1. Main Visual Reference #
The core visual style of MUTERRA characters is a stylized balance between realism and illustration.
This article describes the graphic style for this competition:
Key Visual Characteristics: #
- Soft light colors
- Smooth skin (no excessive texture detailing)
- Simplified detailing of clothing, accessories, and weapons
- Enlarged eyes
- Accent lighting on the face (beam, contour light, strip light, or directional source)
- High-contrast colors with artistic stylization
- Elongated legs
- Exaggerated ideal body proportions (hips / shoulders / back)
This is neither hyperrealism nor cartoon aesthetics — it is a controlled, stylized visual language.
The style operates between two extremes: pure vector / flat illustration on one side, and overly photorealistic rendering on the other — especially when realism focuses on texture density rather than meaning. These extremes are reference points, not targets:
2. Originality & References #
We build original characters, not replicas.
References are welcome, but they must be reworked and transformed into something unique and recognizable only within the MUTERRA universe. You may draw inspiration from poses, materials, silhouettes, fashion, or cultural elements, but the final result should not clearly resemble any existing character, franchise, or artist’s signature work.
In some cases, we may ask you to briefly list the references or generation approach used. This is not a restriction — it helps us protect both the creators and the project, and ensures that every character feels truly native to MUTERRA rather than borrowed from elsewhere.
Think influenced, not copied.
Transformation, combination, and reinterpretation are part of the creative process — recognizability is not.
3. Acceptable Stylization Boundaries #
We allow movement toward illustrative stylization, however:
- ❌ Extreme illustration (over-simplified, poster-like visuals)
- ❌ Extreme realism (excessive texture detail without semantic value)
Detail must serve meaning, not overwhelm it.
4. Core Rule #
We create beautiful, sexy, and charismatic characters — characters people want to associate themselves with. #
Litmus test:
Could this character realistically be worth thousands of dollars to someone — even within a niche audience?
If the answer is no, the design is not finished.
Common Mistake #
The most common mistake is the lack of emotion in facial expression and absence of dynamics in body posture.
Sterile, neutral portraits — especially when shown as a series — look flat and uninspiring.
They convey very little information about the character’s personality, background, or inner state.
Characters should feel alive, not posed.
Images must be vivid, with strong contrast and clear color accents in the background, helping the character stand out and communicate mood, tension, or intent at a glance.
5. Art style references #
A selection of strong visual references for inspiration
6. Background Rules for Post-Crash Skins #
If you are creating a post-crash skin
(see https://muterra.com/wiki/skins/):
- The background must match the lore
- ❌ Clearly recognizable Earth plants are not allowed
- ❌ Elements that contradict the setting are forbidden
(see https://muterra.com/wiki/lore-muterra/)
At the current stage, we do not limit artists to specific biomes.
The best background is an “uncertain” background:
- abstract;
- alien;
- expressive without being literal.
Examples of acceptable backgrounds:
7. Character Framing and Pose #
Characters should be shown:
- full body
- or almost full body
This provides:
- more visual information;
- stronger narrative context;
- clearer character identity.
Examples of poses and stances:
(visual references go here)
8. Clothing and Accessories #
Clothing and Attributes #
Clothing, accessories, and visual attributes are key information carriers.
We integrate fashion directly into the MUTERRA universe.
Clothing communicates:
- origin;
- character;
- evolutionary path;
- affiliation;
- personal choice.
Pay close attention to this non-verbal information flow.
Example:
A tiger character adopts African-inspired colors and fabrics as a reference to evolutionary roots.
Sleeve cuts in contrasting colors resemble claw marks.
Lines and Accents #
- Use lines in clothing design to emphasize body structure
- Remember: sexuality and aesthetics matter
- Accents must strengthen the character, not distract
9. Technical Requirements for NFTs #
Image resolution:
1500 × 2000 px
(no visible quality loss)
Important considerations: #
- Core visual information should be readable in vertical framing – 900 x 2000 px
- Images will be:
- cropped;
- used as small avatar icons (head-only)
- cropped;
Head Icon Requirements: #
- Must include clear contrast lighting
(full, partial, stripe, contour — any method is acceptable if readable) - The character must be instantly recognizable
10. Style Restrictions — What to Avoid #
Avoid:
- ❌ clear cyberpunk associations
- ❌ dark European horror aesthetics
These are not part of MUTERRA’s visual language.
