TWA Character Designs: Maera (Patreon)

Hey y'all! Last month we showed off Clio's concept art, and for this month we'd like to show off Maera. This is also our first technical post with the new tier-structure, and we're really excited for everyone to see Namie's wonderful concepts.

If we had to describe Maera's primary character trait it'd probably be motherly. Her job is to care for stars, these sentient beings who are unable to care for themselves in any capacity. They can't even move. Most of her other personality traits evolved out of her dedication to her job, and her star. She's refined and guarded, to set an example, she's delicate and loving, as one must be with a child, and she's anxious, because the world is fraught with dangers you have to protect your child from. We wanted to make sure all of that came across in the design.

The first thing we got was this, the head designs. Obviously we went with the anime mom side-tail, but something we never asked for was the jellyfish crown. I remember seeing it for the first time and falling instantly in love with it. I knew at that moment that Namie really was a genius. Even now, looking at it, it's so perfect I'm kind of awestruck. It's become such an integral part of Maera's look now, I can't imagine her without it.

Next thing we got was the body designs. It was always a tossup between B and C, I believe, and even now I still really like C, it definitely could have worked. Overall the reason we decided on B was the shawl, and covered shoulders, really emphasize Maera's guarded nature. She hides behind a facade of strength, she covers herself from the world, so it makes sense that she would also keep her as much of her body covered as possible.

When I wrote down, in the design sheet, that Maera would have a jellyfish design, I was a little worried. It's such an easy thing to overdo, or make too subtle. I think Namie did an excellent job finding the right balance. The jellyfish elements are bold, and obvious, but they never feel too much to me. It doesn't feel ridiculous. It feels just right. She's an excellent talent.

And here are a bunch of color options for Maera. I'm not sure why it was so difficult for us to pick the right colors, but I think 13-18 all could have pretty much worked. At the very least, we have a bunch of alternate palettes for when Maera gets confirmed for Smash.

And here's the final design sheet for Maera, with comments from Namie, just like Clio's. We really hope you enjoyed seeing how Maera's design changed and was refined. Like with Clio, the design came before the outline was even finished, so Namie's art had a profound effect on what the character would become. We love our fishmom and we hope you do too!

Bye now!