Snowfire

Phase 1 serves as a nocturnal and base form, a stealthier mage-like archetype. Her appearance resembles similarly to the “witch” who gave her the apple. Would she be treading the same path? I wanted a Victorian look inspired by present-day high fashion.

This design takes from the keyword “Snowfire”. You play as a game boss/villain with 2 phases depending on the stage of the game. Her petticoat houses 7 shards like a Horcrux: representing the 7 spirit dwarves. Upon death of a spirit, a shard will shatter

In this phase at the end of the straw, her apple shoulder bone will release a skeletal arm that provides her with added mobility and physical strength. The winter cloak almost like an extension of her hair.

Seven dwarves animated by the mysterious apple compass. Serving as sentinels or mobile turrets in gameplay, they are the protectors of Snowfire. From their chest hangs an apple bone shard, similar to the one on Snowfire’s shoulders; which can be shattered

As a sorcery-focused Phase 1, I want the VFX be fast when casted – but slow and sweeping upon impact, giving weight to the ease out animation as if effortless, confident, and relaxed. The dwarfs serves as roguelike turrets whenever Snowfire casts a spell.

Phase 2 VFX is sharp and urgent. She feels threatened, her secret arm serving as spider legs when she sits on top of it. The ease in animation would be slower but ease out would be rapid and snappy. Dwarves are now on the offense.

Leaning toward ballroom and formal fashion but break that silhouette to appear more jarred and teared-down, like how the petticoat is shown like a skeletal structure rather than just an elegant dress.

The keyword being “Snowfire” for the theme of Snow White, I stuck for the aesthetic of snow maiden.

With the ideations, I started Frankenstein-ing thumbnails: cherry-picking the elements that could potentially fit. I kept the petticoat and its flames, the sharp shoulder bone, and other aspects like the long coat.

For dwarves, I wanted a combination of cute in shape, gruff in appearance, and intangible as a spirit. I did consider legs at one point but felt too animated watching a bunch of supposingly mysterious dwarfs marching on the ground.

The seven points of the crinoline represents each of the seven dwarfs. When one dwarf spirits dies, one of those shards shatters, almost like a life system. I want the arms to feel menacing and incomprehensible like venus traps.

Mood concepts for how Snowfire will hold herself both in and outside of battle. I wanted to keep that sense of humanity in her and her companionship with her dwarves.

The process of choosing colours was a difficult one. I wanted to retain the feeling of "snow", but imbued with the fire, ending with F and H for the coldness.

Story arc to Snowfire’s character.
The irony of the apple – the one that burnt her village to the ground after being bitten, is also the very one guiding her to the witch.
What is the mystery behind the apple?