Digital Media Art
Inner Monster: Confronting Self-Doubt
"Inner Monster: Confronting Self-Doubt" is the culmination of my BFA journey at San Jose State University, representing an intensive exploration into the depths of self-esteem and personal growth. As a solo endeavor showcased within the university's exhibition, this 2D animation delves into the intricate layers of inner conflict, portraying the protagonist's struggle against the pervasive whispers of self-doubt and the haunting shadows of past traumas. Through emotive storytelling and visual symbolism, the narrative follows his courageous journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment, urging viewers to confront their own inner demons and embrace their true selves. Experience the transformative power of introspection and resilience firsthand by visiting the exhibition website at https://sjsu-dma-bfa.github.io/2024s/#artists-section, where "Inner Monster: Confronting Self-Doubt" invites you to embark on a poignant odyssey of self-discovery.
Shroomworld
A once prosperous village flourishing from the powers of alchemy and magic now lies before you,
leaving only remnants of mysterious crystals scattered throughout this ruined landscape.
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The world we are creating is based around the concept of past and present, following the struggle
in securing an important and finite resource. This finite resource, being crystals, is the link between
timelines and acts as a portal that the player can take to traverse between worlds. Since there are going to be two worlds, there are going to be two different settings. The present depicts a ruined rustic village that shows signs of development in the fields of alchemy and magic. This village contained collapsed buildings, shattered lamp posts, and overgrown foliage that depicted a landscape that has been devoid of human presence for a significant amount of time. The structures are elevated off the ground, using trees as a support. These structures are all connected to each other using bridges. Among the manmade objects, there is a world tree, a tree that acts as the center of the village. The trees themselves peek a faint glow through the bark. You, the player, arrive at this scene during night, to only be surrounded by moonlight, animals and insects, and a fog that blocks vision of the ground. After navigating through the village, the player finds a crystal, which is an interactable object. By touching the crystal, a portal is opened to the past world, one which is vastly different from the ruins. The player enters this world at dusk, with the previously bustling activity of this village slowly dying down as families begin to enjoy their time together at the dinner table. The lamp posts begin to flicker on, and the player moves through this world seeing the seemingly endless sight of a flourishing civilization. After some time, the player is ejected from this world, returning to the previous one. The crystal is no longer glowing, signifying that it has exhausted its power.
CONTROL
W, A, S, D - Move around
MOUSE - Look around
Art 107 - Section 01 - Fall 2021
Team KANS
Project Producer: Niloofar Banaei
Lead Designer: Soovin Choi
Lead Unity Developer: Adrian Tsang
Lead Interaction Designer: Kevin Sagara
Credit:
Sounds:
https://freesound.org/people/smand/sounds/521035/
https://pixabay.com/music/ambient-ambiant-cinematic-drone-main-10526/
Shroomworld
Cat King is about a young cat named Sable who has dreams to become the king of his domain. He knows the only way to be a King is to reach the top of his tower. This vertical 2d platformer game is Sable’s journey of climbing up his tower and claiming his throne.
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Team:
Niloofar Banaei
Soovin Choi
Juyeong Kang
Mia Korman
Artists:
Niloofar Banaei (background design, UI/UX)
Soovin Choi (character design, platform design, Unity)
Juyeong Kang (character design, platform design, level design)
Programmer: Mia Korman(Unity, C#)
Designer: Mia Korman
Producer: Soovin Choi
Credits:
Art assets:
Character design and concept: Soovin Choi
Platform design and level design: Juyeong Kang
Background design and UI/UX: Niloofar Banaei
Pear World
"Pear World" is an engaging 2D platformer game that I've designed to take players on an adventurous journey through a whimsical world as a resilient pear in search of their partner. This lighthearted and fun game offers players a unique experience that combines elements of platforming and strategy.
As the protagonist, you take on the role of a courageous pear who embarks on a quest to reunite with their partner in the face of the ever-present danger of being sliced. The game's mechanics are simple and intuitive, with arrow keys used for movement and the space bar for jumping. This allows players to focus on the thrilling pursuit of their partner and the challenge of avoiding being sliced by various hazards throughout the game.
While the game's controls are straightforward, the real test lies in mastering the timing and strategy required to navigate the world successfully. Players will need to be quick on their feet, making precise jumps and evasive maneuvers to outwit the slicing obstacles that stand in their way. The game's difficulty curve is designed to be both engaging and rewarding, providing a sense of accomplishment as players progress through the levels.
It's important to note that due to a technical limitation, the end game restart button may not transfer over to the web build. If you wish to replay the game, simply refresh the page to start anew. This minor inconvenience should not detract from the overall enjoyment and experience of "Pear World."
