Masters project 2
A L T E R N A T I V E C O N C E P T S D E V E L O P M E N T K A T I E B R I T T A I N
inflitration mission costumes samurai ninja
Traditiona l kabuki costumes
My male ninja wll be wearing this Kabuki costume as Kabuki theatre traditionally used male actors (McElhinney & Larsen, 2021). These costumes typically feature a layered kimono made up of luxurious fabrics. There is lots of red details so I will continue to use this in my designs.
I decided to try different colours and concepts for the Samurai's kimono. I want her to blend in with the crowd so I have looked at traditional kimonos (last page). I was initially thinking a black kimono to mimic the character's base costume, however I don't want all the designs to look the same. I also tried a white kimono to mirror the white robes assassin character's typically wear in the games as this has not yet been seen in my designs. However, I decided on the red as this matches the red details already seen in my designs. Also, although this is for an infiltration mission, I would still like the character to stand out to the player so I feel a bright red is appropriate.
ninja alternative concept 1
My first alternative costume for the ninja is a Yamabushi monk, as historians believe this is one of the real ninjas many disguises (Gunbai, 2018).
I want to use the monks traditional dress in a more historically accurate costume. I experimented with combing a hood but I don't feel it works in this context. The character still needs some sort of headwear to aid in stealth, so I added a straw hat, seen on some monks.
ninja alternative concept 2
I tried combing the traditional kimono seen in Noh theatre with the typical ninja costume I've been using. However, I don't feel this works and I don't want to distract from the addition of the mask. I also feel this gives the idea that the ninja found this mask and incorporated into his existing outfit. I also decided I didn't want to use the kimono shape as this would make the design too similar top the Kabuki infiltration costume.
ninja alternative concept 3
Finally, I decided to create a different concept that is just cosmetic, only changing the pattern on the fabric not the costume itself.
Sumi-E is a traditional art style from the time period, using black ink on white silk.
I experimented with different images to include. I decided I prefer the mountain and tree design as is shows the bleeding ink effect typically seen in sumi-e. Landscapes are also the most traditonal subject seen in this art style.
I felt the bamboo was not as visually interesting. Although I like the bird design, I have already included birds in my kimono design for the samurai.
Samurai alternative concept 1
I decided to use a plain metal chest plate so an engraved dragon design could be featured on the front. Because of this, I decided to take away the neck piece of armour was his would cover the design. The samurai would still be protected by the neck portion of the face mask.
I tried this combined with dragon patterned fabric for the clothing underneath, however, I feel this is too busy. the more stripped back design with the large, grand helmet feels more elegant. I will add to this elegant image with a gold colour scheme.
Samurai alternative concept 2
I first tried a design using a whole skeleton but I feel this is too busy. I also don't think this would work as the armour pieces don'f fall on the persons actual joints so I think when moving it would look disjointed and out of proportion.
I then just put skeleton details on solid parts of armour, such as the chest, arm guards and shins. I feel this works better and is more of a subtle nod to the skeleton concept. This also keeps all the attention on the skull.
Samurai alternative concept 3
Since this concept is simple and I knew what I wanted it to look like,I instead decided to develop the colour palette.
My first idea was all black like my standard samurai costume, but this feels boring. I then tried red as this really pushes the hellish demon image and makes it obvious to the player.
