Leaf Village

This project began during a 4-month mentorship with the amazing Teodor Ivanov, where I set out to create a realistic environment and apply everything I learned during my time at Think Tank.

But like many creative journeys, it didn’t go quite as planned. I struggled with time management and planning, and while I did finish the original version, it didn’t reflect my vision. It felt flat and underwhelming, and I realized I just wasn’t ready yet. So I took a step back to reflect and grow. During that time, I had a major realization: while I still enjoy realism, my true passion lies in stylized art. It’s where I feel most at home creatively, something I was hesitant to fully embrace before.

I decided to start over from scratch, this time with a stylized direction that felt right to me. It’s gone through many iterations, and I’ve learned a lot in the process, not just as an artist, but as a person. I gained a much deeper understanding of stylized visual language, improved my composition and lighting skills, and learned to approach worldbuilding with a more intentional and playful mindset. I also became more comfortable making bold artistic choices and trusting my instincts. This project taught me the value of slowing down, refining ideas, and embracing the creative process, even when it’s messy.

I'm proud to share the final result of that journey here.

Special thanks to my mentor:
https://www.artstation.com/teodorr

Concept art by:
https://www.artstation.com/hukui