The Major and BatOU
Digital illustration, 18x24 in / 300ppi. Created primarily in Adobe Fresco.
The critically acclaimed animated film by Mamarou Oshii, "Ghost in the Shell" (1995), is one of my all-time favorite movies. It elevated adult animation to the level of great film, with rich characters and voice acting, and a deep, cerebral story about the nature of being human. I first saw it as a teenager, and instantly fell in love with its gorgeous visuals and stirring message. It was thrilling to revisit the film, and illustrate one of my favorite scenes in my own way. I updated the film's 80's/90's Cyberpunk aesthetic with a more modern one, and sought to capture the complex emotions the characters have: A yearning for escape and meaning from Major Kusanagi, and a tortured love and compassion from her friend and colleague, Batou.
PROCESS TIMELAPSE