Home & Garden Feature: 8f8 by Exis

from Gallant Magazine SL - Summer 2019

by Gallant Magazine SL

Summer Time

https://maps.secondlife.com/ secondlife/Match/128/128/45

F E A T U R E D D E S I G N E R :

8F8

Photographer & Stylist: exis

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

8F8 IS THIS ECLECTIC STORE RUN BY THE TALENTED IBI

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

Chances are that if you have a home in Second Life TM, you most likely have something created by one of the most talented designers on the grid. Who are we talking about, you ask? Why 8f8, of course! 8f8 is this eclectic store run by the talented iBi, a person whose creativity and influences have impacted countless Second LifeTM residents over the years.

From a creative standpoint, there are many things that spark iBi’s imagination. Music is always a great source, but mostly iBi lives in their head and imagines things. iBi joked, “If someone would make anMRI of my head at the exact moment I have an idea I would probably glow like a Christmas tree.”

iBi came to Second Life™ like many people in this virtual world – to satisfy curiosity after hearing about the game through media. They wanted to explore the different imaginary worlds Second Life™ had to offer. After encountering heartache, iBi retreated from Second Life™ for a good while. However, as many people do, they found their way back. This time though, iBi found a new purpose here. They first started as a blogger, with their main aim for their avatar to be as unique as possible. Like their outward aesthetic, they also wanted their blog to be unique as well. The idea behind their blog was to spotlight high quality fashions that were free. This kept iBi busy for quite some time as it was challenge on its own. Finding high quality free fashions for males was a job in itself.

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

Photographer: Lessthanzero

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

WAYS TO REINVENT YOUR DESIGNS

“I don’t want to label myself. I don’t want to contain my imagination, that is why you can see how sometimes I go a totally different way with certain collections. This is the creative freedom I want and need.”

As time went on, iBi had this simple idea to have a sweater tied around their neck for an outfit they were going to shoot. After an exhaustive search, they were only able to find a full permission sweater that allowed for a custom-made texture. Due to their real-life occupation, they were quite equipped at making their own textures. “That’s easy,” iBi thought, and they purchased another full permission item - a jacket. For that too they made a custom texture. Friends started to take notice and compliment them. This sparked the idea for iBi to open their store 8f8.

“I wasn’t planning to go any further, just putting my custom-made textures into bought mesh models that I used for my blogging to share with those interested,” they said. But a twist of fate soon changed all their plans. They received an invitation from The Arcade Gacha Events to participate in one of their cycles. iBi was taken aback, mainly because they had no idea this was even going to happen. Also, this event was known for stocking their event with “original mesh” creators. At that time iBi had only been experimenting with full permission mesh. With this simple invitation, iBi began try their hand at creating original mesh.

Once they accepted the invitation for the event, iBi downloaded a 3-D meshing software and took about two to three weeks to learn the program, followed by another month to create their first original mesh collection, Cozy Woolers. Their second release, Post-Apocalyptic Xmas Kit, soon followed. “I was really amazed by this accomplishment. I surprised myself with it and the reward was that both collections were so warmly accepted that I was blown away by the success of it. And this is how 8f8 was finally ‘born’.”

Soon, 8f8 was on its feet with a style that was truly intuitive for iBi. After their first event, they focused on their store. iBi initially focused on male avatar clothing. Later, they started to think of how they could reach out to the female shoppers. Making clothing for female avatars did not come as naturally, but iBi didn’t just want to make accessories like hats and gloves for female customers. So, the next logical step was decor.

Their first couple of collections that come out through events were quite childish in nature. Very whimsical and fantastical, they soon realized that not every event in Second Life™ would appreciate this theme. So, iBi began to focus on things that they wished they owned, and this is where iBi took 8f8 - creating places and items that they would love to visit or have in their real life.

With that sentiment in mind, 8f8 grew to have such an expansive assortment of collections. iBi described their style like this. “I don’t want to label myself. I don’t want to contain my imagination, that is why you can see how sometimes I go a totally different way with certain collections. This is the creative freedom I want and need.” This extends to his cultural representation with 8f8. iBi spoke on how this helps broaden their horizons. Venturing out and exploring different places around the world helps bring a freshness - new ideas and new feelings – to their creations. Exploring all these different regions and creating collections from their inspiration makes their experience that much more interesting and rich. Though, it’s no secret that iBi is especially attracted to Japanese culture.

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

FEATURED DESIGNER: 8F8

What is Beauty ?

When thinking of about those that have played a role in iBi’s success, there are several people that come to mind. Their real-life partner is such a huge help for them. Their partner was there for them during some darker times of pain and suffering. Their partner helped bring the whimsical ideas trapped in iBi’s head to life. Their partner is iBi’s everything and they could not create 8f8 without them. iBi wanted to speak about their manager too. He is such a helpful person, dealing with customer service inquiries when iBi is over their head with creating the next collection.

Outside of the inner workings of 8f8 a few people come up as well. iBi mentioned their very good friend, theblackcloud Oh, owner and creator of The Black Kite sim, which is home of 8f8. iBi wanted to spotlight this special person because without theblackcloud there might never have been an 8f8 in Second Life™. “I need to stress this because many have mistaken her sim for my own and it is not fair…. This beautiful sim is hers, touched by her and it is important for me that people do not credit me for it,” iBi said. All that love for the home of 8f8 goes entirely to theblackcloud.

Another person was Kidman Latte, a tremendous support for iBi’s creativity and has their gratitude for all the efforts Kidman has put into 8f8. Lastly, Skippy Beresford was highlighted for his selfless support, always being there for iBi and being a little bright star of a friend. Skippy’s creativity gives iBi’s work “a pair of wings” that makes the products fly to new heights of love and passion.

As for the future, be on the lookout for some truly inventive creations coming out of 8f8 in the next few months. They will be popping up in a few favorite events like The Anthem, The Epiphany and The Arcade. iBi is hoping that they will have time to create some special releases for the main store as well. Events are all well and good, but having that total creative freedom to make anything they are feeling for their main store with no theme or restriction excites iBi.

Make sure to take some time to check out 8f8. The Black Kite, which is where 8f8 is located, is a true artistic experience to explore. The sim echoes the creativity and whimsy you can find at 8f8. Thanks to the amazingly talented iBi for his beautiful creations!

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