Componente Studio Digital Design and New Media Studio

Dj Yoki

Date: November 2024

The Idea

Driven by a deep-rooted curiosity and passion for storytelling through 3D animation, we embarked on a unique personal project: DJ Yoki, a young street DJ bringing vibrant sounds to Japan’s bustling streets. Our goal was to capture not only the dynamic energy of urban culture but also the spirit of artistic freedom that resonates in the vibrant corners of Tokyo.

For us, DJ Yoki is more than just a character; he serves as a voice through which we express our ideas and emotions. This project reflects our commitment to using character-driven narratives to communicate on a deeper level, giving form to thoughts and perspectives that feel authentically ours. By creating DJ Yoki, we wanted to explore the powerful connection between creator and character—a connection that makes each project a journey of self-expression and discovery.

The Process

World Building

Creating a vibrant street environment in Japan for DJ Yoki's world required capturing the authentic essence of Japanese urban landscapes, from its textures to its subtle atmospheric elements. Each visual detail was designed to reflect the bustling yet intimate nature of Japanese city streets, where vibrant signage, colorful murals, and carefully placed objects contribute to a lived-in, culturally rich atmosphere.

The walls are adorned with weathered street art and graffiti, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern influences, creating a backdrop that feels both grounded and dynamic. Details like the air conditioning units, exposed wiring, and the slight wear and tear on the building surfaces were essential in grounding the scene in reality.

Street vendors, bicycles, and unique signage evoke the warmth and vibrancy of local neighborhoods. The lighting was carefully chosen to convey a sense of dusk, with soft, diffused light that adds depth and mood to the scene. This environment not only sets the stage for DJ Yoki but also immerses viewers in a space that feels alive, allowing them to experience the heartbeat of Japanese street culture. Through this setting, we aimed to create a backdrop that serves as more than just scenery—it's a character in itself, enhancing the energy and story of DJ Yoki’s journey.

Character Design

DJ Yoki is a young, modern DJ character crafted to embody the energy and style of Japan’s urban street culture. His design reflects a mix of passion for music and a laid-back attitude that resonates with today's youth. The oversized headphones, casual streetwear, and minimalist shaved head capture a trendy, relatable look that feels current and authentic.

His posture and expression show a character who is both dedicated to his craft and comfortable in his environment. DJ Yoki’s look gives him an edge, hinting at his rebellious side, yet his actions convey a sense of fun and spontaneity. This balance between dedication and a carefree attitude brings depth to his personality, making him a multi-dimensional character who stands out in a crowd.

The 3D animation and attention to detail in the character’s environment create a realistic setting that enhances his story. The gritty urban backdrop, detailed textures, and lighting all contribute to the feeling that DJ Yoki is truly a part of Japan’s street culture, a DJ who brings his music to life in unexpected places. This makes him not just a DJ, but a symbol of the freedom and excitement of exploring music in a bustling city setting.

The Finished Product

Creating these animated renders allowed us to explore the storytelling potential of everyday moments—whether it was Nikolai grinding a rail at a local skate park or the duo embarking on a cheese-fueled adventure through the city’s underground. These renders didn’t just showcase technical skill, but also our studio’s love for character-driven narratives.

The Nikolai project is a perfect example of how we use personal projects to nurture creativity within the studio. It gave us the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and, most importantly, create something that reflected our shared vision. This character and his story have since become a beloved part of our studio’s identity, reminding us that the most exciting ideas often come from following our own passions.

Digital Design and New Media