimes, revisiting these photos sparks new ideas. I really encourage you all to try this method, as it helps me break through creative blocks!