In "Pear World," I've aimed to create an entertaining and visually captivating game that combines adventure, strategy, and a touch of humor. The game offers players a delightful escapade in a charming world filled with surprises, challenges, and the unyielding determination of a pear in search of its partner. So, sharpen your reflexes, embark on this journey, and help our resilient pear find its way through the slices of life!
link:
https://jptrann.itch.io/pear-world?secret=sOmRNVxTcqqBqiWLqjt9vp1XCk
Universal Reverie: Rumi's Inner Cosmos
"Universal Reverie: Rumi's Inner Cosmos" is a virtual spiritual room designed within Mozilla Hub, a place where individuals from around the world can step inside and experience a harmonious blend of art, spirituality, and technology. Inspired by the profound wisdom of Rumi, the Persian philosopher and poet, whose words remind us that "Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you," this immersive digital environment seeks to reflect the profound connection between the inner and outer worlds.
At the heart of this virtual space, there stands a figurative representation of a person, who appears to hold the entire galaxy around their head. This celestial being symbolizes the idea that the vastness of the universe is not just out there in the cosmos but resides within us as well. Behind this celestial figure, a guiding presence emerges. This figure encourages visitors to meditate, inviting them to explore the depths of their own consciousness and reach for the infinite potential that lies within, represented by the expansive galaxy around their head.
To further enhance the spiritual and immersive experience, a mesmerizing video installation is featured in the room. Created with Adobe After Effects, it forms a mandala of intricate patterns, interwoven with images that evoke the spiritual and cosmic realms. The ethereal music that accompanies this video installation emanates from every corner of the room, immersing visitors in a multi-sensory journey. The music envelops them, encouraging deep contemplation and a sense of oneness with the universe.
"Universal Reverie: Rumi's Inner Cosmos" is more than a digital room; it is a sanctuary for introspection and transcendence. It brings together Rumi's profound wisdom, the visual aesthetics of the cosmos, and the power of immersive technology to create a space where visitors can connect with their inner selves and the boundless universe that resides within. It invites people to explore the intersection of technology and spirituality, offering an opportunity to experience the cosmos not just as something distant, but as an integral part of their own being, bridging the gap between the physical and the metaphysical.
Digital Brush Drawing Machine
In the realm of art and technology, where innovation meets tradition, I present my creation, the "Digital Brush Drawing Machine." This unique art installation is a testament to the limitless possibilities of human creativity in the digital age. It combines the elegance of Persian calligraphy with the modernity of 3D English calligraphy, offering a bridge between two distinct worlds.
At the heart of this machine is a carefully designed brush, meticulously crafted through JavaScript programming. This digital tool allows users to seamlessly switch between two exquisite calligraphic styles, Nastaliq and 3D English, by a simple movement of the mouse.
When you press and drag the mouse from right to left, the "Digital Brush" springs to life, enabling you to create the intricate and flowing strokes of Persian Nastaliq calligraphy. This age-old script, with its fluid curves and timeless beauty, is brought into the digital realm, allowing artists and enthusiasts to explore the rich heritage of Persian culture.
Conversely, with a motion from left to right, the "Digital Brush" transforms before your eyes. The strokes now take on a three-dimensional form, evoking the artistry of English calligraphy. As the lines twist and turn, you can sculpt words and shapes that transcend the flat surface, adding depth and dimension to your artistic expression.
The "Digital Brush Drawing Machine" is more than just a tool; it is a gateway to an artistic dialogue that transcends boundaries. It invites artists and calligraphers from diverse backgrounds to come together and exchange ideas, learning from each other's traditions and forging new, cross-cultural expressions. It embodies the harmony between the past and the present, tradition and innovation, and different linguistic worlds.
This creation is a testament to the ever-expanding boundaries of artistic exploration in the digital age. It showcases the beauty of intercultural dialogue and reminds us that through technology, we can celebrate and preserve the art forms of the past while inventing new and exciting forms of creative expression for the future. The "Digital Brush Drawing Machine" invites you to explore and be inspired by the world of calligraphy, where East meets West, and tradition merges with innovation in perfect harmony.
Harmony of the Elements: Camping Festival
In "Harmony of the Elements: Camping Festival," I have sought to encapsulate the enchanting essence of camping under the starry night sky and the mesmerizing dance of fire. This digital artwork is an interactive experience brought to life through JavaScript and p5.js, a platform where my passion for both technology and the great outdoors converges.
