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Abhilasha Swaroop

Mushy's Realm

Character Design & Environmental Storytelling

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The Overview

 

Mushy's Realm is a multi-disciplinary storytelling project that explores the connection between small daily habits and mental well-being. Through the eyes of a tiny fungal dweller, Mushy, the project illustrates how focusing on "micro-wonders", like a small patch of flowers, can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mood.

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Multi-Format Storytelling

1. Character Design & Animation

Mushy was designed to be the emotional heart of the ecosystem, serving as a relatable guide through the forest's miniature wonders.
 

  • The Workflow: I modeled and rigged Mushy entirely in Blender, focusing on a silhouette that feels organic and expressive.
     

  • Motion Development: Before animating, I created detailed storyboards to map out Mushy's journey, ensuring the timing and visual rhythm matched the project's calm, contemplative tone.
     

2. The Graphic Novel: Mushy's Past

To deepen the narrative, I authored a graphic novel that explores Mushy's backstory and their relationship with the forest.
 

  • The Message: The story follows Mushy during a difficult time, showing how the discovery of a tiny flower patch helps them feel better. It’s a literal representation of how small, positive moments can get you back on track when you feel down.
     

  • Visual Style: I used a textured, illustrative aesthetic that bridges the gap between traditional print media and my digital 3D work.
     

3. Data Storytelling

Beyond the fictional narrative, the project includes a research-backed "Data Story" that grounds Mushy's experiences in reality.
 

  • Micro-Habits: I compiled resources and data visualizations that explain why small things matter more than we think, proving that daily, minor habits are a powerful tool for emotional resilience.

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Storyboard:

The Reality Check: Process & Fixes
 

  • Rigging Challenges: Getting Mushy to move naturally in Blender required multiple iterations of the bone structure to ensure the "fungal" weight felt realistic during the walk cycle.
     

  • Narrative Balance: I had to carefully balance the whimsical "fantasy" elements of the realm with the very real, human message about mental health to ensure the project felt accessible and impactful.
     

  • Asset Integration: Coordinating across animation, graphic novel layouts, and data visualisations meant managing a wide variety of file types while maintaining a consistent visual identity for Mushy

The Toolkit

Blender (Modelling, Rigging, Animation), Procreate, Photoshop, Storyboarding, Data Visualisation, Narrative Design

Full Comic:

Animation:

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