Welcome back to The High Life!
When we set out to create Highstreet Chronicles: Origins, we had no idea what to expect. What started as a leap of faith quickly became one of our favorite projects. The magic? That's all thanks to Felix Liang, one of Highstreet's talented designers. When Felix shared the first sketch for Origins, we felt like the story was leaping right off the page. The waves of the shipwreck, the looming sea monster—it wasn't just art; it was alive.
Now, with Origins at the end of its run, we're celebrating the creative genius behind it. Felix doesn't just design comics. He crafts worlds.
Let's dive into Felix's journey, the challenges he faced, and the inspirations that bring Highstreet World to life every day. ⬇️
Meet the Team: Felix Liang, Designer
We've been hearing great feedback about our first comic, Highstreet Chronicles: Origins, and we appreciate each and every one of your comments. If you've ever wondered about how the comic is made, look no further. Felix Liang, one of Highstreet's designers, holds the pen that has brought our characters to life. Quiet, reserved, and always ready to illustrate our storylines, Felix spoke to us about his creative process.
Tell us about what you do for Highstreet. What's your job title?
I'm a designer for Highstreet, and I joined Highstreet after hearing about the project from friends. One of the tasks I've been involved with is the creation of our comic art for Highstreet Chronicles: Origins.
We've completed our first comic's run. How do you feel about shaping its visual style and having the full story out in the world?
I think it's a cool story that is told with a grand worldview. The overall vibe and rhythm of the story is that it starts with the peaceful lives of the main character and his daughter. Then, they encounter incredible hardship, and the protagonist is depressed and in pain for some time. He overcomes the challenges, and it's an inspiring story that gives people strength.
Was there a particular part of the comic that was challenging for you to illustrate?
The pages with the shipwreck. Huge waves were rolling and overturned the protagonist's boat. There was also a giant sea monster hidden under the water. I have always been fascinated by monster-themed comics and movies, so I was very excited when I was drawing these scenes, imagining what it would be like to be steering a raft on the vast ocean and being attacked by a monster.
This is what comic creation is like. Only by having a sense of yourself can you make others feel a specific way.
Was there anything about the comic that surprised you?
The Lunarite at the beginning of the story that was the possession of the protagonist's daughter.
Although we showed that it has certain magical powers, I did not expect it to be an important item for defeating the villain later. In fact, this gem is an important prop throughout the story, and it was very cleverly designed.
How do you fit into the larger scheme in terms of building Highstreet World?
My project manager Yun, who leads Highstreet's community and marketing efforts, knows me very well. He knows that I am a multimedia designer. In addition to comics, I can also design posters and game concept images, as well as edit videos. I love doing that type of work.
Whenever the team starts a new project and my services are needed, Yun would explain the goals and requirements to me in detail. We have been communicating for two years, and things have always been smooth.
In the past year, Highstreet held offline events in places like Singapore and Hong Kong. The team and our visitors always love the posters and other visual assets, which encourages me.
What has it been like to develop the visual style of Highstreet?
Highstreet World is a fresh and mysterious metaverse. I think our team's visual designers, including me, want to work together to create a world full of sunshine.
Game spaces such as Highstreet City, the Campus, and our RVs all have a relaxed style. Even if the user stays immersed for a long time, they will not feel tired; they may even feel glad about it. This is very important. The relaxed and cute graphics make people feel happy.
Are there specific artists, designers, movie directors, or other creatives who inspire you?
Stanley Kubrick. When I watched 2001: A Space Odyssey, I couldn't believe it was a movie shot in 1968. His aesthetic and understanding of science fiction were decades ahead of his time.
In 1968, my father was only 5 years old. Now I am 35 years old. The shadow of 2001: A Space Odyssey can still be found in science fiction movies made in recent years.
Aside from your illustrations for Highstreet, are there other projects that you're involved with, especially personal projects?
I worked as a film production designer for six years and was an animation director. I also drew commercial illustrations for companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Google.
What's a comic or cartoon that inspired your love for animation?
There are too many, but here are a few: Tarzan (the American one), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, The Powerpuff Girls, and Jungle King Tar-Chan (the Japanese one).
What's something that you appreciate about comics?
The sense of imagination that they bring about in me.
I like to read comics that have simple drawings. Their pictures might not be completely filled in, so there's room for imagining the rest. Simple pictures also look more relaxed and give people room to breathe.
Highstreet Chronicles: Origins #10
Community Poll
We've finished the run of our first comic, Origins, and now we're preparing our next story for you. Here's this week's poll:
Thank you!
Want to find out more about what to expect from Highstreet World in the coming year? Keep an eye out for the next edition of The High Life. We have a series of teasers lined up that will introduce you to more of the game. You'll be ready to pick up arms and keep Highstreet City safe!
That's all for this issue of The High Life.
Check out our previous blasts by visiting www.highstreet.market/newsletter.
If a friend forwarded this newsletter to you, subscribe here to receive our next edition.