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Ninja Illustration Project | Tetris Project

About the Project

This project is a stylized poster redesign that merges the game of Tetris with a ninja-themed invasion. The objective was to construct a narrative scene using minimalist characters while maintaining the theme’s integrity. I chose an arcade-inspired setting, as Tetris and the ninja aesthetic share a similar reliance on minimalist concepts and clean geometry. By utilising the classic Tetris logo, now in the public domain, I developed a composition that brings nostalgia to it’s viewers.

Challenges

The primary technical hurdle was maintaining visual distinction between the characters and the environment within a high-contrast, multi-colored palette. I solved the problem of shade layering to ensure the ninjas remained distinct from the vibrant background elements. By varying the shades and scale of the ninjas, I created a sense of three-dimensional depth, ensuring each felt physically integrated into the game’s geometry rather than just layered on top.

My motivation for this project was to explore the intersection of vibrant color and minimalist form. I wanted to step away from muted tones to see how a highly packed palette could still feel clean and intentional. I also intended to demonstrate how energy and movement can be communicated through a grid-based design.

My preferred part was the technical aspect of remaking a classic arcade experience in a poster format. Constructing the background to feel like a three-dimensional digital battlefield allowed me to play with the “soul” of the original game while adding new characters. Seeing the final composition come together as a cohesive, high-energy piece that felt like being inside Tetris was a really rewarding moment for me.