This process book details the creation of my character, Aero.
Various silhouette sketches. I was inspired by cranes and depictions of winged angels, and tried to mix the two concepts together into an ethereal and mysterious character.
Preliminary storyboard and semi-finalized design. I decided to make a simple animation of Aero flying in the sky.
art 141 // digital art fundamentals // spring 2025 //project by jennifer nguyen
Aero is a genderless, ageless, ethereal bird-like spirit with grand mysteries surrounding its existence. As is apparent from the sketches on the adjacent page, my main inspirations for Aero were cranes and typical depictions of winged angels.
Since Aero is a gentle, soothing deity whose main purpose is to help those in need, its main motifs are the sky and clouds. Its primary color palette contains white, various blues, and other pastel hues.
Though Aero’s story changed quite a bit through my creative process, its graceful and curious demeanor was a constant even through the various iterations of its background.
Aero’s final design with a refined silhouette. Often depicted with a faint glow.
Movie poster and logo sketches. My main inspirations were alien and space movies. I got the title “Starflyer” from one of my favorite bands, Starflyer 59.
Refined movie poster concepts. My personal favorites were concepts 1 and 3.
art 141 // digital art fundamentals // spring 2025 //project by jennifer nguyen
Though Aero’s story initially began with them helping medieval folks in need, I shifted over to a more futuristic plot where Aero is an alien that was exiled from their planet for refusing to take part in intergalactic conquest.
Their ethereal composition has allowed them to zip across the universe for the past several eons, traveling from planet to planet to learn about each world’s cultures and ecosystems. Their dense soul allows them to record their memories and findings, and preserve them for future generations.
One day, they find Earth, and Aero has a wonderful time seeing the sights and what the planet has to offer. Despite being an alien, the inhabitants of Earth mistake them for some sort of ghost or angel. They end up making many friends as they explore Earth, and they even think they may stay in this galaxy permanently!
However, strange visions begin to plague them, which turn out to be signals from their home planet many lightyears away. It seems the leader of their planet is demanding that they return home immediately or face the consequences. Aero can’t possibly imagine why they’re being contacted after so much time, nor do they know what such consequences could possibly be.
Will Aero be able to continue their life on Earth without jeopardizing the safety of the planet?
Finalized Starflyer poster. I thought this concept was the strongest.
art 141 // digital art fundamentals // spring 2025 //project by jennifer nguyen
Working on this project throughout the semester was very eyeopening. I became well acquainted with the Adobe Creative Suite, which will be helpful for future projects and job opportunities. I also strengthened my own creative processes, especially in regards to character design and artistic choices.
Though Aero and Starflyer started out as random subjects for an assignment, I would love to continue developing Aero’s story. I am not sure I would be that interested in adapting this story into a movie, but I feel it would do well in the form of a video game or comic.
I have always been fascinated with the genre of space exploration, and I really enjoy the idea of combining it with the tried and true theme of finding yourself and your purpose in the world. I’m sure there are many people out there who can resonate with feeling like an alien in a foreign land and wondering where you really belong and whether or not you are truly making an impact on others.
jennifer nguyen likes art and graphic design.
art 141 digital art fundamentals spring 2025 project by jennifer nguyen