Netflix’s thrilling Stranger Things has captivated global pop-culture with it’s sci-fi tales and 80’s aesthetics. Ardent audiences across the world have conjured their own realms of fandom and fan-fiction and India seems to be no exception.
22-year-old Antony Vincent is a young designer from Kerala and recently made an illustration project title ‘Stranger Things But Malayali’. He add a desi flair by re-imagining some of the beloved characters and setting the world of the show in a typical Kerala village. From Eleven who would break your neck if you were to take away here achappam, to a Cheif Hopper draped in an orange lungi, this project is both imaginative and zany.
We had a chance to talk to the young designer where he told us more about the projects and the things that inspire him. Check it out!
Tell us about your project.
‘Stranger Things but Malayali’ was a small 3 series illustration project that I took up to visualize what my favourite characters would look like if the show was set in a typical Kerala village. It all started when I had this dream about a girl who threw an elephant at me. That sparked this idea in my head and I knew I had to draw it out. Eleven, Jim Hopper and Steve “the hair” Harrington are my favourite characters so it only made sense that I drew them out. While doing this series I pushed myself to challenge my illustration style and try something different. I also set myself a deadline for a week to complete this series so that I don’t lose momentum and stop midway.
‘HG loves’ the way the artist used Indian cultural motifs and touchstones to enrich the reimagined the world of the show.
What are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?
Artists like Khyzyl Saleem, Mad Dog Jones, Sam Madhu keep me motivated and inspired to make more cool stuff every day. The Cyberpunk culture has been a massive inspiration for me of late. I just can’t seem to get enough of the neon’s and the crazy colours. I’m a huge petrol head and the dream of wanting to go racing sometime soon keeps me inspired to better myself and finally get to the end goal.
Describe your creative process and the purpose with which you create.
My creative process depends on the type of project I’ll be doing. For the Stranger Things series, I wanted to make something that people could relate to immediately. In most cases I start by doing research about the specific topic. After all that I kick it off with my playlist and dump all the ideas I have in my head on paper so that I can have a clear mind. From there it’s just a matter of figuring out what will make people stop and stare for a while. I’m still learning and experimenting with a lot of different methods every now and then.
What is the first piece of art/photograph/film/music that impacted you deeply?
Sleep on the Floor - The Lumineers.
If you could propose and lead a project with the Indian Government, what would it be?
A government aided program to educate, promote and conduct Motorsport events across the nation. Accessible top tier racing for the masses within the country’s limited economy using viable energy sources.
Which is your favourite piece of work of your own & why?
My favourite piece of work right now is a 3D rendering of a Ferrari F40 that I did recently.
On a personal note -
One track you’re currently listening to?
Death From Above - Freeze Me.
A project you wish you were a part of?
Concept art for Need For Speed.
Your favourite midnight munchies?
Chappati and prawn pickle.
Your greatest vice?
Self doubt and miscommunication.
If you liked Antony’s work, check out his Instagram here.
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