Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

Client: Wizards of the Coast - Dungeons and Dragons

Date: 2023

Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects

Project Objective:

The aim of 'Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse' was to design a visual narrative as fantastical and weird as the setting of Sigil itself. The goal was to visually represent a world where diverse creatures from the D&D universe coexist, creating an environment where the bizarre becomes the norm. This project aimed to encapsulate the essence of Sigil, a place of awe-inspiring oddities and unexpected alliances.

Visual Elements

The design leveraged themes of shattered and stained glass found throughout the book, employing a frosted glass effect for the campaign's placards. This was juxtaposed with chrome filigrees and framing elements, inspired by art nouveau, to contain the glass, lending a sense of elegance and contrast. The inclusion of strange characters overlaying these elements emphasized the weird interactions of this creative platform, portraying the unexpected as a daily occurrence in this vibrant setting.

Emotional Resonance

The campaign was crafted to evoke feelings of awe and wonder, focusing on the theme of 'the unexpected as the everyday.' This was achieved through the clever use of visual elements and characters that embody the essence of Sigil, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where the extraordinary is commonplace and every interaction is a journey into the unknown.

Process

The creative journey began with an in-depth exploration of the product, identifying unique design motifs and styles. The contrasting use of glass and chrome, coupled with the addition of small, floating creatures around the main assets, played a key role in achieving the desired aesthetic. A comprehensive toolkit was developed, establishing systems that allowed for consistent replication of the look by other designers and outside agencies.

Solution

The final design successfully created a fantastic and weird creative platform that highlighted the uniqueness of the product without overshadowing it. It offered a visually striking representation of Sigil, drawing potential customers into a world of wonder and unexpected daily marvels.

Commissioned Artwork for Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

In an innovative move for the "Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse" campaign, I had the opportunity to commission two distinctive pieces of art that played pivotal roles in the project's success and engagement, particularly on social media.

Shemeshka the Marauder:
The first piece focused on the villain of the book, Shemeshka the Marauder. Recognizing the challenge of using player characters in advertising due to their vast diversity, we shifted focus to highlight the central antagonist. The artwork was designed to depict Shemeshka in a powerful, authoritative pose, showcasing her as a formidable presence, goading the audience into the narrative challenge of thwarting her. This piece resonated strongly on social media, garnering substantial impressions and engaging the audience effectively in the story.

Glitch Characters:
The second piece of art was conceptualized to illustrate the unique 'glitch characters' element in the book. In this narrative, characters reincarnate as different versions of themselves upon death. To visualize this concept, we portrayed three characters of varying races and classes, intertwined by a common unifying theme to indicate their interconnectedness.