At its core, this artwork is an ode to the thrill of festivals and the serenity of camping, where we are immersed in the symphony of the natural world. The interactive elements in this piece represent the dynamic nature of such experiences. The fire, a central focus of any campsite, changes color automatically, mirroring the ever-shifting mood and energy of the surroundings. Its flickering hues are a reflection of the music playing, as the background undergoes a transformation, synchronizing with the rhythm and melodies. The sound and visuals coalesce, forging an unbreakable connection between the observer and the canvas.
The moon, a timeless symbol of nocturnal gatherings, traverses the night sky, moving gracefully to the right, in sync with the passage of time. It serves as a reminder that as the night progresses, the magic of the festival and the camaraderie of camping continue to evolve.
The interactive aspect of the artwork, which allows viewers to draw and paint with their mouse movements, invites them to become active participants in the composition of the piece. This dynamic interaction mirrors the collaborative spirit of festivals and the personal touch that every camper brings to their experience, leaving their mark on the memories created.
In creating "Harmony of the Elements: Camping Festival," I have merged my technical skills with my passion for the outdoors to encapsulate the spirit of camping and festival culture. Through this artwork, I hope to share the joy, unity, and the ever-changing beauty of these experiences with the world. It's a testament to the allure of nature, music, and the people we share these moments with, reminding us of the magic that exists when all these elements harmonize.
Squid Target
“Squid Target” is an interactive digital artwork created using JavaScript and the p5.js framework. Drawing inspiration from the dystopian aesthetics of Squid Game, the piece places viewers in a role of unsettling agency. Minimalist geometric masks — square, triangle, and circle — reference the series’ enforcers, rendered here as silent figures against a muted backdrop.
Each mouse click simulates a gunshot, marked by the appearance of a red dot and synchronized with a haunting snippet of the show’s soundtrack. What begins as simple interaction gradually confronts the viewer with themes of violence, obedience, and moral detachment.
The work explores how digital platforms can abstract and gamify violence, prompting reflection on the psychological distance between viewer and subject. By merging playful interactivity with cultural iconography and audio cues, Squid Target invites the audience to consider their own participation within systems of control — both in media and in life.
Touch the Different Color
“Touch the Different Color” is an interactive browser-based game developed with JavaScript, designed to engage users in visual perception training. The game challenges players to identify a single circle with a slightly different hue among a grid of nearly identical colors — a subtle but powerful test of the eye’s sensitivity to color variation.
This work sits at the intersection of design, cognition, and accessibility. Beyond its playful surface, the game functions as a tool for sharpening visual acuity, increasing focus, and raising awareness about color vision differences. It invites players to slow down, concentrate, and explore the limits of their perception in a digital environment.
By combining minimalist aesthetics with repetitive pattern disruption, the piece encourages mindfulness and micro-attention — a quiet resistance to overstimulation in the digital age. As color becomes the sole variable in a sea of sameness, “Touch the Different Color” transforms into a meditative exercise in observation, patience, and skill.
Through the Eyes of a Student
In the captivating realm of digital art, I present my creation, an interactive JavaScript artwork that delves into the intricate and often tumultuous world of students' mentality. Through the simple click of a button, viewers embark on a journey that mirrors the ups and downs, the triumphs and tribulations, of the academic experience. This unique work not only showcases the diversity of student emotions but also offers a profound message of mindfulness and acceptance.
Upon pressing the "click" button, a cascade of diverse emotions and situations unfolds before the viewer's eyes. From the jubilation of achieving high grades to the despair of academic setbacks, from the nervousness of exams to the elation of making new friends, the artwork meticulously encapsulates the rollercoaster of student life.
However, as the narrative progresses, the artwork gently reminds us of a universal truth: "All the emotions are visitors; let them come and let them go." This message serves as an oasis of wisdom within the ever-shifting landscape of student experiences, inviting viewers to embrace the impermanence of emotions and the ebb and flow of life itself.
"Visitors of the Mind" challenges us to reflect on the transient nature of our feelings and to be present in the moment, acknowledging that every emotion, whether positive or negative, is but a passing visitor in the grand theater of our minds. It encourages us to accept and understand our emotions, without judgment or attachment, and to let go of those that no longer serve us.
This interactive piece is more than just a digital artwork; it is a reminder of the power of mindfulness and emotional intelligence. It invites viewers to pause and contemplate their own experiences, fostering empathy and a sense of shared humanity in the process.
"Visitors of the Mind" is an invitation to all, whether students or not, to explore the intricate tapestry of human emotions and to discover the peace that comes from letting them come and letting them go. It is a testament to the capacity of digital art to provoke introspection, and to transcend the boundaries of time, place, and circumstance, connecting us through the shared language of our emotions.