ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/cleonaturin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleoNaturin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleonaturin/

In this month’s Creator Spotlight, we are shining a light on Warframe Creator Cleo Naturin - a talented illustrator, concept artist, and the artist behind the new in-game Mirage Deluxe Skin!

Tell us a bit about yourself and the art you create!

G’day! I am a mysterious crow lady residing in an unknown mountain in Australia. When I am not scaring local hikers, I am a 20-year-old university student pursuing a Bachelor of Animation. In my spare time, I work on a variety of art, especially of the Warframe kind.

I love exploring different ideas and concepts, and often use Warframe fan art as a stepping stone to explore an idea…be it a fan design for a Deluxe Skin, making a Warframe look “spooky,” or simply dressing up my favourite Warframes in stylish apparel!

How would you describe your overall “art style” in one sentence?

That’s a tough one as I find myself constantly experimenting. As a whole, I find my artwork leans towards a mix of realism and surrealism, dark and moody, but won't shy away from bright colours.

When did you first find the Warframe community, and what encouraged you to begin creating Warframe art and concepts?

Way back in 2014, a friend of mine introduced me to the game of Warframe and talked about how much potential it had. Now, I can confidently say he was far beyond correct. I was instantly hooked - Warframe was the perfect “sit back and relax after a day of school” kind of game for me.

In 2018 a fellow Warframe clan member commissioned me to make my first fully illustrated Warframe fan art, depicting their pink Banshee and friends flying together through the Plains of Eidolon. Through this I discovered how much enjoyment I got from painting Warframes.

From there I delved into creating more Warframe artwork and honing my skills. I find Warframes to be so much fun to paint - all those intricate details and unique designs captivate me. Through my artwork and playing the game I have met so many amazing friends through the community.

Where do you find the most inspiration when thinking about the next piece you want to create?

Recently I've been thinking about how I could integrate more narrative elements into my works. For example, I took the idea of the “Broken Warframe” and weaved a narrative of Xaku suddenly losing control of their void abilities. Quite often I also develop ideas while playing, such as "oh this Warframe doesn't have a deluxe skin, I wonder what it could look like?" or "what if I give Wisp teeth?”

This year you posted an unofficial Deluxe Skin concept for Mirage, and the Devs loved it so much it is now going to be an official Skin in-game! What has this experience been like for you?

Absolutely mind blowing! The same person who commissioned my first Warframe fan art was the person to suggest a Mirage Deluxe Skin. When first designing it on my iPad I had no intention for the Deluxe Skin becoming an actual thing in the game, hence why I originally only did a front view.

Quite simply, designing fan Deluxe Skins is a fun side project for me - a great way to exercise my design skills and see what could be. When I first got notified about my unofficial Mirage Deluxe Skin becoming official, it blew my mind. I was so giddy and excited! It was a dream of mine to have a Deluxe Skin I designed be in the game I adore so much, but I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. I remember when I finished the first design for Mirage Deluxe and posted it to social media, I said to myself "aw, I kind of want this to be in the game, she looks cool."

I must also thank that fellow Warframe clan member for the suggestion, I hope they enjoy their new Mirage fashion!

What was the inspiration behind that first skin concept? Does Mirage have a special place in your heart?

Mirage's theme of acrobatics, trickery, and mischief are elements I love and I kept these elements in mind for her design. I referenced jesters from different time periods, looking specifically at Venetian jesters. There was this one picture of a jester clad in red and blue clothing balancing on a tightrope that definitely caught my eye. It was one of the major inspirations for Mirage’s Deluxe.

Did you ever have hopes of creating art for games before this? Do you think it is something you may now pursue again in the future?

My entire life I've always been the kind of kid to be constantly drawing in class. It was in high school that I first decided I wanted to pursue a form of artistic career, preferably as a concept artist for film or games. Now in my first year of my Bachelor of Animation, I am also working on expanding my skill set into 3D modelling. When I was given the opportunity to have my Mirage Deluxe put in-game I saw it as a sign that I was taking the right steps towards those dreams I've had for so long. Most certainly in the future I'll continue pursuing what I love to do - create.

You also participated in some of this year’s Tennotober - a month full of Warframe-related drawing prompts! What was different about that experience, compared to how you usually create?

At first I wasn't planning on doing Tennotober this year, but I had some time on my hands. Day 3 “Void” started out as a drawing in my journal while hanging out with friends. Later in the day, I liked it and messed around in Photoshop to get the current result. It was a similar situation with Day 6 “Stealth” - I had some spare time on my hands and wanted to play around with the dark moody shading of the Void. I've decided to continue this spooky theme every 3 prompts. Compared to how I usually create my works, it's just as experimental, however keeping them simple enough to finish within a day has proved to be an interesting experience!

In addition to being an illustrator and animation student, you also describe yourself as a hobbyist sculptor. Can you tell us more about your experience with sculpting and the process this entails?

I've always loved to try out new things so I've dabbled in multiple creative endeavours. Clay sculpting, resin casting, 3D printing, leather working, and cosplay are some of the things I've worked with. Clay sculpting and casting was a favourite of mine to do. I love making masks to wear for special occasions such as Halloween. 3D printing especially was my gateway into learning 3D programs such as Zbrush and digital sculpting.

From there, I started my first year as an animation student and am currently dedicating my spare time to learning how to create my first TennoGen project. In the future I intend on replacing 'hobbyist sculptor' to '3D artist' or 'TennoGen artist'.

What is next for you as a Warframe Creator?

To continue what I love to do: create. To explore new methods of creating artworks, experiment, and most importantly learn. Bouncing around Warframe-related ideas and bringing them into a visual medium.

I would also love to soon start streaming my creative process and engage more closely with the Warframe community. Along with continuing the illustrative side of my work, my next step is to expand into the 3D medium. Ever since TennoGen was first introduced to Warframe I've been inspired by the work of all the amazing artists and it is a dream of mine to be able to participate in the TennoGen workshop.

Oh, and I am also working on finishing my animation degree, that sounds important!