004/ECOMMERCE
Last Journey to Mars
Vision to Reality – Unveiling the Final Human Visit to Martian Lands
2023
The drag scene is electric—full of creativity, passion, and incredible talent. But here's the reality: if you want to find a show, follow your favorite queen, or connect with other fans, you're juggling Instagram, Facebook, venue websites, and word-of-mouth just to stay in the loop.
After interviewing six drag community members, one thing became crystal clear: this amazing community deserved a space as vibrant and connected as the culture itself.
SERVICES
Concept Design, Visual Effects, CGI, 3D Character Design, 3D Scene Design
Project Overview
The project demanded the highest standards of realism and technical precision to meet Cryo Studios' rigorous production requirements.
The objective for Last Journey to Mars was to create a visually stunning and scientifically accurate portrayal of a manned mission to Mars. The goal was to immerse audiences in the perilous journey and the alien landscapes of the Red Planet.
This project required an intricate approach to design, ensuring every element—from the spacecraft and tools to the Martian terrain—was meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling. My tasks included conceptualizing and creating 3D models, characters, and scenes that captured the essence of space exploration. Working closely with the director and production team, we aimed to integrate realistic visual effects with live-action footage seamlessly. The result was an immersive and believable depiction of the Martian environment that drew viewers into the story.
Approach
Exploring 3D character concepts
The challenge of depicting Mars and space exploration required a blend of scientific accuracy and creative artistry. My approach combined these elements to push the boundaries of 3D design and visual effects.
I started with extensive research on Mars, studying its geography, atmosphere, and potential challenges for human exploration. This research informed the development of concept art and 3D models, ensuring accuracy and visual appeal. Collaborative sessions with the production team helped refine these concepts, aligning them with the film's narrative and aesthetic. Next, I focused on integrating these models into dynamic scenes using advanced visual effects techniques. Leveraging the latest software, I created realistic textures and lighting that brought the Martian landscape to life. The careful attention to detail ensured each scene was both scientifically plausible and visually captivating.
Approach - personas
individual cards
Two personas crystallized the core challenges:
Jordan: Represents passionate fans who travel but can't find drag scenes in new cities—a frustration that came up repeatedly in my research.
Vivian: Embodies the performer struggle I heard consistently—talented artists working day jobs while exhausting themselves promoting across scattered platforms. "I just want people to know I exist," captured the visibility challenge perfectly.
Reframing Problems as Opportunities Instead of just listing frustrations, I turned them into "How Might We" questions that sparked creative solutions:
"How might we make event discovery effortless for traveling fans?"
"How might we help performers build authentic connections with fans?"
"How might we create sustainable promotion tools for drag careers?"
The breakthrough insight: These questions guided every design decision, shaping KIKI as one space that actually understands how drag fans and performers engage with their community.
Process
My design process centered on translating user research insights into design decisions that honor drag culture while meeting practical user needs. Each choice was grounded in how the drag community actually engages with events and performers, creating an experience that feels both authentic and functional:
Information Architecture: I organized the app around three needs from research: personal connection, event discovery, and performer engagement. This directly matches how people think about drag—connecting with community, finding shows, following performers.
Visual Identity: Developed a design system celebrating drag's bold aesthetic while prioritizing accessibility. Vibrant purples and pinks capture the energy, expressive typography balances personality with readability, and high contrast ratios ensure outdoor usability.
User Flow Design: Identified "red routes"—essential actions users perform regularly—and optimized core flows. For fans: discovering events and following performers. For performers: creating profiles and promoting shows.
Final Design
Product Images
"Working on such a masterpiece was an incredible opportunity to blend creativity with scientific precision. The chance to collaborate with Cryo Studios on such a groundbreaking project was truly rewarding." — Mark Ashton
Achievements
Mark's expertise in visual design was crucial in realizing our dream. His dedication and innovation were key to bringing this epic journey to the screen.
Oliver Moore - Production Director of Cryo Studios
The visual excellence of the movie received widespread acclaim, establishing new standards in the sci-fi genre. The innovative designs and seamless visual effects played a crucial role in the film's success.
The project achieved a 49% increase in audience engagement, reflecting the captivating visual experience that drew viewers into the story. Additionally, the client satisfaction rate improved by 67%, underscoring the success of our collaborative efforts and the high quality of the final product. These achievements highlight the effectiveness of our design and implementation strategies, showcasing the project's ability to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. The recognition in various industry forums further cemented Cryo Studios' reputation as a leader in cinematic innovation.
audience engagement
satisfaction rate improved
