Timeline
August - September 2023 (4 weeks)
Role
Solo Student Project
Initial SketchesProposal
My proposal was to create a continuous book cover illustration, accompanied by a jacket, for the IDOLiSH7 franchise developed by Bandai Namco. This illustration was intended to be done digitally and aimed at the English publisher, such as Yen Press. Although IDOLiSH7 originates as a Japanese mobile rhythm game, my goal is to transition its story to the realm of publishing, while also subverting the conventional stereotypes often associated with the “idol” genre through my cover illustration.
My main goal is to transform the franchise’s character-driven story into a printed form. While the story has been adapted into an animated format, it has yet to be adapted to pages of a manga. Due to my personal upbringing, I have been influenced by a deep appreciation for physical Japanese manga and collecting series licensed by Yen Press. This cover illustration will contain subdued tones that accentuate the nuances and mature themes that define the series, departing from the typical flamboyance and flashiness often linked with idols.
short TimelapseWork Development Progress
The illustration was first started with all 7 characters being 3D modelled using Clip Studio Paint. They were then placed in the composition, accounting for the bend of the spine of the book. The sizing of the book was adjusted to a thinner spin and horizontally longer sleeve.
In BEYOND THE PERiOD, IDOLISH7 introduces a new song, titled NiGHTFALL. The main imagery and concept of NiGHTFALL was the starry sky and cosmos. This inspired my central background and held the mood for my illustration.
Green was the primary color of my illustration to bring a refreshing and new look to my work. Because 7 is an important number in IDOLiSH7, I wanted to incorporate a 7-sided star, but this idea was later scraped.
book cover with dust jacket