Zimbardia
the narrative
Pollution on Earth has driven humans to stop dwelling on the hostile surface. New, magnetic-powered cities floated over their once overcrowded Mega Cities. Unfortunately, not everyone is allowed to escape the harsh conditions on the ground. Much of the industrial sectors still need to be operated. Very quickly, the surface dwellers find themselves on the bottom of the pole. The divide only grows until war breaks out.
pROCESS
Project:
Team Size:
Software:
Workflow:
Short Story/Graphic Novel
Solo Project
Photoshop
Research > Story Development > Sketch > Reassess > Refine
Environment + Props
Because this story takes place in a post apocalyptic landscape, the plant life is almost nonexistent. Buildings and structures dominate the environments on both the ground and in the air.
The surface that was left behind still houses the industrial sectors of these sister cities. Many people occupy and make a living in these mega structures. I wanted the design to be a mix between current architecture and futuristic industrial buildings. This is to show the process of developing a society with what remains of the old one. For the technology, the designs could be more futuristic because it could evolve faster than the mega structures.
Silhouettes for architecture and props
Tools used: Photoshop (Drawing Tablet)
I continued refining my designs, focusing on my reasoning from earlier. These unique but familiar structures worked really well for the environment that I was trying to build.
Thumbnails for architecture and props
Tools used: Photoshop (Drawing Tablet)
Before I moved on to rendering, I created a generic layout of the city and fleshed out one of the props I used in the final renders. This step allowed me to confidently create scenes that can be referenced during production.
Environment layout and ship detailing
Tools used: Photoshop (Drawing Tablet)
Renders
Crafting a few thumbnails for my renders forced me to ask questions and make better decisions for which elements of the narrative to show.
Thumbnails for final renders
Tools used: Photoshop (Drawing Tablet)
The surface cities main purpose is to produce goods and power for the city above them. There are a few different types factories, warehouses, and plants that were built to do so. Shown below is one of the power plants responsible for generating power for both cities
Rendering of a power plant
Tools used: Photoshop (Drawing Tablet)
Tensions rise as the surface city grows tired of their poor treatment. Strikes, boycotts, riots, and eventually revolution cause an increased presence of policing on the surface. Ships from above descend to subdue any threats and monitor any further disruptions.
Rendering of ships moving through the city
Tools used: Photoshop (Drawing Tablet)
