Sharkpunks AMA With Amantino
Today’s AMA with Amantino went live at exactly 5PM UTC. It was a very interesting session that revealed answers to a series of tactful questions. Eased curiosity by letting the cat out of the bag and also presented a picture of Sharkpunks NFT; the work behind it, the process it’s going through and the future it holds for all Sharks.
Amantino is the artist behind Sharkpunks NFT. He is 33 years old and has been working on pixel art since the little age of 12. To sum it up, in experience; Amantino has been in pixel art for two complete decades and counting. Although, Amantino disclosed in the AMA that pixel art isn’t the only field he works on. He does 3D art as well, but majorly focuses on the former.
Process of Pixel Art
Amantino explained that the skill of creating pixel arts depends on the artist. In other words, as artists differ in faces, race, physique and even character, so does their styles and methodologies.
According to Amantino, he personally uses over 9 software's in creating his pixel arts, with Adobe Photoshop included. He sometimes combines 3D modelling and tiles to work with as well.
NFT Experience
Amantino was never into crypto or NFTs. As a matter of fact, Sharkpunks is the first NFT project he has worked with. Sharkpunks serves as a core introduction to his journey in the crypto and NFT world.
Amantino made us to understand that The Dictator reached out to him to work on the project about 6 months ago. The project at the time was done pretty fast in about 4 -5 weeks.
As a novice in the NFT world, Amantino created the first 1000 Sharks manually. He then, after gaining knowledge acquired a software to create the second batch by rendering designs with different backgrounds, weapons and styles. He said this created opportunity to come up with unique designs. He added when asked that at that period, there was no idea for the game and Shark City. Those came later on.
The Game & Lore
In discussions regarding The Lore contest that went down in the Shark server. Amantino said he was very impressed by all the submissions for the lore contest. But the one that caught his attention the most was the one written by Shillbo Baggins. He said Shillbo’s lore would work if it is regarded as humans’ propaganda against the Sharks because the Sharks are not hostile, the humans are. The Sharks are the protagonists while humans on the other hand are antagonists.
Amantino believes it would make perfect sense that way. He further explained that the game takes place on an island where Sharks are inhabitants trying to take over their home. The island consist of 6 areas, the humans live in the center. The ultimate or demon area as he would like to call it is where Sharks will find meet their greatest challenges. The set of monsters in that area are literally next level.
Sharks are free to go to any area. But they should keep it in mind that to go to certain areas, they would need to be fit enough (leveled up/powered up) to be able to defeat enemies in those areas.
In conclusion, 3D modelling was used in creation of the buildings and blocks in Shark City. The goal is to have a basic version of the map done in 2 months. Sneak peak below!
To listen to the full twitter space session, click HERE
