Each is one lovable character. - The planner, Mr. Fao, talks about the "expression he wants to convey".
The IP production project "I am xAlice" is a joint project with the Web3 project "MEGAMI". This time, we interviewed Mr. Fao, the Co-Founder/Producer who worked on "MEGAMI", to hear about the direction and the thoughts behind the this project.
Mr. Fao
Originally worked in the development and operation of smartphone games, and has a deep knowledge of culture such as anime and games.
Since 2017, he has also been working on blockchain games and running the blockchain media "Piprycto".
In July 2022, he released the NFT project "MEGAMI" in collaboration with illustrator Naoki Saito.
What makes xAlice so attractive?
ーーWhen did you come up with the idea for the project?
It should have been around August or September 2021.
ーーWhat was the process of selecting "Chon*"-san as an illustrator?
As the company expands its NFT-related business, NFT collectibles were an area we were eager to explore.
However, simply following the fashion trend and releasing PFPs with only a face would not be very differentiating or appealing.
We wanted to offer full-body designs, emphasizing the "character" of the product.
Charming illustrations
ーーWhat attracted you to Chon＊-san's illustrations?
It is the overwhelming cuteness of the characters and the stylishness of the costume designs.
I was also attracted by the pop atmosphere and the use of light and gentle colors.
Costume design is an extremely important element in providing a full-body design, so it was important for us to have someone who could draw attractive costumes.
ーーWhat work or series of illustrations by "Chon*"-san has left a particularly strong impression on you?
Chon＊-san often draws girls wearing glasses, and among her works, I was impressed by the design of the frames with teary eyes.
I was also impressed by the cute and stylish designs of accessories and other small objects depicted in her various works.
What we want to convey is "individuality".
ーーWhat were the most important points or concepts you focused on when planning xAlice?
Each is to be a single lovable character.
I wanted to express each character as if they had their own personality, not as if there were "many pictures that look the same.
This is not only true for the pictures, but also for the worldview and characterization.