Artist Profile: Blue Boo

This Artist Profile takes us to South Africa to meet Blue Boo, the digital artist behind 15 designs in Birb & Pengu, including the set's pack art. She did it again for Set 4: Table for Two, announced yesterday, so keep an eye out for her work on those packs too. We talked with her about her path from calligraphy to Procreate, the cartoons and games that shaped her dreamy, glowing style, and which Birb & Pengu card came to her almost instantly.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into art. Where are you based, how long have you been making art, and who or what shaped your style?

I’m blue boo a digital artist based in South Africa. Since I was a young girl I’ve always been very creative and dreamt of becoming an artist, I started out teaching calligraphy in high school I then went on to study digital photography and graphic design. In 2021 I was introduced to web3 through my brothers, I started trading/collecting NFTs, connecting with amazing people in the space and I was hooked. Something inside me just knew I need to get an iPad so I quickly invested in one and began doing fan art and learning procreate. After meeting some incredible artists and people through an artist platform called Deriiv, @manovermars was particularly inspiring his work and ability to adapt is incredible!! I asked him tons of questions, soaked up as much knowledge as I could and continued to grow my skills. He’s still one of the first people I run to when I need advice. After a few years of small jobs here and there I continued to put myself out there wherever I could and the opportunity to join @studioMOM_ presented itself which was/is the biggest blessing. Working with @Maaaaahhhaaaaa has been such a special journey, he’s supported and encouraged me. Both him and my family have really helped me to grow into the artist I am today. I would say my style is inspired by cartoons like Adventure Time, games like Super Mario and Disney movies have always held a special place in my heart, when I was around 5 years old I went to Disney World and did an art class that has stuck with me my whole life. My style is definitely still growing and evolving, but over the last year I’ve really found my place with my art and allowed myself to really test and play around with different techniques, colors and line work.

2. How would you describe your art style in your own words?

I would definitely describe my style as dreamy, whimsical, vibrant and the main thing is fun. Something I really love is dramatic lighting very glowy and bright. I want people to feel joyful and nostalgic when they see my art.

3. What's your process like? Walk us through how a piece goes from idea to finished art (tools, medium, software).

My process has become quite streamlined especially working with Vibes they’re very organized and efficient. Basically when it comes to Vibes I begin reading the amazing briefs that Clare sends through to really immerse myself in each concept. From there I move onto playing around with different ideas and sketches, while I sketch I look through any references or moodboards for inspiration, once I land on a sketch that feels like “the one” I move onto doing my line work then straight into color. During this stage I often play around a lot to get the right combination of colors I also begin adding effects like lighting to get an idea of what the end result will look like. Once I hit the sweet spot where everything is working together I know my work is done. I use procreate from start to finish, sometimes I use photoshop if need be.

4. Which Vibes card(s) did you work on, and do you have a favorite? What made it fun or challenging?

I worked on 15 designs for Vibes set 3 which is such an honor and the fact that one of those designs became the cover art is so surreal. I still can’t believe it!! It’s really hard to pick a favorite I love them all but I’d have to say my favorite is the Prized Birb design. When I read the brief and started drawing the whole idea was on the page instantly it was just one of those designs that flow straight out of you, it was actually the same for the Unidentified Birb design. Although that one was a challenge to finalize when deciding between a few elements during the coloring stage. Every card was so much fun to design!

5. What was it like designing within the Vibes world? How did you approach the penguin/character aesthetic?

Designing within the Vibes world honestly has been the most fun experience. Approaching the character aesthetic is challenging at times because there’s certain characteristics of the penguin that need to translate in every artists style to make it recognizable, over time and practice it’s definitely become easier. Through working with Clare and the Ocap team I’ve honestly learnt so much. Getting their feedback and hearing their tips has helped me grow into a better artist, they’re so supportive throughout the whole creative process. I just have to give a shoutout to them because they really value artists, I’m so grateful to work with them!

6. What's something you want players to notice or appreciate when they see your art on a card?

I think if they look at any of my designs and say “woah that’s so cool” I’d be overjoyed. I put a lot of love, passion and detail into each design which I hope reflects when someone picks up one of my cards. I’d love for players to feel even more excited about playing the game because the art is so special.

7. Where can people find more of your work? (socials, portfolio, commissions)

Anyone is welcome to contact me through my X account @bluebooboo for commissions or just to connect! You can find my portfolio in my bio or click the link here!