Amidst the NFT frenzy, our team at Merkle Labs LLC, a pioneering Web3 startup, found ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. While the NFT market surged with activity, we grappled with finding a project that authentically resonated with our cultural identity. Rooted in our South Asian heritage, we yearned for an NFT venture that would genuinely reflect our culture, values, and community.
In our collaborative brainstorming sessions, we explored a myriad of ideas – from capturing the majesty of Everest to delving into the rich tapestry of Hindu deities. Each concept held promise, yet none quite encapsulated the essence of what we aimed to convey.
Then, our founder introduced the concept of Mithila art—an idea that resonated with everyone on the team. (Suggested reading: The Significance of Mithila Art at Janani NFTs) Originating from the Mithila region of Nepal, Mithila art is celebrated for its vibrant hues, intricate designs, and profound cultural symbolism. It was a moment of profound inspiration, perfectly aligning with our collective vision to fuse tradition with modernity, authenticity with innovation.
Mamata’s Perspective: Crafting Janani NFTs –
With the vision set, our talented designer, Mamta, along with our design team lead Niraj, embarked on the journey to bring Janani to life. The first step was creating a mood board, capturing the essence of Mithila art and defining the visual direction for Janani. Mamta, already familiar with the art, was excited to work on the project, infusing her expertise and passion into the creative process.
As exquisite as it is, this project was a time-consuming process, with the design itself spanning several months. Mamta worked diligently alongside other projects, ensuring Janani received the meticulous craft and research it deserved.
One of the initial challenges we faced was deciding the direction of Janani’s face – should it be front-facing or sideways, in line with the original Mithila art style? After much deliberation, we opted for the sideways-facing pose, staying true to the authenticity of Mithila art.
Next came the intricate process of designing Janani’s body anatomy and hand gestures. Drawing inspiration from Kathak dance poses and models exuding strength and empowerment, Mamta meticulously crafted Janani’s stance, ensuring it radiated confidence and resilience. We wanted Janani NFTs to exude strength, determination, and empowerment, embodying a sense of purpose and belonging in the digital world.
The illustration style was another crucial aspect of the design process. After numerous iterations and feedback rounds, we finalized an illustration style that seamlessly blended the essence of Mithila art with modern digital aesthetics.
In the design process, we aimed for Janani NFTs to symbolize equality and inclusivity, showcasing the evolution of women’s roles and deliving into Janani’s traits – attire, Chunni (the viewl), and jewelry – Mamta’s creativity shone.
Exploring traditional and modern outfits with intricate patterns inspired by South Asian cultures, the Chunni (Viel)’s designs balanced various patterns and colors. Instead of traditional attire like choli (Nepali blouses) and saris, we opted for different uniforms such as doctor’s coats, business suits, and overalls to portray diverse roles of women in contemporary society. We endeavored to preserve the essence of the traditional art form in Janani NFTs, infusing these uniforms with vibrant hues and captivating patterns.
The Jwellery pieces were meticulously curated to complement the essence of our NFT collection. Each jewelry item was crafted with precision, blending traditional motifs with a modern flair. From necklaces to earrings, nose rings to bangles, every piece was designed to evoke a sense of elegance and cultural richness. Our Jewelry pieces feature intricate details and symbolic elements, symbolizing empowerment, resilience, and beauty. With careful attention to craftsmanship and design, we aimed to create jewelry that not only adorned our Janani NFTs but also conveyed a deeper narrative of tradition and identity.
Finally, we turned our attention to the background style, where we incorporated key elements of Mithila art such as fish, tortoise, trees, and peacocks. The background patterns served as a supporting element, enriching the overall visual narrative of Janani.
In the end, Janani emerged not just as an NFT collection, but as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, culture and art. Through meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication, we had succeeded in creating a digital masterpiece that celebrated our heritage and inspired an inclusive community. And thus, the journey of Janani NFTs began – a journey rooted in culture, creativity, and collaboration.
Janani NFTs stand as an artistic celebration of inclusivity and diversity in web3.
Get yourself a Janani NFT, become a part of the community today!
