In the previous blog post, Jonas, [who had not supplied a reply email,] asked whether or not some of my 2009 artworks were influenced by Mirror’s Edge, and if so, I should list that they are influenced by it.

While I’m glad he’s concerned about this sort of thing [and I'm glad you think my stuff is cool :D], I want to take the time to explain a few things, especially if sometimes some people don’t stop to think about chains of influence and origin.

In some of my work, it has notable influence from Mirror’s Edge, and I don’t deny their origins [quite evidently since I do actually list Mirror's Edge as one of the influences for each of the inspired artworks.] For the following statements, I’m leaving [Being Alone] out, and I explain why in its description. For the other two artworks, [Now Arriving] and [Searching For] however, are original works — not Mirror’s Edge fan arts. They do contain influence from Mirror’s Edge in the form of minor color choices, but both images actually contain nothing from Mirror’s Edge itself. For some who aren’t aware, Mirror’s Edge does not actually contain a unique visual style, even its developers know this, as they’ve talked about where its visual style comes from in several interviews. Mirror’s Edge gets its main visual distinction by following basic color theory — the same color theory that you would be taught in your first year at any art college. Within the primary colors, blue recedes while red comes forward. That is, in essence, Mirror’s Edge’s entire design concept. [And believe me, N.C. Wyeth discovered the power of primary colors far before they did.]

Mirror’s Edge borrows influence from two other major sources: Swedish graphic design and Asian Architecture, [namely Tokyo and Hong Kong.] Mirror’s Edge is one HUGE reference to Tokyo, and if you weren’t aware I’d suggest to go look up some photos. Like… [this one], [this one], [this one], and [this one.] I’ve always been in love with Japanese urban development and mass transit, which is a big reason why it shows up in my work even before Mirror’s Edge’s release. One of the biggest influences Mirror’s Edge uses is the Sewers level, which is based nearly 100% on the Japanese G-CANS project. [See the G-CANS here,] and compare it to the Mirror’s Edge level seen [here], [here], and [here.] I first knew about the G-CANS before their appearance in Mirror’s Edge, so I was stoked that I’d get the chance to run around inside of them when it was released. The point is, if I were to do a picture involving the G-CANS, I’d reference the fact they’re influenced by the actual location in Tokyo rather than the level in Mirror’s Edge.

Swedish graphic design plays another huge role, as even my latest work colleague Kacper Antonius [editor in chief of Level magazine, Stockholm Sweden,] mentions by saying, “Compare the look of Mirror’s Edge to things like IKEA.” Such as [this] and [this.] “Swedish graphic design consists of solid high saturated colors with bold, white or colored solid text. Mirror’s Edge is a tour-de-force of Swedish Graphic Design.”

While I found Mirror’s Edge to be a fun and inspiring game, the truth behind the matter is that I’m not being influenced by Mirror’s Edge: the game itself. Mirror’s Edge did not invent these influences, it instead acted as a transporter to allow me to discover its own influences in greater detail.

A good example: the current design for Plastic Shards is entirely influenced off of Swedish graphic design. I can thank Mirror’s Edge for showing me how wonderful Swedish Design can be, but I’m not crediting Mirror’s Edge itself for infleuncing this design.

For people who say that my work is reminiscent of Mirror’s Edge, that’s fine, and you are accurate to say so :) However, if you say that my work IS Mirror’s Edge and I should credit Mirror’s Edge, then you’re vastly mistaken. Besides, my very most recent work barely even feels reminiscent of Mirror’s Edge anymore, hahaha. :) I think I’ve fallen in love with the color magenta lately.

I’m not exactly the kind of person who’s idea of home sweet home is a house in a nice quiet suburb. I suppose I enjoy the city life and the interesting things that come with it. Apartments are usually highly modular places to live, many buildings tailored to fit specific peoples needs. I’m not much into the whole “ultra-modern look” that was conceptualized during the early ’90s utilizing abstract shapes, but I will admit I like the more “designed” interior with questionable materials, open spaces, and bold colors. The kind that is almost industrial in nature, using a lot of metal and crude exposure of the architectural elements. I was interested to see if a these kind of “artists lofts” existed in Boston, and through a little sleuthing I found one.

“loft23″ is an interesting collection of luxury loft apartments which are more or less a single huge room divided up with walls. A single bedroom here is a bit hefty at $2100+ per month. As a student, my current rent is $475 a month, and I find that hard to scrounge up on time as it is. Still, if I find a love, I’m sure moving into a place of that price would easy across two people with full-time jobs. Though by that rate, renting an apartment would be foolish over time, and you would be better off paying to own.

Still, this would be my kind of living.

Man, I would love to have friends over at a place like this. How relaxing.

Stainless steel half-inch tiles in the kitchen. Strangely beautiful.

How about that? They actually made the roof of the building a functional social area. Great view of Boston.

Check out the place for yourself to kick your curiosity: loft23