TEMPEST

Mira Sarasvati has been a war correspondent for nearly 3 years. After traumatic events, she went home to take a break. A few days later, she gets assigned to investigate rumors of terror on the island of Borneo. Little did she know, her life is about to change forever.

It was important to me that she looked gritty and vulnerable. She must have a look that is both functional and stylish to fit her personality. Her clothing and equipment must adapt to the environment she is in. In her design, I also wanted to show the influence of the Dayak tribe in Borneo. Dayak culture inspired the colors that were chosen, such as the yellow garb, which signifies power and wonder.

Initially, I planned to make her look like an experienced survivor. However, I realized that she appears too overpowered, so I nerved her down to make her more gritty and vulnerable. In addition, I was able to design her equipment in a more practical/functional place.

Character portrait breakdown for Mira Sarasvati. I made sure that she have the look of Indonesian traits.

Mira's tattoo is based on Borneo's Dayak tribe culture. The tattoo gives a symbol of protection and provides power transformation in critical situations.

Mira's necklace symbolizes her strength and determination.

The blowgun is the main weapon for the character. The weapon design is inspired by the Dayak tribe in Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia. As for Mira's blowgun, it has been modified with attachments that give it a modern look, while still being tribal at its core.

Joko 'The Mad Cowboy' is the main villain who rules the island of Borneo (Kalimantan) and runs the 'Outlaws' organization. Raised in a Dayak tribe family, he killed his father at the age of 12 after his mother committed suicide. Therefore, he became a notorious psychopath after stealing all the goods from his father. In addition, he has a deep fascination with western cowboys.

I wanted Joko's design to be shockingly menacing. His looks need to be fancy and have a cowboy silhouette. His open shirt shows his flamboyance. I also wanted to show his Dayak origins by giving the culture's motifs and traits. To provide contrast to Mira’s blue/green look, I chose bright orange (warm colors) to make him easily identifiable.

Character portrait breakdown for Joko 'The Mad Cowboy'. I made him bald to have a shocking factor when he opens his hat. 

The Mandau is the traditional weapon of the Dayak people of Borneo. This one, in particular, was passed down from one generation to another and was kept securely until Joko stole it and use it as his own. Joko beheads his victims and keeps their spirit within the sword by using their hair as a motif. According to legend, Joko possesses some type of black magic that allows him to use this weapon remotely. With it, he can make the weapon fly and kill his opponent.