New mindsets & new perspectives, for a better, future-proofed world.
Welcome to The Betterverse; a first-of-its-kind digital world with infinite possibilities; it’s made for who you are and who you want to be.
Digital artists Serwah & Mikaela take us there wearing the new collection.
WHERE WILL THE BETTERVERSE TAKE YOU?
Your spaceship is about to leave for the Betterverse and you can only pack 3 things – what are you taking?
My headphones, my dog and my electric guitar.
How did you get into digital art? What advice would you have for someone wanting to do similar?
How did you get into digital art? What advice would you have for someone wanting to do similar?
I decided I needed an art form that was portable so digital art made the most sense! I taught myself by downloading a bunch of free programs and basically pressing every button until I knew what they all did. My best advice would be to experiment.
You've created your own Betterverse-inspired artwork, tell us about your design.
A lot of my work features planets, I thought it was a cool link to the betterverse by capturing a universe. The sparkly gems are a nod to the Sportsgirl beauty range and exist as the stars or asteroids of the Betterverse.
How do you wish to create a better world?
How do you wish to create a better world?
Your spaceship is about to leave for the Betterverse and you can only pack 3 things – what are you taking?
The largest container of water possible, the book I’m currently reading (The Cyborg Manifesto) and my cat Zilli!
How did you get into digital art? What advice would you have for someone wanting to do similar?
How did you get into digital art? What advice would you have for someone wanting to do similar?
I got into 3D animations during the first Melbourne lockdowns. Prior to that I was a stage designer and installation artist, so I transferred my skills in spatial and lighting design into a virtual context. It seemed like navigating into digitisation was the only option/resource available from my bedroom at the time. I always wanted to do 3D animation but thought it was too daunting or an impossible undertaking however, I saw isolation as an opportunity to up skill so I spent everyday of iso teaching myself with Youtube tutorials. Over time, I developed a style and a supportive audience and things have been growing exponentially ever since.
I think the most important thing to know for anyone interested in getting started is that discipline and consistency is the most important component to progress. It’s also important to ask for help when you need it and if there’s anyone you’d like to collaborate with, don’t be shy! Reach out to other artists, musicians, designers, whoever you like and people are usually very responsive and you always learn new things working in a team. It will help you create a real world community that aligns with your values which can’t be underestimated.
You've created your own Betterverse-inspired artwork, tell us about your design.
The design was created to evoke a sense of abundance, fertility and playfulness. I source a lot of my inspiration from deep sea creatures, exotic fruit and fungi as they utilise complex networks to transmit nutrients and information. There are many exciting parallels between these natural network systems and information highways we find in the Betterverse.
How do you wish to create a better world?
How do you wish to create a better world?
The simplest thing a person can do once they’ve reached a certain point of financial security is to donate to effective charities that address life threatening problems and focus on easily preventable issues, such as malaria and other life threatening diseases. Give Well is a great organisation that finds charities that take every donated dollar the furthest. By donating a percentage of my income I hope to create a better world.
Additionally, I think encouraging people to try new things and to find meaning through education I hope to remind people they don’t always have to do what they’ve always done, there’s huge opportunities for growth in change.
For more from Mikaela Stafford, you can follow her on Instagram & visit her website.
For more from Mikaela Stafford, you can follow her on Instagram & visit her website.
