Skyler Liu
Single Style Frame - Mood & Intent
2026
In this project, I designed one single style frame whose primary job is to communicate mood, tone, and emotional intent — without motion.
Softwares
Procreate
Photoshop
Cinema 4D
01
Research
The topic I choose is 'Controlled Chaos'. I plan to use a traffic system to express the theme of Controlled Chaos. During peak hours, traffic can appear chaotic due to the density of vehicles and intersecting routes, yet it is governed by a strict set of rules that prevent disorder. Cars do not collide, maintain consistent rhythms, and respond to traffic lights and road signs that regulate their movement. In this sense, the apparent chaos is carefully designed rather than uncontrolled
Some references for real-world transportation systems.
02
Moodboard & References
Moodboard
Overall, I would like the image to use a bright color palette, incorporating a variety of highly saturated, vivid colors so that the overall look feels colorful and lively. I’d also like there to be a subtle variety of textures.
References
I really like the way the roads intersect and weave through each other in this reference. The composition that expands outward from a central point works very well.
From 'Spider-Man Cross the Spider Verse'
03
Sketch
This is the initial sketch. I tried to explore the occlusion relationships between the lanes, but the composition isn’t ideal—everything feels too large. Based on the art director’s feedback, the main issues with this image are scale and camera angle. A high, top-down viewpoint would better convey a sense of chaos.
First pass
This is the revised sketch. This time, I blocked it out in 3D using C4D to ensure accurate perspective. I first established the positions of the lanes, then added small cubes as stand-ins to represent the cars.This is a high-altitude, top-down viewpoint. I plan to have the lanes floating in midair, which will add a sense of surrealism to the image.
Second pass
06
Drawing
First, I established the overall composition based on the sketch, using bold colors and separating the lanes into layers.
Then I painted a background and began adding vehicles.
At this stage, I adjusted the color balance, made the lane colors slightly more realistic, and introduced more accent details.
Finally, I started developing the ground elements by collaging in buildings and using textured brushes to suggest pedestrians on the roads.
In the final stage, subtle shadows were added to emphasize occlusion and depth, and the background collage was revised into simplified color blocks. Based on the feedback received, the original collage appeared too abrupt. After this adjustment, all remaining details and vehicles were added, followed by color grading.